Higher Education

A classroom scene with a lecturer speaking to a seated audience, engaged in a presentation.
Higher Education

Psychology Career Pathways

What is Higher Education?

Higher education refers to postsecondary institutions like 4 year colleges, community colleges, and technical/professional schools that provide advanced learning beyond high school. These institutions support students’ intellectual, professional, and personal development through teaching, research, mentorship, and co-curricular engagement. Higher education also includes the systems and professionals who design curriculum, conduct research, support student success, and manage institutional operations.

Psychology in Practice

Psychology plays a vital role in higher education by informing how students learn, develop, stay motivated, and navigate challenges. Psychological principles guide teaching strategies, research design, student support programs, and academic interventions. Whether working in academia and research, student services, or academic support services, professionals apply knowledge of human behavior, cognition, development, and mental health to improve student outcomes and create inclusive, effective learning environments.

Higher Education for Psychology Majors

Explore sub-fields of higher education that are fit for psychology majors. Click on the hyperlinked sample job posts to see real job postings that detail the position's responsibilities and qualifications. 

  • Academia and Research
  • About Field
    Academia and research refers to the teaching and scholarly work carried out by faculty, professors, lecturers, and instructors within higher education institutions. These professionals design and teach courses, conduct research, publish and present their findings, mentor students, and contribute to the advancement of their discipline and institution. Educational requirements vary depending on the type of institution (e.g., community college vs. research university) and the expectations of the role, with some positions emphasizing teaching and others prioritizing research and publication.

    Sample Job Posts
    • Assistant Professor of Psychology - Human Cognition
    • Assistant Professor of Social Psychology
    • Psychology Assistant Professor
    • Psychology Instructor
    • Lab Manager
    • Staff Research Associate

    Sample Job Titles
    Lecturer, Adjunct Faculty, Research Analyst, Research Associate, Instructor
  • Student Support Services
  • About Field
    Student support services center on students’ personal, academic, and professional development outside of the classroom. Professionals in this area work in roles such as academic advising, career services, counseling centers, residential life, multicultural affairs, and student engagement. Drawing on psychological principles related to development, identity, motivation, and well-being, these roles aim to foster belonging, persistence, and holistic student success.

    Sample Job Posts
    • Academic Advisor
    • Campus Coordinator
    • Outreach Retention Student Success Professional
    • Senior Director of Career Development

    Sample Job Titles
    Student Support Specialist, Career Services Advisor, Academic Success Coach, Transfer Coordinator, Student Engagement Coordinator, Financial Aid Counselor
  • Academic Support Services
  • About Field
    Academic support services include the professionals who ensure that the academic infrastructure of a college or university runs smoothly. While some roles may interact with students, many positions are primarily administrative, technical, or systems-focused—such as admissions and records technicians, curriculum planners, registrars, and enrollment specialists. These professionals manage academic policies, maintain student records, support course scheduling and degree audits, and help design and implement curriculum processes. In this field, attention to detail, knowledge of institutional policy, and an understanding of student systems are essential to supporting the broader academic mission.

    Sample Job Posts
    • Department Coordinator
    • Registration Services Coordinator
    • Administrative Support Coordinator

    Sample Job Titles
    Instructional Analyst, Curriculum Scheduler, Academic Personnel Coordinator, Student Account Coordinator, Campus Planner, Department Assistant

How to Prepare for a Career in Higher Education

Do your Research

The steps you take to prepare for a career in business depend on what kind of position you want to pursue. For an overview on how to conduct research on your professions of interest, look at our Work Research section on the right. Here are some other starting points:

  • If you want to teach at a 4-year-university, look up current job openings to see what credentials and education you need. You will likely need a PhD in the subject you want to teach in.
  • If you want to teach at a community college, look up current job openings to see what credentials and education you need. You might need either masters degree or PhD in the subject you want to teach in.
  • If you want to learn more about student or academic support services, find a student position on campus to experience what it's like to work in higher education
     

 

Supplement Your Bachelor's Degree

Consider the following course, double major, minor, and experiential recommendations during your academic journey

Graduate School for Higher Education

Graduation cap decorated with white and yellow flowers and blue stickers, seen from behind

What is Graduate School? What is a Graduate Degree?

Understand what graduate school is with this page from the Pre-Grad Advising Office. Pre-Grad Advisors are available to meet with students to discuss if graduate school is right for you .

Do I Need Graduate School for Higher Education?

Whether you need graduate school depends on the type of role you want to pursue within higher education. Many entry-level positions in student affairs, academic support services, admissions, residence life, outreach, and student success can be entered with a bachelor’s degree. Psychology majors are often well prepared for these roles because of their background in human development, communication, motivation, and student support.

Graduate school is more commonly required for careers in academia, counseling, leadership, administration, and specialized student services. Faculty positions at colleges and universities often require a master’s degree or PhD in the subject area you want to teach. Leadership and advanced student affairs positions may also prefer or require graduate education.

Before pursuing graduate school, students are encouraged to explore job postings, gain campus experience, and identify whether advanced education is necessary for their long-term goals.

Common Graduate Programs Related to Higher Education

  • Master's or PhDs programs in a subject you want to teach
  • Educational Leadership or Administration
  • Student Affairs or Administration
  • College Counseling
  • Public Administration