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Graduate Dean Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fresno State

Dean of Graduate Studies

Fresno, CA

$155K - $175K/yr

Dean of Graduate Studies Apply now Job no: 557327 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Fresno Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time Position Description Dean of Graduate Studies ...

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How much do graduate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate dean in the United States is $76,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (typically a doctoral degree), leadership experience in higher education, and a strong understanding of graduate program administration. Familiarity with university management systems, accreditation processes, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and the ability to foster collaboration set outstanding Graduate Deans apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring academic excellence, effective program oversight, and positive engagement with faculty, staff, and students.

What are Graduate Deans?

Graduate Deans are senior academic administrators who oversee graduate programs at a college or university. They are responsible for setting policies, ensuring academic quality, supporting graduate students, and facilitating communication between faculty, students, and administration. Graduate Deans often work on program development, admissions standards, and funding opportunities. Their role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and reputation of graduate education at their institution.

What are some common challenges a Graduate Dean faces when balancing administrative duties with advocating for student needs?

A Graduate Dean often juggles the demands of overseeing academic policies, managing budgets, and fostering faculty development, while also ensuring graduate students receive the support and resources they need. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, as it requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to mediate between institutional objectives and student advocacy. Success in this role typically involves building collaborative relationships across departments, staying accessible to student concerns, and implementing initiatives that enhance both program quality and student experience.

Can you be a dean with a master's degree?

A Graduate Dean typically requires a doctoral degree in education or a related field, along with extensive experience in academic administration. While a master's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level or assistant roles, becoming a dean generally necessitates higher-level qualifications and leadership experience.

What is the difference between Graduate Dean vs Academic Program Director?

AspectGraduate DeanAcademic Program Director
Required CredentialsTypically a doctoral degree in education or related field, extensive experience in higher education administrationMaster's or doctoral degree, experience in program management or academic administration
Work EnvironmentUniversity or college administration, overseeing multiple departments or facultiesSpecific academic department or program, managing curriculum and faculty
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, universitiesUniversities, colleges, academic institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in academia, overseeing academic policies and student affairsCompared for program management, curriculum development, and faculty coordination

The main difference is that a Graduate Dean oversees broader academic policies and student affairs at the institutional level, while an Academic Program Director focuses on managing specific programs or departments. Both roles require advanced education and experience in higher education, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

How much do graduate school deans make?

Graduate school deans typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on the institution's size, location, and the dean's experience. Salaries can vary widely, with some deans earning more at large research universities or private institutions. The role often requires advanced degrees and leadership experience in higher education administration.

Can you be a dean without a PhD?

Typically, a Graduate Dean or similar academic leadership role requires a doctoral degree, such as a PhD, as it demonstrates advanced expertise and academic credentials. While some administrative positions may accept master's degrees, most deans are expected to hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in their field. Relevant experience in higher education administration and leadership skills are also essential.

What does a graduate school dean do?

A graduate school dean oversees the administration and academic policies of a graduate program, manages faculty and student affairs, and ensures the quality of graduate education. They often coordinate curriculum development, handle budget and resource allocation, and work with university leadership to support research and student success.
What cities are hiring for Graduate Dean jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Dean job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Dean jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Dean jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Dean jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Dean jobs are:
Graduate Dean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Dean job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,501 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Dean, UNMC Graduate Studies

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

University Of Nebraska Medical Center rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 1,053 rated hospitals

Job description

Requisition Details
GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION
EEO Statement:
UNMC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Location
Omaha, NE
Requisition Number:
2026 - 294
Department
Graduate Studies 50001210
Business Unit(College/Institute)
Academic Affairs
FTE:
Academic TBD
Reg-Temp
Full-Time Regular
Work Schedule
Academic TBD
Requisition Category
Operations
Requisition Title
Dean, UNMC Graduate Studies
Job Title/Academic Rank
Dean, UNMC Graduate Studies
Additional Requisition Title
Appointment Type
M1 - REG ACAD ADMIN SAL
Salary Range
Commensurate with Experience
Job/EEO Category
Executive, Administrative and Managerial
Job Requisition Begin Date
07/20/2026
Position Qualification
Position Summary
Position Summary
The Dean of Graduate Studies serves as the campus leader for graduate education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and as UNMC's representative within the University of Nebraska Graduate College. The Dean is administratively responsible to the Chancellor of UNMC and works in close partnership with the Dean of the Graduate College, who provides leadership for the University-wide Graduate College. In this role, the Dean collaborates with graduate deans and academic leaders across the University of Nebraska system to advance graduate education as a shared, system-wide enterprise.
The Dean is a member of the UNMC leadership team and works closely with the Chancellor, college deans, institute directors, and research leadership to align graduate education with institutional priorities in research, education, and workforce development.
The Dean provides senior leadership for the planning, development, coordination, assessment, and continuous improvement of graduate programs. The position works with faculty, program directors, and academic leadership to support the establishment, modification, review, and enhancement of graduate degree and certificate programs, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, accreditation requirements, and evolving workforce needs.
As a member of the UNMC leadership team, the Dean oversees the Office of Graduate Studies and provides leadership for graduate student recruitment, admissions, enrollment, retention, degree completion, student support services, and professional development initiatives. The Dean is responsible for fostering student success while maintaining high academic standards and promoting outcomes that prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, government, and the health professions.
The Dean serves as a visible advocate for graduate education and represents UNMC in collaborations with academic partners, government agencies, industry stakeholders, alumni, donors, and professional organizations. The position develops and strengthens relationships that expand opportunities for graduate students, enhance research and training initiatives, and elevates the national reputation of UNMC graduate education.
The Dean leads and coordinates graduate education across a complex academic environment, promoting consistency, accountability, and excellence while respecting the strengths and expertise of individual programs. The position provides administrative oversight of Graduate Studies personnel, operations, budgets, and student support resources and ensures the effective stewardship of resources in support of UNMC's educational and research mission.
This initial posting is open to current University of Nebraska faculty only.
Required Qualifications
Doctoral degree or terminal degree in biomedical sciences, and will be qualified to be appointed at the rank of professor. Must be qualified to be appointed to the Graduate Faculty. Must be a current faculty member within the University of Nebraska system.
Supplemental Qualifications

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