As the education landscape continues to evolve, the demand for skilled leaders in all settings has never been greater. The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (M.A.Ed.) online program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) prepares students for leadership roles in these dynamic sectors. Individuals seeking to build a career in higher education must be aware of the unique focus of NKU’s program and the diverse career opportunities it offers graduates.
An Educational Leadership Master’s Program Focused on Higher Ed
NKU’s M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership online program equips students with the knowledge, skills and expertise necessary to excel in leadership positions within higher education institutions and education-related nonprofit organizations. By focusing on higher education administration, the program ensures that graduates are well prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities inherent in these sectors.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics and faculty research at colleges and universities. These roles typically require at least a master’s degree, and employers prefer to hire candidates with experience in higher education administration as registrars and academic deans. In May 2023, the median annual wage for these education administrators was $102,610. The occupation is expected to grow at 4%, or approximately 15,300 openings each year.
To gain a deeper understanding of the career opportunities available to graduates of NKU’s program, let’s explore four key roles in higher education leadership:
- Student Affairs Professional
Student affairs professionals support student success and well-being on college campuses. Responsible for overseeing various aspects of campus life — including student services, residence life and career counseling — these professionals significantly impact the overall student experience. According to data from ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a director of student affairs is $83,534 annually.
- Higher Education Administrator
Higher education administrators hold diverse leadership positions within colleges and universities, ranging from academic deans to department chairs and admissions directors. They oversee departments, programs and initiatives that enhance the educational experience. The average salary for higher education administrators varies depending on the position and institution.
- Education Consultant
Education consultants provide valuable expertise and guidance to educational institutions seeking to improve their operations and outcomes. From strategic planning to professional development and curriculum design, these consultants are crucial in driving positive change within the education sector. While salary data for education consultants in higher education specifically may be limited, ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $94,974 for education consultants across industries.
- Nonprofit Leader
Nonprofit leaders in higher education focus on advancing the mission and goals of organizations dedicated to serving students and communities. These leaders may hold positions such as executive directors, program managers or development officers within nonprofit entities focused on education advocacy, student support services or academic enrichment programs. While salary information for nonprofit leaders in higher education varies based on factors such as organization size and funding, ZipRecruiter estimates an average annual salary of $186,961 for nonprofit presidents across all sectors, not just education.
When it comes to education leadership, Indeed suggests that the top jobs for those with educational leadership degrees include:
- university registrar
- program director
- dean of students
- assistant principal
- principal
- curriculum leader
- department head
- school superintendent
- chief academic officer
- university president
How an Advanced Education Degree Can Propel Your Career
NKU’s M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership program offers a comprehensive pathway to career advancement in higher education and education-related nonprofit settings. The program prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions as leaders and innovators in these vital sectors by providing specialized coursework, experiential learning opportunities and a focus on practical skills development.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership program.
