Higher Ed Faculty

Career Guide

Higher Ed Faculty teach college or university courses, support student learning, and contribute to their department through service and, in many roles, research and publication. The work can vary widely by institution type, appointment type, and academic discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses
Design syllabi and course materials
Assess student learning and provide feedback
Hold office hours and advise students
Mentor student research and projects
Conduct research or creative scholarship
Publish research and present at conferences
Apply for grants and research funding
Serve on department and university committees
Support curriculum updates and program improvement
Participate in accreditation and quality reviews
Engage with the community and professional organizations

Top Skills for Success

Teaching

Curriculum Design

Assessment Design

Student Advising

Mentoring

Research Methods

Academic Writing

Presentation Skills

Grant Writing

Collaboration

Project Management

Learning Technology

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Assistant Professor

Associate Professor

Professor

Senior Lecturer

Teaching Professor

Research Professor

Program Director

Department Chair

Transition Opportunities

Dean

Provost Office Roles

Academic Affairs Leadership

Instructional Design

Learning and Development

Research Administration

Higher Education Consulting

Policy Analyst

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Online TeachingLearning TechnologyInclusive TeachingAssessment StrategyGrant WritingPublication StrategyTime ManagementStakeholder Management

Development SuggestionsBuild a teaching portfolio with sample syllabi, assignments, and student learning outcomes. Seek classroom observations and feedback. Publish consistently with a clear research plan. Learn core learning tools used on campuses. Practice grant proposals by joining funded projects or internal grant programs.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUnited States: 55,000 to 85,000 USD

Mid LevelUnited States: 80,000 to 130,000 USD

Senior LevelUnited States: 120,000 to 220,000 USD

Growth Trend

Steady but uneven. Demand varies by field, with stronger hiring in health, computing, and applied business areas. Many institutions rely on contract and part time teaching roles, while tenure track openings are more limited and competitive.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Public UniversitiesPrivate UniversitiesCommunity CollegesLiberal Arts CollegesProfessional SchoolsOnline Universities

Industry Sectors

Higher EducationResearch InstitutionsTeaching Focused CollegesOnline Education

Recommended Next Steps

Clarify your target institution type and expected balance of teaching, research, and service

Create a strong teaching statement and a well organized teaching portfolio

Develop a focused research agenda with a realistic publication plan

Prepare a complete academic job packet including a tailored cover letter and curriculum vitae

Gain evidence of teaching effectiveness through peer reviews and student outcomes

Strengthen your network through conferences, seminars, and informational meetings with faculty

Track and document service work that shows leadership and collaboration

Practice job talks and teaching demonstrations with feedback from mentors