Career Outlook

A career in higher education is a commitment to expanding human potential, bridging cultures, and fostering equity across borders. The Global Higher Education (GHE) MS program at UW–Madison transforms your passion for student success into a powerful, practical career.

Career Outcomes at a Glance

93%+ Professional Placement: Since 2013, more than 93% of our graduates have successfully secured professional roles or advanced their careers shortly after graduation.
Early Job Security: The majority of our career-bound students receive official, competitive job offers before they even cross the graduation stage.
93% PhD Admission Success: Since 2015, approximately 93% of our graduates who chose to apply to doctoral tracks received admission offers from top-tier research universities.

Versatile Careers, Global Impact

Our curriculum is intentionally designed to support two distinct professional trajectories, allowing you to tailor your experience whether you want to accelerate your career or pursue advanced research.

1. Professional Leadership (76% of Alumni)

Most of our graduates choose to enter the workforce full-time, stepping into impactful leadership and student-facing roles. Whether you are transitioning straight from your undergraduate degree or pivoting your transferable skills from another sector, our alumni excel across three primary areas:

International Education & Global Engagement: Study Abroad Advisors, International Admissions Counselors, International Student Advisors, Global Program Coordinators.
Student Affairs & Holistic Development: Academic Advisors, Student Success Coaches, Career Advisors, Student Life Managers.
Higher Education Administration & Operations: Admissions Counselors, Program Assistants/Directors, Policy Analysts.

2. Advanced Academic Research (24% of Alumni)

For students—particularly many of our international scholars—who wish to pursue deep systemic research, the GHE program serves as an elite launchpad for doctoral studies.

Targeted Doctoral Preparation: Our graduates routinely secure fully funded PhD offers in higher education, educational policy, and educational research.
Tailor-Made Mentorship: Prior to PhD program application, you will receive personalized advising and faculty mentorship designed to refine your research agenda, build your academic profile, and strengthen your doctoral applications.

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Job titles include:

Academic Advisors
Admissions Counselors
Career Advisors
Student Success Coaches
Study Abroad Advisors
International Admissions Counselors
International Education Program Coordinators
International Student Advisors

How does UW–Madison prepare students for success?

UW–Madison’s Global Higher Education program blends practical experience with academic rigor to prepare both practitioner-scholars and scholar-practitioners—leaders who use research to inform practice and practice to enrich research.

We train students to succeed in a variety of roles by designing courses to match the demands of the job market, updating 20% yearly to accommodate changes and trends in the field.

And that support doesn’t end when you graduate. As a Badger, you’ll gain access to a strong and active alumni network of professionals who are eager to connect at Global Higher Education meet-ups and more.

What skills will you gain?

While the specific skills and tools used in a job may vary, students will gain these skills which are essential across the field:

International education
Cross-cultural competence
Student success and well-being
Study abroad management and advising
Student and career services

Communication
Collaboration
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Research and data analysis
Global networking

Making an Impact in Global Higher Education

Improve Higher Education

Graduates of the Global Higher Education program don’t just work in international education—they shape it.

Whether improving student support services, designing exchange programs, advancing policies for global engagement, or researching ways to make higher education more accessible, our alumni are influencing institutions around the world.

Further Education with PhD Programs

The Global Higher Education program also prepares you for further education. About 25% of alumni pursue PhD degrees in higher education or educational research.

With our tailor-made advising and mentoring support, more than 93% of those students received PhD admissions offers from American universities.