Higher Education Department Structures: China

Higher education department structures refers to the composition, arrangement, and combination of various academic departments in higher education institutions (HEIs). In China’s HEIs, these structures reflect the hierarchical division of academic organizations, the distribution of powers and responsibilities, and the coordination mechanisms that constitute the core structure of the operation of the institutions. The departments in China hold responsibility for the promotion and development of academic productivity, teaching, research, and social services. This entry provides an overview of HEI department structures in China, illustrates examples of different types and categories of academic department structures, and discusses the advantages and challenges of these structures.