Higher ed admin - professional experience?

[heels225]

Hi all -

 

I am interested in applying to master's programs in higher education admin in the next year and would like to know the importance of professional experience in higher ed in the admissions process.

 

I am a recent graduate of a top public university and have experience working part-time in Admissions. I also have experience as an intern with an ed policy non-profit and currently work full-time as a researcher on education topics. Outside of work, I have experience volunteering as a college admissions mentor for low-income students. I have a strong GPA, extracurricular involvement, and graduated with honors.

 

My question is, will I need additional experience working in university administration or will my combination of part-time work as an undergrad and policy research suffice?

 

I'm especially interested in the following programs: USC, UCLA, HGSE, Penn, Vanderbilt, UVA

 

 

Thanks!

[Functionality]

Where'd you graduate from? Which program are you specifically applying to?

It looks like you have a lot of experiences in the field, so I wouldn't fret too much about it.

[AdjunctOverload]

Hi heels225,

 

I don't see your numbers here (GRE, GPA, etc.), but it sounds like you are qualified.  You'll find that higher education work experience is less important at the masters level than it would be in an Ed.D. program (which is a degree built around students having current/previous higher ed work experience).  In addition, many higher ed masters programs have GAs and RAs for eligible students -- another way for you to gain more experience working in different areas of higher ed.

 

With PT admissions experience and the (higher?) education research background, you probably have more relevant work experience than most higher ed masters applicants.  Also, most masters level and doctorate level students do not have experience as administrators; typically, they want to use the program to propel them into administrator positions (or teaching).  It can be a little intimidating to have a peer with CC dean-level experience in your classes, but it does happen at the doctorate level.  At the masters level, it's not unheard of to have a peer with director-level experience that was grandfathered in or interim.

 

What I suggest focusing on is creating personal statements that best demonstrate your "fit" for each individual program you are applying for (what you want to study, who you want to study with, why, where you hope to go with such a degree, etc.). And have a clear idea of what track you want to focus on--student affairs or academic affairs--and at least a general idea of what you'd like to study in particular for your thesis.

[heels225]

Thank you for the feedback, @Functionality and @AdjunctOverload

 

I graduated from UNC-CH with 3.75 GPA and still have to take the GRE, though I scored decently (159 V) on the practice test.

 

What type of teaching would a master's student in higher ed do?

 

I'd also eventually like to pursue a doctorate. Are certain master's programs better at helping students prepare for doctoral programs than others?

[ZeChocMoose]

What type of teaching would a master's student in higher ed do?

 

I'd also eventually like to pursue a doctorate. Are certain master's programs better at helping students prepare for doctoral programs than others?

 

Teaching is really unusual for a master's student in higher ed program.  In my master's program, I taught a 1-credit class but as far as I discern from my other colleagues in the field those opportunities are not typical.

 

There are definitely better programs out there if you want to be competitive for a funded higher ed PhD program (which I am assuming is your goal and not a doctorate in another field or a program where you work full time while attending part-time.)  Ideally, you want to look at the curriculum and make sure the program focuses on having you learn how to read and consume research.  Ideally, you'll want to take at least one stats class, one research design class, and one qualitative class.  You'll also want to attend a higher ed program where the faculty are involved in research that interests you.  This will make it more likely that you can get involved in their research as a master's student which will put you in a better position when you apply.  

 

Also - you want a program that has a good placement rate in your area of higher ed - student affairs, policy, admin, etc and that offer useful internships/assistantships in those areas so you can gain experience. Typically, you'll need to work in the field for several years after your master's degree to gain enough experience in the field to make getting a PhD in higher ed an useful endeavor.  The last important item is cost.  Since the typical entry-level salary for a master's degree holder in higher ed is 35 - 45K, you want to make sure that you are not taking out more in loans than what you expect to make in your first year.  There are definitely some fully funded programs for master's in higher ed - but it sounds like those programs are becoming increasingly more competitive.  If you do need to take out loans - you'll want to attend a reasonably priced program that has a history of good placement in the field.

[ferd]

I would definitely encourage you to get a job in university admin first if you are able to. For example, I got a job in institutional research years ago just based on statistics skills. Get a flavor for what this type of work is, and explore a part-time Master's paid for by employer. Definitely minimize debt while pursuing the Master's, especially if you think a doctoral degree would come later.