A Master’s Degree in Higher Education offers opportunities outside of the classroom to the core of academia. The opportunity to shape or refine your career also includes the chance to inspire thousands of lives. 

Even if you're set on an education career path, it's important to know the difference between the types of degrees and where they lead in professional landscapes.  

As a career journalist, I always considered teaching in my final years, but would my leadership skills still be maximized? When I found out about the MA in Higher Education, I realized that the perfect niche was tucked into this challenging degree. 

What is a Master’s Degree in Higher Education?

It's okay if you aren't sure what a Master's in Higher Education means at the start of your research; I didn't either. 

This degree program puts you on track to be a leader, administrator, and decision-maker beyond a traditional teaching role. Let's compare the different types of master's degrees in the education field. 

  • Master’s in Higher Education stands out by concentrating on post-secondary institutions, addressing administrative leadership, student services, and institutional policies. 
  • Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) focuses on practical teaching skills and licensure, ideal for those pursuing or advancing in K-12 teaching roles.
  • Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) emphasizes broader educational theories, curriculum design, and leadership within K-12 schools, preparing graduates for roles like instructional coordinators or school administrators.

Unlike the others, a Master's in Higher Education gears graduates toward non-teaching roles in colleges and universities, such as deans, advisors, or program directors, with a focus on shaping higher education systems.

Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Higher Education

One of the most significant benefits of pursuing this degree is leadership opportunities and a chance to make an impact at an institutional level. 

Higher education institutions often require advanced qualifications for administrative or policy-making positions, and having a Master’s degree can set you apart from candidates with only a bachelor’s degree.

Another advantage is the versatility of skills you’ll develop. While the degree prepares you for careers in education, many of the skills—like organizational management, strategic planning, and conflict resolution—are transferable to other fields, such as corporate training or nonprofit leadership.

For those who are passionate about creating equitable and inclusive educational experiences, this degree can also equip you with the tools to make meaningful change. Instead of just teaching within designated parameters and rules, you'll be the one helping make the rules and evolving them as needed.

Job Opportunities in Higher Education with a Master’s Degree

It's important to note the variety of job opportunities in higher education that can tap into other skill sets students might have. For example, there are those leaning into research and data, while others rely on organizational and math skills. Some positions require daily interaction with students and faculty. Others might be more behind-the-scenes in policy and paperwork. 

  • Academic Advisor: Median Salary $61,710 | 4% Growth through 2033: Guide students in course selection, educational planning, and career pathways. The position can be held in a university setting or private practice. 
  • Admissions Counselor/Director: Median Salary $61,710 | 4% Growth through 2033: Manage recruitment, evaluate applications and shape enrollment strategies.
  • Academic Program Coordinator: Median Salary $72,620 | 2% Growth through 2033: Develop and oversee curriculum and program logistics.
  • Career Counselor: Median Salary $61,710 | 4% Growth through 2033: Help students transition from academia to the workforce with coaching and resources.
  • Financial Aid Officer: Median Salary $102,610 | 3% Growth through 2033: Assist students with scholarships, loans, and compliance with financial regulations.
  • Institutional Research Analyst: Median Salary $83,640 | 23% Growth through 2033: Use data to inform strategic decisions on enrollment and outcomes.
  • Registrar: Median Salary $102,610 | 3% Growth through 2033: Maintain academic records, manage course registration, and ensure policy compliance.
  • Student Affairs Professional: Median Salary $102,610 | 3% Growth through 2033: Oversee programs like housing, orientation, and student engagement initiatives.

The formal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) titles are Operations Research Analysts, Instructional Coordinators, Postsecondary Education Administrators, and School and Career Counselors and Advisors. Those titles will help you with additional research. 

How This Degree Can Help Advance Your Career

A higher education degree means the potential to be a competitive job candidate and the possibility of making more money. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those with a master's degree have a salary base about 16% higher than a bachelor's degree. Plus, the unemployment rate drops slightly. 

Getting a Master’s in Higher Education can open doors to leadership roles and new opportunities in colleges and universities. It gives you the knowledge and skills to step into administrative or student-focused positions.

In addition, most jobs in this higher education category won't require the Ph.D. that most postsecondary teaching positions will require. However, you still get to interact with students and educators in a more managerial role. 

Is a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Right for You?

Deciding if a Master’s in Higher Education is right for you involves considering your career goals, interests, and practical factors like cost and time commitment. 

If you're drawn to academia as a career choice or a career pivot later in life, the stability and regular schedule of collegiate workplaces can be appealing. 

While most careers you can achieve with an MA in Higher Education are growing at an average rate (4%) for the next decade, you might have noticed that the institutional research analyst position is expected to grow 23% by 2033.  

Think about whether you enjoy working in collaborative environments and helping others succeed, as many roles in higher education focus on supporting students and managing teams. Reflect on your long-term goals—do you see yourself in leadership, policy-making, or behind-the-scenes roles in academia?

Also, the financial investment should be weighed against the potential salary and career advancement opportunities. 

Ready to Get Your MA in Higher Education?

The most important takeaway of this article is understanding the difference between a master's program that trains you to be a professor or educator and a Master's of Higher Education that will poise you for a leadership or organizational role. 

Then, the roles achieved with an MA in Higher Education can range from student-facing to analysts to policy writing. Everyone has a skill set that can fit into this degree program. 

Finally, those who look for these administrative roles generally won't need to pursue a doctorate degree. However, the door is always open to transition to a professor role if you want to take that next educational step.  

Find out which education career is right for you with a free quiz.