Careers

The Higher Education Administration and Policy Program's broad scope distinguishes it from programs that focus solely on preparing students for careers in student personnel. Northwestern's program prepares students to be successful in a wide range of institutions and departments, and alumni have capitalized on that preparation.

Graduates' career pursuits take them to a wide variety of colleges and universities – public and private, small and large – as well as other public agencies and private nonprofit organizations. They can be found contributing to a number of departments and offices, including but not limited to student affairs, admissions, financial aid, government and community relations, development, institutional research, alumni relations and athletics administration.

For a representative sample of institutions employing Higher Education Administration and Policy graduates and positions they hold upon graduation, please click here.

Graduates' salaries are competitive for the industry and vary based on the size and type of the employing institution, the nature of the position and the experience levels and skill sets of graduates.

If they are not already employed, Higher Education Administration and Policy graduates typically find work within one month of graduation. Those who do internships find that both the experience and the professional contacts acquired during an internship can decrease the time and energy required for a job search. In 2008, for instance, nearly 30% of the students who completed internships went on to full-time employment with their internship institution.

For students who complete the program while working full- or part-time, graduation often means that a promotion, salary bump and/or increased responsibility are right around the corner.

Students entering the program do so with the confidence that their Northwestern degree will benefit them throughout their careers. Indeed, both the placement statistics and feedback received from alumni support the fact that the goals with which students enter the program – launching careers, career advancement, career changes and lifelong learning – are all fulfilled.

Graduation Leads to New Jobs, Promotions and Enhanced Performance

"One month after I graduated, my boss took another position and I was eventually promoted to assistant dean for admissions for the law school. I am sure that the advanced degree was a factor in the law school's decision to promote me, and it has also been a tremendous help to me as I have assumed new responsibilities."
~Nicole Vilches (MS03),
Assistant Dean, Admissions, Chicago-Kent College of Law

"I was able to get my position as a development officer working with graduate and professional schools at Yale because I have a master’s degree in higher ed. Otherwise, I could have gotten a position just working with Yale College (undergraduate). The fact that I have an understanding of how the university works as a whole helped as well."
~ Dara Freiberg (MS03),
Deputy Director, Yale College Annual Giving

"The program broadened my perspective on higher ed, which has allowed me to approach business-related matters from a variety of angles. I think it also increased my confidence." (Trimuel was working in Northwestern University’s auditing department when she applied to the Higher Education Administration and Policy program, and in the span of a few years, she earned her degree plus two promotions.)
~Joan Trimuel (MS04)
Associate Director, Auditing, Northwestern University

"My contacts at the University of Chicago proved invaluable during my job search. Through them, I got letters of recommendation that I enclosed with my resume, networking tips and contacts at various universities. I cannot say enough about how helpful it was to have an entire admissions office advising me, and helping me, with my job search."
(~Meg Lysy (MS05)
Assistant Director, Admissions, Georgetown University