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[chaseurdream]

All,

I am tenure track faculty in a four year master’s level institution. I have a Ph.D. in Engineering. My long time goal is to move into the administrative side such as Dean, provost, etc. It is my understanding, typically one gets tenure, then serves as departmet chair, dean, and so forth.

Is there any special degree, classes or certificate, I need to take to become/apply for administrative jobs?

Some suggest classes in business or education administration would be good. I noticed I can take classes free of cost at my institution and I can take classes to build my resume for future.

Please advice. Thanks in advance.


 

[simplesimon]

You do not need another degree nor additional classes.  What you need now is experience.  If you were in another position I might offer different counsel, but from where you are now, I think you should concentrate on earning tenure and advancing to full professor.  Right now, all doors remain open to you; if you leave the tenure track certain doors will close, but advancing to assoc. or full professor will enable you to become a department chair and take on a variety of committee service.  Committee experience will expose you to many other aspects of the campus and this is vital for moving up.  Bottom line: additional classes are not needed, but be prepared to add to your skill set as necessary (becoming proficient with budgets, Excel, etc.)

Good luck.