The Two Biggest Reasons to Become a College Administrator

College administrators are responsible for directing and coordinating services to students in institutions of higher learning. The higher education sector is healthy and growing, despite concerns about the U.S. economy. If you're looking for a job that will weather nearly any economic situation, consider getting a degree in college administration. Here are two good reasons why.

1. Decreasing Job Openings = Increasing College Enrollments

When the economy trends downward, college enrollments head the other way. During the 2002 recession, the New York Times reported "a bonanza of applicants" to graduate programs across the country, as laid-off professionals took advantage of their unexpected time off to make themselves more competitive in the tightening job market. Applications increased at various colleges by anywhere from 13 to 157 percent.

If you're considering a degree in education administration, this situation benefits you twice over. For one thing, colleges and universities will soon be making accommodations for the influx of new students. And when you graduate, you'll be credentialed in a strong and growing employment sector, in which colleges must often hire more new staff to deal with growing demand. (And don't worry that you'll miss the boat if you begin your studies now--it takes years for these ripple effects to play out.)

2. Online Education Brings College Degrees to Everyone, Everywhere

Online learning has changed the face of higher education. According to a recent survey published by the Sloan Consortium, there were nearly 3.5 million students enrolled in online education during the fall term of 2006. With nearly 20 percent of all U.S. college students enrolled in online schools least one online course, distance learning is clearly shifting from a future trend to a current reality. Growth in this sector represents an opportunity not only for students, but also for individuals interested in working in higher education, such as college administrators.

And once again, you benefit twice over from this trend--you can earn your education administration degree online and then apply that experience to administering one of the many new programs that are popping up all over the country. Most college administrators need at least a master's degree, and some schools require upper-level administrators to hold a PhD. Training for a career in college administration includes coursework on topics such as budgeting, community relations, and curriculum development and evaluation.

Sources:

• The Sloan Consortium
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Education administrators"