Higher Education Teaching: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring educators in higher education, this program equips learners with the advanced pedagogical expertise needed to excel in university and college-level instruction. It emphasizes evidence-based teaching practices, reflective methodology, and the development of dynamic, inclusive learning environments.
- Andragogy: The theory and practice of adult learning, focusing on self-directedness, experiential knowledge, and motivation in adult learners.
- Assessment Strategies: Techniques for designing and implementing effective evaluations that measure learning outcomes and inform instructional improvement.
- Classroom Motivation: Methods for fostering engagement, persistence, and intrinsic interest among college and university students.
- Instructional Design and Technology: The systematic development of learning experiences using digital tools, multimedia, and learning management systems.
- Learner-Centered Teaching: Pedagogical approaches that prioritize student engagement, active learning, and personalized educational pathways.
- Learning Science: Research-informed principles of cognition, memory, and skill acquisition applied to enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Syllabus Construction: Best practices for creating clear, comprehensive, and legally compliant course outlines aligned with institutional and academic standards.
- Teaching Critical Thinking: Techniques for cultivating analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and evaluative judgment across disciplines.
Higher Education Teaching Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Higher Education Teaching Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Higher Education Teaching degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 59,090 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
Higher Education Teaching Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,910 in Hawaii to $85,560 in California—a 71% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Louisiana. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 59,090 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Higher Education Teaching by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Higher Education Teaching programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Higher Education Teaching is found at East Carolina University (ECU) (31 graduates), Northern Arizona University (NAU) (12 graduates), University of Kentucky (UK) (11 graduates), University of Maryland (UMBC), Baltimore County (8 graduates), and Walden University (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 98 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
31 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Post-Master's
|
8 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| Walden University |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | waldenu.edu |
| Delta State University (DSU) |
Master's
|
6 | Cleveland, Mississippi | Public | deltastate.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Post-Master's
|
5 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| University of Missouri (UMKC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Kansas City, Missouri | Public | umkc.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| SUNY College |
Post-Master's
|
2 | Potsdam, New York | Public | potsdam.edu |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Johnson City, Tennessee | Public | etsu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Higher Education Teaching programs
How much can I earn with a Higher Education Teaching degree?
Salaries for Higher Education Teaching graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $85,560 compared to $49,910 in Hawaii. Approximately 59,090 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Higher Education Teaching programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Higher Education Teaching degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include East Carolina University (ECU) (31 graduates), Northern Arizona University (NAU) (12 graduates), and University of Kentucky (UK) (11 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Higher Education Teaching degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 59,090 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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