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Academic Advisor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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An 11068560academic advisor17.96education5.44higher education3.23admissions2.64college2.08788119841122000.0049809.1689000.00YEARLY378110492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Academic Advisor, or College Advisor, is responsible for working with students in high schools, colleges and universities to help them meet the requirements to graduate and earn their desired degree. Their duties include helping students pick a potential career path, recommending courses for students to take and staying updated on course requirements.

11068560academic advisor17.96education5.44higher education3.23admissions2.64college2.08788119841122000.0049809.1689000.00YEARLY378110492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Academic Advisor Duties and Responsibilities

An Academic Advisor’s duty is primarily to students who attend the high school, college or university where they are employed. The advisor needs to have a thorough understanding of the various degree programs and the necessary classes for those programs. Students will seek the help of advisors as they plan for their future careers. Academic Advisors also help students who are transferring from other schools and make sure that they go through orientation and get their credits transferred.

Here’s a sample list of academic advisor duties and responsibilities:

  • Meet with students regularly to review degree progress and graduation requirements
  • Review placement tests and certifications with students to ensure they are fulfilling requirements and are placed in the proper classes or programs
  • Keep up with registration deadlines and help make sure students register on time
  • Assist students with any changes in their course of study
  • Attend college fairs to meet with potential students
  • Review career goals with students and help them follow the proper track to reach their goals

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Academic Advisor Job Description Examples

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What does an 11068560academic advisor17.96education5.44higher education3.23admissions2.64college2.08788119841122000.0049809.1689000.00YEARLY378110492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Academic Advisor do?

Academic Advisors are typically employed by high schools or colleges to provide guidance to students and help them successfully graduate from the institution. They work closely with students to gauge their academic interests to help them pick courses and academic programs that are well suited for them. The Academic Advisor’s job is to build a course schedule for students and track their progress throughout their academic career to ensure they’re on track to graduate. Some Academic Advisors travel to job and college fairs to meet potential students and build strong relationships with employers and other institutions.

11068560academic advisor17.96education5.44higher education3.23admissions2.64college2.08788119841122000.0049809.1689000.00YEARLY378110492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Academic Advisor Skills and Qualifications

Qualified applicants have these skills and qualifications in order to assess whether they have the necessary skills to be a good candidate for the position. You’ll want to include education and experience requirements, as well as desirable interpersonal skills and character traits.

A successful 11068560academic advisor17.96education5.44higher education3.23admissions2.64college2.08788119841122000.0049809.1689000.00YEARLY378110492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Academic Advisor candidate will show these skills and qualifications, which are necessary to fulfill the duties explained in the job description:

  • A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • 2-3 years of advising experience
  • Knowledge and understanding of education and degree requirements for students wanting to graduate
  • Superb communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, especially with students
  • Understanding of the skills and education necessary for students to enter various professions

Academic Advisor Salary Expectations

An Academic Advisor makes an average of $42,393 per year. Salary expectations depend on the candidate’s level of education and experience. Typically advising positions that require higher education and more experience will pay more. Tenure for an Academic Advisor takes up to 3 years.

Academic Advisor Salary Expectations

2025-10-0122000.0049809.1689000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 49809.16 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 22000.00 - 89000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Academic Advisor Education and Training Requirements

Education and training requirements for Academic Advisors vary depending on their specific position and the type of institution they work for. An Academic Advisor at a university usually holds a master’s degree and has several years of experience in advising. Academic Advisors at community colleges and high schools can hold advising positions with only a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Undergraduate degrees in marketing, psychology, social work, counseling and other similar subjects prepare a person well for advising. Many Academic Advisors will begin their position with a bachelor’s degree and later earn a master’s degree for an opportunity to advance.

Academic Advisor Experience Requirements

A good candidate for your business’s available position will have the level of experience you need. If you are interested in finding a candidate who won’t need a lot of training or who might be able to act as a trainer or supervisor for others, you’ll need to specify the need for three to five or more years of experience. For entry-level positions, candidates might only need one or two years of experience. If you’re okay with providing a lot of training, you can put “no experience necessary” in the experience requirement section of the job description.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

Indeed has a long list of job description examples for you to look through and find what you’re looking for. Job description templates are available for similar positions to academic advisors. Browse these similar templates:

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Frequently asked questions about Academic Advisors

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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