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Dissertation Advisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Academic Advisor,Sr

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$132K - $132K/yr

The Senior Academic Advisor's primary role is to provide direct review and verification of graduate student application of candidacy form and dissertation manuscript submissions for Master of Fine ...

Academic Advisor,Sr

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$132K - $132K/yr

The Senior Academic Advisor's primary role is to provide direct review and verification of graduate student application of candidacy form and dissertation manuscript submissions for Master of Fine ...

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Dissertation Advisor information

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How much do dissertation advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for dissertation advisor in the United States is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dissertation Advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dissertation Advisor, you need advanced subject-matter expertise, a doctoral degree, and experience in academic research and scholarly writing. Familiarity with reference management software, plagiarism detection tools, and institutional research guidelines is typically required. Strong mentorship, communication skills, and an ability to provide constructive feedback set outstanding advisors apart. These skills ensure students receive effective guidance, maintain academic integrity, and successfully complete their dissertations.

What is the difference between Dissertation Advisor vs Thesis Advisor?

AspectDissertation AdvisorThesis Advisor
Required CredentialsTypically PhD or doctoral-level expertiseUsually master's or bachelor's degree, depending on the level
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academic settingsUniversities, colleges, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research-focused rolesEducational institutions, academic programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in doctoral researchUnderstanding roles in master's or undergraduate research

The main difference between a Dissertation Advisor and a Thesis Advisor lies in the level of academic work they oversee. A Dissertation Advisor guides doctoral students through their dissertation research, requiring advanced credentials and experience. A Thesis Advisor typically works with master's or undergraduate students on their thesis projects. Both roles involve mentorship in academic research within university settings, but they differ in scope, credentials, and the level of study.

What qualifications do I need to be an Academic Advisor?

To be an academic advisor, typically a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field is required, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant skills include strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities, along with experience in student services or counseling. Certifications such as the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) credential can enhance qualifications.

What does a dissertation advisor do?

A dissertation advisor guides graduate students through the research and writing process of their doctoral dissertations. They provide feedback on methodology, help refine research questions, and ensure academic standards are met, often meeting regularly and reviewing drafts. Strong communication skills and subject expertise are essential for effective advising.

What is a Dissertation Advisor?

A Dissertation Advisor is a faculty member who guides graduate students through the process of planning, researching, and writing their dissertation. The advisor provides academic support, feedback, and mentorship, helping students refine their research questions, navigate challenges, and meet program requirements. They also play a key role in ensuring the dissertation meets scholarly standards and may serve as an advocate for the student during reviews and defenses.

How much does a dissertation chair get paid?

Dissertation chairs, often faculty members or experienced researchers, typically do not receive direct payment for serving in this role; instead, it is considered part of their academic responsibilities. In some cases, universities may offer stipends or honoraria, but compensation varies widely depending on the institution and country. Most dissertation chairs are motivated by academic service and professional development rather than financial gain.

What are the most common challenges Dissertation Advisors face when supporting students through the research and writing process?

Dissertation Advisors often encounter challenges such as helping students narrow down broad research topics, maintaining consistent progress through regular check-ins, and providing constructive feedback that balances encouragement with critical analysis. Advisors must also navigate diverse student learning styles and levels of independence, adapting their mentoring approach accordingly. Additionally, they work to foster a supportive environment while ensuring that academic standards and timelines are met, often collaborating closely with other faculty members and committees.
More about Dissertation Advisor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Dissertation Advisor jobs? The most popular types of Dissertation Advisor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Dissertation Advisor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,941 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Academic Advisor,Sr

Academic Advisor,Sr

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$132K - $132K/yr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Graduate Studies seeks to hire a Senior Academic Advisor to serve and support graduate student degree completion. The Senior Academic Advisor's primary role is to provide direct review and verification of graduate student application of candidacy form and dissertation manuscript submissions for Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and doctoral programs. The successful candidate will work closely with the Program and Academic Completion (PAC) team in Graduate Studies and communicate frequently with faculty and staff supporting graduate students across different departments at UNM. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, have excellent customer service skills, and pay attention to detail.
Graduate Studies is the central academic administrative unit for graduate education at the University of New Mexico. We work in partnerships with academic departments and administrative units across campus to promote the quality of our graduate programs, enhance student success, and ensure broad access to graduate education. Graduate Studies provides a variety of student support services, financial assistance, and program support for graduate programs across the university. The selected candidate will be advising faculty, staff, and students from across the university on the submission of academic forms while enforcing policy governing graduate education.

Duties include:

  • Provide consultation, guidance, and advisement to students and departments about the submission of documentation required for completion of MFA and doctoral degrees.
  • Process, verify, and approve the academic documentation for completion of MFA and doctoral degrees.
  • Facilitate workshops to students and departments for MFA and doctoral degree requirements, including manuscript formatting requirements, in collaboration with the PAC team.
  • Review dissertations and manuscript forms to ensure compliance with Graduate Studies formatting requirements, communicating directly with students for revisions if requested.
  • Provide drop-in advisement to support graduate students with degree completion requirements.
  • Connect students to resources and services that support individual student success.

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