by sean@higheredcareercoach.com | Sep 16, 2025 | Career Skills, Higher Education, Job Search, Job Search, optimization, Resumes and CVs, transferable skills
When it comes to crafting a resume for higher education positions, it’s essential to go beyond just listing your experience and degrees. Think of your resume as a strategic tool that needs to impress both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring committees. These committees are on the lookout for specific keywords that highlight your core competencies and align with their institutional priorities.
By incorporating the correct terminology, you can boost your chances of making it to the interview stage. So, get ready to fine-tune your resume and make it not just informative, but compelling! Your future in academia might depend on it.
Why Keywords Matter in Higher Education Resumes
When it comes to landing a position in Higher Education, it’s all about speaking the language of academia. Using the right keywords not only shows that you’re in tune with the environment, priorities, and culture of your potential employer, but it also gives your resume a competitive edge.
These keywords are essential for navigating the intricate web of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which HR departments use to sift through hundreds of applications. Make sure your application stands out by demonstrating your familiarity with the academic landscape!
Below you will find a list of common categories and keywords you can include on your resume. It's a long list, but it's not all-inclusive. The best place to search for keywords is in your target job description. These are terms I often include in client resumes, and they are some good skills to start with, as you create your resume. Good luck!
Top Categories of Keywords for Higher Ed Resumes
Teaching & Learning
- Curriculum Development
- Instructional Design
- Student Engagement
- Learning Outcomes
- Assessment Strategies
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Experiential Learning
- Workshop Facilitation
Student Success & Support
- Academic Advising
- Counseling Center
- Health Services
- Career Services
- Internships
- Study Abroad
- International Student Services
- Student Activities
- Event Management
- Student Development
- Student Conduct / Judicial Affairs
- Restorative Justice
- Code of Conduct / Honor Code
- First-Generation Student Support
- Retention Initiatives
- At-Risk Students
- Inclusive Pedagogy
- Tutoring
- Communication
- Empathy
- Relationship Building
- Problem Solving
- Conflict Resolution
- Mediation
- Crisis Management
- Event Management
- Facility Management
Student Services
- Admissions
- Bursar
- Financial Aid
- Registrar
- Student Accounts
- Billing
- Student Records
- Contracts
Research & Scholarship
- Assessment
- Benchmarking
- Grant Writing
- Institutional Review Board (IRB)
- Sponsored Programs
- Research Compliance
- Human Subjects
- Scholarly Publications (Thesis, Dissertation, Journals, Books, etc.)
- Research Collaborations
- Data Analysis
- Reporting
- Conference Presentations
- Media Appearances / Media Mentions
- Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research
- Metrics
Leadership & Administration
- Strategic Planning
- Annual Reports
- Accreditation
- Change Management
- Program Management
- Project Management
- Cross-Functional Teams
- Committees
- Partnerships / Collaborations (Departments, Divisions, Community Organizations, Government, Non-Profits, etc.)
- Board of Trustees
- Budgets / Budget Administration
- Governance
- Policy Development
- Supervision
- Performance Management
- Mentoring
- Mission & Vision Development
- Standards / Standard Operating Procedures / SOPs
- Institutional Effectiveness
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Emergency Response
- Recruiting / Recruitment
Advancement & External Relations
- Alumni Relations / Alumni Affairs
- Community Outreach
- Corporate Relations
- Development
- Donor Relations
- Fundraising
- Government Relations
- Legal Affairs
- Public Relations
- Regulatory Compliance (ADA, FERPA, Title IX, EEO, etc.)
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
- Inclusive Excellence
- Multicultural Programming
- Equity Initiatives
- Accessibility
- Community Engagement
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Intercultural Communication
- Culturally Responsive
- Bias Mitigation
- Employee Resource Groups
- Campus Climate
- Learning Environment
- Work Environment
- Stakeholder Engagement / Stakeholder Relations
Auxiliary & Business Services
- Athletics
- Bookstore
- Campus Dining / Food Services
- Catering
- Housing / Residence Life / On-Campus Living
- Marketing
- Public Safety
- Parking
- Recreation / Intramurals
- Document Services / Printing Services
- Purchasing
- Human Resources
- Training / Training & Development
- Facility Management
Technology & Innovation
- Learning Management Systems (LMS) - Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, Etc.
- Online Course Design
- Educational Technology
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Virtual Learning Environments
- Database Management
- User Experience (UX)
- Dashboard Development
- Social Media Management
- Google Analytics
Common Software and Web Platforms
- Microsoft Office - Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Microsoft 365
- Google Apps (Google Workspace) - Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Google Drive, Google Classroom
- Design - Canva, Figma, Affinity Designer, Adobe Creative Suite - InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Acrobat Reader, etc.
- Meeting Platforms - Zoom, Google Meet, WebEx, Skype, GoToMeeting
- Website Development: HTML, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix
- Data Visualization - Tableau, PowerBI, Qlik, Google Looker
- Data Collection and Management - Qualtrics, Access, SurveyMonkey, TypeForm
- CRM: Slate, Salesforce Education Cloud, Ellucian CRM, Element 451, TargetX
- Student Information Systems - Ellucian (Banner, Student), Workday Student, Jenzabar One, Salesforce Education Cloud, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions
- Housing & Residence Life Platforms: StarRez, Entrata, eRezLife, Roompact, Creatrix Campus, SpaceBasic
Other Common Keywords
- Adaptability
- Analytical Mindset
- Growth Mindset
- Attention to Detail
- Collaboration
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Customer Service
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Operations
- Planning
- Organizing / Organizational Skills
- Continuous Improvement / Process Improvement / Process Optimization
- Alignment
- Negotiation
- Assess(ed)
- Manage(d)
- Create(d)
- Implement(ed)
- Execute(d)
- Develop(ed), Development
- Critical Thinking
- Increased
- Decreased
- Drove / Drive
- Facilitate
- Create(d) / Creative / Creativity
- Networking
- Present(ed) / Presentation(s)
- Flexible
- Work Independently / Minimal Supervision / Self-Directed/ Self-Motivated
How to Use These Keywords Effectively
- Mirror the job posting: Adapt your resume by weaving in the exact terminology used in the description.
- Be authentic: Only use keywords that accurately reflect your skills and experience.
- Show impact: Combine keywords with measurable achievements (e.g., “Led curriculum development initiative that improved retention rates by 12%”).
- Balance ATS and human readers: Don’t overstuff your resume; ensure it reads naturally and flows smoothly.
Final Thoughts:
Unlocking the next step in your higher education career begins with the right keywords—your ticket to capturing attention and making your resume shine. By crafting your document with intention and authenticity, you not only meet the expectations of today’s institutions but also showcase the unique value you bring. Approach your job search with confidence, knowing that each strategically chosen word brings you closer to new opportunities and professional growth. You’ve got this!
Great Resources for Higher Education Career Advice
If you would like this article as a handout, please support Higher Ed Career Coach by purchasing a PDF version below for $1.
Keywords to Include in Your Higher Ed Resume or CV
When it comes to crafting a resume for higher education positions, it’s essential to go beyond just listing your experience and degrees. Think of your resume as a strategic tool that needs to impress both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring committees. This document includes common categories and keywords you can include on your resume. If you would like to support this site, buy this document for $1.
Work with Sean Cook – Intelligent Career Strategies for Higher Education Professionals
. I help higher ed professionals take control of their careers with tailored services including resume and CV development, LinkedIn profile optimization and networking strategy, interview coaching, and one-on-one career guidance. Whether you're pursuing advancement in academia or exploring opportunities beyond the campus, I provide the tools and strategies you need to thrive in today's competitive job market. For more information, visit https://www.seancook.net/. You can read recommendations from previous clients on my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanccook/. To schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation, please use the Calendly widget below.
by sean@higheredcareercoach.com | Sep 9, 2025 | Career Transitions, Higher Education, Job Search
The question of whether working in higher education is “worth it” has never been more complex. Academia has long been considered a bastion of stability—a place where skilled educators and administrators could build long, secure careers.
Today's shifting landscape, marked by declining enrollment, funding hurdles, and a rapidly changing academic job market, has many educators and administrators questioning whether the traditional promise of a secure career still holds true. This shifting reality raises pressing concerns and makes the future of careers in higher ed feel more uncertain than ever before.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, slightly below the average for all occupations at 4%. On average, about 15,200 openings for postsecondary education administrators are projected each year from now until 2033. At the current pace, only 6,200 new positions are expected to be added by 2033. In contrast, the BLS projects that the growth of other management occupations during the same period will be double that rate, at 6%, resulting in 227,600 new positions. For context, the total number of postsecondary education administrators in the U.S. in 2023 was 216,400. For educators ready for a change, the opportunities are out there.
The Erosion of Traditional Stability.
Tenure-track positions once represented the gold standard in job security. Today, institutions increasingly rely on adjunct faculty and temporary contracts. This trend, driven in part by budget cuts and institutional restructuring, has created uncertainty about job security, even for those with long-established roles.
According to a “data snapshot” in Academe Magazine, the U.S. academic workforce has undergone a significant shift, transitioning from a majority of full-time, tenured, or tenure-track faculty to a primarily contingent workforce. This includes full-time non-tenure-track instructors, those in positions with no tenure system, and part-time faculty. In Fall 2021, over two-thirds (68 percent) of faculty members at U.S. colleges and universities held contingent positions, compared to about 47 percent in Fall 1987. Furthermore, nearly half (48 percent) of faculty members were employed part-time in Fall 2021, up from about 33 percent in 1987. Only 24 percent of faculty members held full-time tenured appointments in Fall 2021, down from about 39 percent in Fall 1987. This shift underscores the need for professionals to be adaptable and open to new opportunities.
Opportunities Hidden in Uncertainty.
While volatility poses challenges, it also brings new opportunities. Higher education is evolving to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population and a technology-driven landscape. For instance, in 2021, 61% of college students enrolled in at least one online class, with 28% taking courses exclusively online. This trend indicates a growing demand for professionals skilled in online learning
Similarly, technological advancements, shifting demographics, and changing economic conditions are driving the need for analysts who can evaluate trends and develop strategies for student enrollment and retention.
As higher education institutions rely more on data to enhance student outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall efficiency, the demand for Institutional Research Analysts is projected to grow by 23% by 2033.
The Importance of Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are your secret weapon in the ever-changing job market. These are abilities and knowledge that can be applied across various roles and work environments. Examples of these skills include communication, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. Employers highly value transferable skills because they demonstrate a candidate's potential to succeed in different positions and handle new challenges effectively.
In today's ever-changing job market, adaptability is crucial. Many skills developed in academia, including critical thinking, project management, research, and communication, easily translate into roles in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. Identifying and promoting these abilities can significantly broaden career opportunities beyond the campus gates.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Am I prepared to pivot if my role changes or disappears?
- What skills do I have that are in demand outside academia?
- Does my current position align with the future direction of higher ed?
Final Thoughts
Higher education can still be "worth it" for professionals who are proactive about career planning, continually developing their skill sets, and open to exploring roles both inside and outside the academy. The crucial point is not to rely on the old promise of security but to create your stability through strategic career management.
References:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm (Accessed 12 Aug. 2025).
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Top Executives,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm (Accessed 12 Aug. 2025).
Colby, Glenn. "Data Snapshot: Tenure and Contingency in US Higher Education." Academe Magazine, www.aaup.org/academe/issues/spring-2023/data-snapshot-tenure-and-contingency-us-higher-education. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.) Fast Facts: Distance Learning. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80#:~:text=Distance%20education1%20courses%20and,remained%20higher%20than%20fall%202019.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Operations Research Analysts,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (Accessed 12 Aug. 2025).
"Unleashing The Potential: Transferable Skills Explained In English." Proceffa, 15 Apr. 2023, proceffa.org/unleashing-the-potential-transferable-skills-explained/. (Accessed 12 Aug. 2025).
Garganta, Rosemarie G. "From Job to Job: The Power of Transferable Skills in Career Transitions." Columbia University School of Professional Studies, https://careerdesignlab.sps.columbia.edu/blog/2024/10/03/from-job-to-job-the-power-of-transferable-skills-in-career-transitions. (Accessed 12 Aug. 2025).
by sean@higheredcareercoach.com | Oct 10, 2012 | Career Tracks, Career Transitions, Higher Education, Job Search, Student Affairs
Like most people who end up working in Student Affairs, I didn’t imagine my career when I was a child. I wasn’t even aware that Student Affairs was a career. And, once I chose it as a career, I realized that many people still think it isn’t one.
Texas A & M’s Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development has a great humor page, where I found the Top 10 reasons you became a Student Affairs professional, and I particularly connected with #3 . . .
“You enjoy the challenge of trying to tell people what you do for a living.”
The last time I think my parents really understood what I did for a living, I was a resident assistant. And for many of my friends and acquaintances, that is pretty much what they thought I did, up until I left my last formal position in Student Affairs (Assistant Director of Residence Life at Penn State University.) I was in college for a living, and I settled roommate problems and busted people for drinking. (Which many acquiantainces thought was irony in action, on both counts, but that is a story for another day.)
Academics and “serious” professionals don’t know what to make of us, either. For example, Wikipedia’s current entry for Student Affairs has a section on criticism of the field which reads, in part…
“The field of Student Affairs has been criticized for its emphasis on formal, professional training, calling into question whether the field is theoretical or practical. Complicating this criticism is the question of the role of student development theories in student affairs practice. It is claimed that student development theories are used to “proactively identify and address student needs, design programs, develop policies, and create healthy…environments that encourage positive growth in students.”
“Yet, often student affairs practices often bear little resemblance or connection to student development theories. As Paul Bloland (1979) wrote in an article in the NASPA Journal, “We have cultivated an expertise that was not requested, is not sought out, and for which there is little recognition or demand. Many entry-level and (many) seasoned professionals know little of student development theory and practice and, in fact, do not really need such expertise to meet the role expectations of their supervisors or, in too many instances, their institutions.”
Yet, for almost 20 years now, I have planned my life around the idea that Student Affairs is a career. In 2009, I left a stable job to venture out on my own, and establish a career coaching practice dedicated to helping others pursue their passions for working with students and find their own niche in Student Affairs. My perspective is that Student Affairs is actually a calling, within which you will find many career tracks. And it isn’t for everybody. I actually think it is the responsibility of those in the field to both recruit people with potential, and to “counsel out” out those who don’t have the passion and the fortitude to do the work. It’s no kindness to someone to show only the benefits, and none of the sacrifices, that go along with the profession.
In his song “Mr. Bad Example,” Warren Zevon recalled many career exploits of the song’s protagonist, and like those who work in Student Affairs, the protagonist clearly wore many hats, including the following…
“…worked in hair replacements, swindling the bald, where very few are chosen, and fewer still are called.”
The same could be said about Student Affairs. Very few are chosen, and fewer still are called. And I don’t think that a love of student development theory is required for success. I don’t care much about academics, or about student development theory, but I do know that Student Affairs is a calling, and that you can make a great career in it, if you are passionate about working with young people, and believe that helping people find their way is a worthy pursuit, you may be cut of the right material. But only if you have the strength of will and character to ignore the assaults on your dignity, your professional worth and your profession. They come with this line of work. The only thing that is truly important is that you know who you are and what you are about. If you are meant to serve students, you will. It’s just a matter of time. And in many cases, of strategy. If it’s meant to be, you will find your way. Just know, in the meantime, that many are in your corner, and have been in your place, before you. And we are here to help.
October is Careers in Student Affairs month. In honor of this, I am offering a coaching package for new professionals, to help them get off to a good start. It includes the following:
- A professionally written resume, geared toward your preferred target positions ($85 value)
- LinkedIn C0aching Package (1 hour LinkedIn training, plus profile optimization advice ($50 value)
- Practice interview, by phone or Skype ($85 value)
- One additional coaching session ($85 value)
- Access to an online job search group, with activities, lessons, and a private discussion board): $50 value
Purchased separately, this package would be $355, but this deal gives you nearly 30% off! For only $250, you get all of the above, including 6 months of access to the group, and any additional workshops or activities added to the job search group.
I’m opening this deal up only to new professionals (either those finishing school and looking for their first job, or with less than 5 years of professional experience). Availability is limited, and this special will not be repeated.
Sign up now!
This offer is no longer available.
by sean@higheredcareercoach.com | Jul 31, 2012 | Career Skills, Career Tracks, Career Transitions, Higher Education, Job Search
Eric Grospitch, Ed.D is the Assistant Dean of Students for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For this post, which is the second edition of our new guest post series on Career Tracks in Higher Education, Dr. Grospitch answered questions about his role, where it fits within the university, and what he does as an Assistant Dean of Students.
Name: Eric Grospitch, Ed.D.
Highest Degree Earned: Ed.D. University of Kansas
Title: Assistant Dean of Students
Division his department falls under: Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Enrollment of the University of Missouri Kansas City: 15,492
Number of years of full-time experience Grospitch had when he began this position: 11
The minimum education required for this position: Masters
Years of experience that were required for the Assistant Dean position: 8-10
What are your major responsibilities in your current position?
Responsible for oversight of Residential Life/Housing; Student Involvement (orientation, LGBTQIA, Fraternity & Sororities, Student Programing) Student Government, Student Allocations, Veterans programs, Campus Discipline
Does your role require direct service to students? If so, explain.
Yes, serving as an advisor to SGA, Allocations and various student focused committees.
How many persons in your department hold an equivalent rank? One.
How many people do you supervise? Are they Full-Time or Part-Time? Professional Staff, Trades/Custodial Staff, or Student Staff? (Please list numbers for each.)
- Directly – 2 Directors
- Indirectly:
- Full time – Masters level –10
- Full time administrative – 5
- Full time maintenance – 5
- Grad students -5
- Undergraduate students – 50+
What is the title of the person your report to? What is the title of that person’s immediate superior?
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, and he reports to the Chancellor.
What is your typical day like? Your typical week?
That is hard to say because each day is different based on the time of year with the ebb and flow of the academic year.
What do you spend the majority of your time doing in your current role?
Clearly most of the time is in different meetings and following up on individual concerns, discipline or projects.
What did you think you would be doing more, when you applied for the job?
I’m not sure what I thought I would spend more time doing, but I have spent more time working on enrollment management type conversations, and how all we do engages us in the recruitment and retention of students.
What survival skill is most important in your current role?
Creating relationships with trusted colleagues is clearly the most important – and those colleagues may not be on your campus. As you move “up” you are more and more isolated on your campus. Having colleagues that you can connect with to bounce ideas, seek input and advice is critical. I have found that through my involvement with NASPA.
Do you serve on committees within your department? Division? University-Wide? What roles do you play on these committees?
- ZIPCar and Transportation Launch Team (Chair)
- Veterans Services Development Committee
- Collected Rules and Regulations Review Committee
- Academic Program Review Committee
- New Student Convocation (Chair)
- Divisional Customer Service Training Program (Chair)
- Campus Safety Messaging Committee (Chair)
- Case Management Team (Member)
- Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Divisional Assessment Committee
- LGBTQIA Partnership Committee (Chair)
- Violence Prevention Task Force (member)
What advice do you have for persons seeking this type of position?
The piece that has been hard for me, but most important is to take your time. Many of us want Dean, VP roles, but the tradeoffs and politics need to be weighed as you move up – particularly as you balance life & job. That said, I do think there are a few things to remember that I will tell anyone that will listen.
- If you say you are going to do something, do it. New and even seasoned professionals that forget or fail to follow through on commitments can quickly be chalked up to someone you can’t count on.
- If you know something can’t be done in the time given, make sure you are honest in your statements. But again, if you say you can get it done, do it.
- Do the things no one else wants to do. With a smile.
- Don’t have one year of experience 5+ times, work to diversify your work to get a true 5+ years of experience.
- Look for ways to volunteer and get involved with different offices on campus. Help with Bid Day, Orientation etc. Those are tangible experiences that you can use to guide your career path later.
- Get involved with a regional or national organization. Whether reviewing proposals for a conference, volunteering at the conference, begin to build your network of friends and colleagues.
- Don’t forget how small our profession is. If you grotesquely burn a bridge in one place, it is very hard to truly start over, unless you are willing to reflect, learn and share about that experience.
- Learn technology. Twitter, web, etc. We don’t need more technophobes and serving our students will require it.
- Engage authentically in diversity training at all opportunities. The more we know about ourselves, the better we are able to serve all of our students.
- Read, Read, Read. The student development theories that we learned in grad school are great, but things are changing rapidly and the research is trying to catch up. Keep abreast of new ideas and concepts as it relates to retention and matriculation of students and bring those ideas (with appropriate citations/credit) to the table.
Eric submitted his article by e-mail, in response to my recent call for first-person perspectives on career tracks in higher education. You can, too! Visit our guest post submission form or e-mail sean@higheredcareercoach.com.
Do you have questions for Eric? Post them in the comments, or send him an e-mail. (He said it was okay!)
by sean@higheredcareercoach.com | Jul 24, 2012 | Career Tracks, Higher Education, Job Search, Podcast
Sarah Craddock, Academic Advisor
On today’s podcast, I’ll have an interview with Sarah Craddock, an Academic Advisor for Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University. We will talk about different aspects of her job and how her education and experience prepared her for it.
Sarah also shares some insights on how her experience in Residence Life was perceived during the interview process, what her work entails, and different roles she plays in working with faculty and other staff at Colorado State.
This podcast is part of a new series about Career Tracks in Higher Education that will be running periodically on Higher Ed Career Coach, to help graduate students and new professionals understand different roles across academia, so they can gauge opportunities during their job search. Listen in Friday July 20, at 11 am ET. Call in to share your thoughts and questions.
Also, updates on news in the higher ed world, including the recent happenings at Penn State in relation to the Jerry Sandusky Scandal, and some updates on upcoming features and programs at HigherEdCareerCoach.Com.
Next week, I’ll be running a guest post from Eric Grospitch, Ed.D., the Assistant Dean of Students for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of MIssouri-Kansas City. A couple of other guest posts are pending, but I’d like to have a lot of variety, so that readers can get some ideas about how roles may differ, depending on size of university, university type, and different organizational structures.
If you are interested in sharing perspectives about your job, check out the outline for the guest posts and submit your guest post via the guest post submission form or via e-mail to sean@higheredcareercoach.com. Guest bloggers will be invited to give interviews for the podcast (either live or pre-recorded, depending on availability.)
If you have suggestions for future posts, contact Sean.
by sean@higheredcareercoach.com | Jul 18, 2012 | Higher Education, Infographic Tuesday
[THIS ARTICLE LINKED TO AN INFOGRAPHIC AT A WEBSITE THAT IS NO LONGER IN SERVICE. THE INFORMATION BELOW WAS UP TO DATE WHEN THE ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED.]
The Infographic of the Week this week comes from FindOnlineEducation.Com, and gives an interesting overview and some facts about the growth of online education.
Some key information featured in the infographic:
- Online education represented 5.6% of enrollment in the United States in 1995 and now represents 27.5%
- U.S. News and World Report ranked 196 online bachelor’s degree programs in January 2012 and recognized Westfield State University for having the best faculty credentials and training, Arizona State University for having the best student services and technology, and Bellevue University for having the most student engagement and assessment.
- The overseas market in online education is expected to grow by 50% by 2014.
- Online education is currently a $73.8 billion enterprise but is expected to grow to $220 billion by 2017.
Predictions
The growth of online education programs will have a great impact on career tracks in higher education. While it remains to be seen how this will actually play out, I think that the trend toward online education will mean the following for higher education professionals:
- Comfort with technology will continue to be a key differentiator between candidates. With so many baby boomers and early Gen X-ers re-entering the job market or finding themselves “re-careering,” they will increasingly need to adapt to new technology. If this does not happen, we will see even further growth of millennial representation in key support roles.
- There will be an increase in advising and admissions positions, and over time, a decrease in residence life and student activities staff on campus. This will require candidates to increasingly demonstrate their knowledge of curriculum development, information systems and databases.
- Advising from a distance will require comfort with virtual teams, online project management systems, webinar/webmeeting technology, and cloud-based data storage and file-sharing.
What Do You Think?
What trends do you see higher education professionals dealing with, as online education programs continue to grow? What key skills do you think will be required? And how can we train people for the challenges that come with this new educational environment?
