How To Become An Academic Dean: What It Is and Career Path

What is an academic dean and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Academic deans have the authority over a single academic entity in a college, university, or a certain institutional department, like the dean of the medical school. This role is responsible for the approval of faculty recruitment, management of budgets, fundraising, the creation of academic legislation, the production of academic programs, and other administrative functions. They may also organize the work of the students, engage in faculty committee activities, and advise the president of the academic institution on academic matters.

On a daily basis, academic deans help with data classification from all evaluations and develop tactics for intervening with students who are encountering difficulties in terms of academics. They work together with other administrators to integrate educational actions and resources. They also enhance and track school programs while ensuring that academic accreditation from the state and federal standards is specifically fulfilled.

To become an academic dean, you should have at least three years of experience in academic management or any related environment. It is necessary to be accustomed to holding influence over the activities of the institution. It is also important to have an established record as a teacher and public servant.

ScoreAcademic DeanUS Average

Salary

7.3

Avg. Salary $94,053

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.1

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 4.26%

Black or African American 11.50%

Hispanic or Latino 13.67%

Unknown 3.98%

White 65.89%

Gender

female 54.98%

male 45.02%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an academic dean

Explore academic dean education requirements

Most common academic dean degrees

Bachelor's

49.1 %

Master's

30.8 %

Doctorate

9.9 %

Start to develop specific academic dean skills

Skills	Percentages
Curriculum Development	9.63%
Professional Development	7.39%
Student Services	5.27%
Student Learning	5.24%
Academic Affairs	4.60%

Complete relevant academic dean training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New academic deans learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an academic dean based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real academic dean resumes.

Research academic dean duties and responsibilities

Produce, manage and evaluate all budgetary and programmatic aspects of a comprehensive career service program for students and alumni.
Work cooperatively with other offices and student groups in the implementation of various campus-wide multicultural activities and other major events.
Create individualized educational plans for students desiring to study in English speaking countries.
Coordinate several courses which involve development of the departmental syllabus and managing development of the departmental final.

Prepare your academic dean resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your academic dean resume.

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