Like much of the rest of higher education administration, enrollment management is getting more sophisticated. These days, to maximize retention and graduation, to get the most out of financial aid dollars, or to beef up admissions in key areas, enrollment management professionals need to know marketing and statistics at minimum — and perhaps even more sophisticated data analysis. In addition, many enrollment professionals, whether just entering the field or at mid-career, are looking for a credential to boost their profile in a competitive environment.
As Inside Higher Ed reports, universities are eager to meet the demand for new credentials. Here are three examples:
- This fall, the University of Southern California will begin offering an online certificate program in leadership in enrollment management. The program will require three 10-week sessions, which will be held between October and May. The cost: $10,000.
- Since 2006, Capella University and Noel-Levitz, a consulting firm, have been collaborating on two online programs: a 12-course master’s in higher education with a specialization in enrollment management, and a six-course post-master’s degree certificate in enrollment management. The cost: $1,500 per course for the master’s degree program, and $4,596 per quarter for the post-master’s program.
- Vanderbilt University offers a two-year master’s in higher education administration with a concentration in enrollment management. Many of its students have been working as admissions counselors for a few years out of college but want to make their work into a career. The cost: $22,770 per year.
Do your school’s enrollment management officers have a credential in the field? Would you be more likely to hire someone who does?
