To work as a college or university administrator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• have a master's degree; and
• have one to five years of related work experience.

Education after high school

Most college and university administrators have a master's degree in their field of academic interest. Academic deans need a PhD and many years of experience in their field. Smaller schools may hire administrators who have only a bachelor's degree. Some administrators have a degree in higher education administration.

College courses in educational supervision, higher education administration, and student services are helpful for this occupation.

Work experience

You must prove yourself in a related occupation, such as a university professor, before you can enter this occupation. You need several years of experience teaching at the college level or working for several years at the lower levels of administration.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to administrators who have at least a bachelor's degree.