Occupation AtlasEducation Administrators, Postsecondary

O*NET · 11-9033.00

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Also called Academic Affairs Dean · Academic Affairs Director · Academic Affairs Vice President (Academic Affairs VP) · Academic Affairs VP · Academic Coordinator · Academic Dean · Academic Vice President (Academic VP) · Academic VP
68 more

Administration Dean · Admissions Coordinator · Admissions Dean · Admissions Director · Adult Basic Education Manager · Arts and Sciences Dean · Business Dean · Campus Coordinator · Campus Dean · Campus Director · Chancellor · College Administrator · College Dean · College President · College Registrar · Commandant · Continuing Education Dean · Continuing Education Director · Dean · Division Director · Education College Dean · Education Dean · Education Director · Enrollment Coordinator · Enrollment Management Vice President (Enrollment Management VP) · Enrollment Management VP · Enrollment Services Dean · Enrollment Services Vice President (Enrollment Services VP) · Enrollment Services VP · Extension Division Director · Extension Work Director · Faculty Dean · Financial Aid Director · Graduate School Dean · Graduate Studies Dean · Health Sciences Dean · Higher Education Administrator · Institutional Research Director · Instruction Dean · Instruction Vice President (Instruction VP) · Instruction VP · Nursing School Director · Physical Education Director · Provost · Registrar · Registration Specialist · Research Director · Student Activities Director · Student Affairs Dean · Student Affairs Director · Student Affairs Vice President (Student Affairs VP) · Student Affairs VP · Student Dean · Student Development Dean · Student Financial Aid Director · Student Life Dean · Student Services Dean · Student Services Director · Student Services Vice President (Student Services VP) · Student Services VP · Students Dean · Summer Sessions Director · Testing Director · University Administrator · University Dean · University Department Chair · University President · University Registrar

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SEC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SECSocial · Enterprising · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social5.64
  • E Enterprising5.30
  • C Conventional4.91
  • I Investigative3.83
  • A Artistic2.81
  • R Realistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree8%
  • Master's Degree48%
  • Doctoral Degree37%
  • Post-Doctoral Training7%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (34%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (33%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • InstructingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Time ManagementImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
Show the other 23

Tasks

12 core · 15 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Design or use assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.Importance 4.1
  2. Recruit, hire, train, and terminate departmental personnel.Importance 4.0
  3. Advise students on issues such as course selection, progress toward graduation, and career decisions.Importance 3.9
  4. Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of personnel, including support staff engaged in administering academic institutions, departments, or alumni organizations.Importance 3.9
  5. Plan, administer, and control budgets, maintain financial records, and produce financial reports.Importance 3.8
  6. Represent institutions at community and campus events, in meetings with other institution personnel, and during accreditation processes.Importance 3.8
  7. Provide assistance to faculty and staff in duties such as teaching classes, conducting orientation programs, issuing transcripts, and scheduling events.Importance 3.8
  8. Establish operational policies and procedures and make any necessary modifications, based on analysis of operations, demographics, and other research information.Importance 3.8
  9. Formulate strategic plans for the institution.Importance 3.8
  10. Participate in faculty and college committee activities.Importance 3.7
  11. Promote the university by participating in community, state, and national events or meetings, and by developing partnerships with industry and secondary education institutions.Importance 3.7
  12. Prepare reports on academic or institutional data.Importance 3.7
Show the other 15
  1. Direct activities of administrative departments, such as admissions, registration, and career services.Importance 4.3
  2. Appoint individuals to faculty positions, and evaluate their performance.Importance 4.2
  3. Develop curricula, and recommend curricula revisions and additions.Importance 4.2
  4. Consult with government regulatory and licensing agencies to ensure the institution's conformance with applicable standards.Importance 3.9
  5. Participate in student recruitment, selection, and admission, making admissions recommendations when required to do so.Importance 3.9
  6. Determine course schedules, and coordinate teaching assignments and room assignments to ensure optimum use of buildings and equipment.Importance 3.8
  7. Teach courses within their department.Importance 3.6
  8. Confer with other academic staff to explain and formulate admission requirements and course credit policies.Importance 3.5
  9. Review student misconduct reports requiring disciplinary action, and counsel students regarding such reports.Importance 3.5
  10. Review registration statistics, and consult with faculty officials to develop registration policies.Importance 3.5
  11. Direct scholarship, fellowship, and loan programs, performing activities such as selecting recipients and distributing aid.Importance 3.2
  12. Direct and participate in institutional fundraising activities, and encourage alumni participation in such activities.Importance 3.2
  13. Coordinate the production and dissemination of university publications, such as course catalogs and class schedules.Importance 3.1
  14. Write grants to procure external funding, and supervise grant-funded projects.Importance 3.1
  15. Plan and promote sporting events and social, cultural, and recreational activities.Importance 3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English LanguageImportance 4.3Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • MathematicsImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • PsychologyImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.4Level 2.8
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • TransportationImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • BiologyImportance 1.5Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
Show all 52
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • OriginalityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.8
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.1Level —
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.7Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 5.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.4Level 5.6
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.3Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Prioritize and plan multiple tasks several months ahead
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.0Level 2.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level —
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.2Level —
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.5
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5

Technology

59 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Student information systems SIS software

Hot (12; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software
  • SAS
Other tools (42)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • Blackboard software
  • CollegeNET Schedule 25
  • Common Curriculum
  • Database software
  • Ellucian Colleague
  • Ellucian Degree Works
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP system
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Fund accounting software
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Google Sites
  • GroupMe
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • Instructure Canvas
  • Intrado SchoolMessenger
  • Jenzabar EX
  • LinkedIn
  • Mentimeter
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Minitab
  • Moodle
  • Nolij Corporation Nolij Transfer
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
  • ParentSquare
  • Pear Deck
  • Poll Everywhere
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
  • Schoology
  • Screencastify
  • Social media sites
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Student and Exchange Visitor Information System SEVIS
  • SunGard Higher Education Banner Unified Digital Campus
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.