In complex modern corporations, companies, and organizations, effective training and development is crucial to an effective workforce. An online master’s in training and development provides the flexibility needed to enhance current skills to move up the corporate ladder or teach the skills needed to excel in this career. The master’s in training and development online helps equip graduates with the communication skills needed to work in human resources departments.
Learning with a training and development master’s online will help determine what your organization needs in terms of training and will assist in developing effective trainings that maximize the learning capacity of the staff, the use of current technologies, and the impact of instruction. This degree can be done part or full-time and requires 36 hours of coursework in most cases. Depending on the program, students may have sub-fields they can concentrate on, which may require additional coursework or capstone projects.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Master’s in Training and Development Programs
Great Business Schools editors are dedicated to providing reliable information for students, so the ranking of the best master’s in training and development online programs features only trusted, accredited institutions. Programs are ranked according to data from IPEDS and Niche, including tuition, salary expectations, and reputation.
1. Clemson University
The MS Human Resources Development program at Clemson University teaches students the process of improving the performance of individuals and organizations. Students learn how to handle issues that come into the organization through world events, diversity issues, workplace ethics and devise strategies that help push the organization forward while staying flexible. The program requires students to complete 36 semester hours in 12 required courses. It also features an optional emphasis in Athletic Leadership.
Clemson University (CU) is a public research university and part of the public college system of South Carolina. It boasts an average undergraduate student body of 20,000 and 5,600 graduate students each academic year. A total of seven colleges makes up CU and includes Education, Computing and Applied Sciences, Agriculture, Forestry, Life Sciences, Social and Health Sciences and Engineering.
Highlight The university is home to the Clemson Experimental Forest which is used for education, research and recreational activities.
Degree MS Human Resources Development
2. Rutgers University
The EDM Learning Cognition and Development at Rutgers University is a 100% online program with two areas of focus. Students can choose to earn their master’s in Adult & Continuing Education or Learning, Cognition & Development. The adult education degree teaches students how to design and implement curriculums that adult students can comprehend while the Learning, Cognition & Development program shows students how developmental psychology is applied to how students learn and achieve their academic goals.
Rutgers University (RU) is a public research university and is part of the New Jersey higher education system. RU has multiple campuses and is heavily engaged in research programs including space and and sea exploration. The school has 30 athletic teams that participate in NCAA Division I sanctioned sports and is also part of the Big 10 Conference.
Highlight Rutgers is the eight oldest university in the United States and was chartered before the American War of Independence.
Degree EDM Learning Cognition and Development
3. University of Missouri Columbia
The University of Missouri Columbia offers a MS in Learning Technologies and Design program that helps students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to create learning systems and develop network applications and digital applications. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the ability to work as an online course or curriculum designer, instructional designer, game designer and/or developer and in academic research. The program is 100% online and no campus visits are necessary.
The University of Missouri Columbia is a public research and land-grant university, and is the largest university in the state of Missouri. The school offers over 300 degree programs across 13 academic divisions. The school is home to the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center. Its athletic teams participate in NCAA Division I
Highlight Mizzou operates the NBC-affiliated TV station KOMU and publishes a daily newspaper known as the Columbia Missourian.
Degree MS in Learning Technologies and Design
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a M.S. in Instructional Design and Development program that prepares students to create learning programs in a variety of employment settings. Students learn how to create systematic instructional design materials, understand how people learn and process new material at different stages of life, and how to use multimedia design programs. The 100% online program requires 30 credit hours for completion and is designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a public research university and is part of the University of Alabama System of higher education. The school’s student body averages over 22,000 individuals taking undergraduate and postgraduate classes every academic school year. It has 17 college sports team that participate in the NCAA Division I Conference.
Highlight UAB is also a sea-grant and space-grant university.
Degree M.S. in Instructional Design and Development
5. Penn State World Campus
The MPS in Organization Development and Change program at Penn State World Campus is an online-only program that’s designed to help working professionals who want to improve their leadership skills. The program has an international focus that helps students gain understanding of how global issues affects the workforce. Students also learn how to use technology to facilitate changes within an organization.
Penn State University (PSU) is a public research university and is part of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. PSU features 19 commonwealth campuses located across the state and also offers an onilne university with global reach.
Highlight The school is a land-grant university and is a space-grant, sea-grant and sun-grant national participant.
Degree MPS in Organization Development and Change
6. University of St Francis
The University of St Francis offers a MS Training and Development degree program to students who want to enter into the field of development and training of individuals. The program combines concentrations from business administration, human resource management, instructional design in online learning and self-design in order to provide students with the tools they need to become effective leaders. The program can be completed in 12 months and is 100% online.
The University of St. Francis is a private religious university and is affiliated with the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. The school is home to four colleges that include Arts and Sciences, Business and Health Administration, Education, and the Leach College of Nursing.
Highlight Athletic teams compete in the NAIA and is part of the Chicago Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Degree MS Training and Development
7. University of Louisville
The MS Human Resources and Organizational Development program at University of Louisville is designed for working professionals who want to improve their career trajectory and gain expertise in the human resources field. Students learn how to become effective human resource specialists, managers and workforce development specialists. The coursework is also aimed towards active members of the military who want to gain human resource skills and knowledge The program is officially aligned with SHRM guidelines and qualifying graduates can sit for the SHRM-CP exam.
University of Louisville (UofL) is a public research university and is part of the Kentucky state university system. It features 12 schools and colleges that include Public Health and Information Sciences, Music, Nursing, Business, Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Development, Dentistry, Brandeis School of Law, and others. The athletics team at UofL participate in the NCAA Division I – Atlantic Coast Conference.
Highlight The school is a premier research facility in medicine and is the location of the first artificial heart transplant surgery as well as the first successful hand transplant.
Degree MS Human Resources and Organizational Development
8. Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a M.Ed in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change specialization program for students who want to become an effective manager and leader in a given organization. Students learn how to analyze issues in the workplace, create and implement workplace education, improve performance systems, and gain skills in leading individuals, teams, processes and organizations. The program is designed to prepare students to enter into an all-encompassing leadership role that seeks overall improvements for a given organization.
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university and is the flagship school of the Colorado State University System. The school has an average of 34,000 students enrolled each academic year and offers 65 bachelor’s degrees and 55 master’s degrees. It also has doctoral degrees in 40 areas of study, and has a professional degree program in veterinary medicine.
Highlight The athletics program competes in the Mountain West Conference which is part of the NCAA Division I.
Degree MED Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change
9. Lewis University
The MA Organizational Leadership program at Lewis University is a 100% online program that helps students develop the skills they need to move into leadership roles in their chosen field of work. Students are taught how to grasp their own leadership strengths and talents, how to manage conflict within an organization, take ownership for any given situation, and how to make changes from a leadership position. The program also helps students learn how to solve problems created by human interactions, apply critical thinking skills, and how to communicate information in a clear and concise fashion.
Lewis University is a private Roman Catholic and Lasallian university located in Illinois. The school enrolls about 6,800 students each academic year. The school has six colleges that include Aviation, Science and Technology, Business, Graduate, Professional and Continuing Education, Nursing and Health Sciences, Education and Social Sciences, and Business. The athletics team competes in the NCAA Divsion II and is part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference and the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association.
Highlight Lewis offers over 80 undergraduate degrees, 22 graduate programs, and accelerated programs aimed at working adults.
Degree MA Organizational Leadership
10. University of the Southwest
University of the Southwest offers a MBA Strategic Management program that’s designed for business executives whose role focuses on creating strategic plans of action for their organization. The program can be completed in 12 months and is delivered entirely online. Students work with instructors who have years of experience working in their field and have expertise in the development of strategic initiatives. The program features a human resources component to teach students how to help employees find success in their career with the employer.
University of the Southwest is a private Christian University in New Mexico. It has over 50 undergraduate programs and 15 graduate programs distributed across three schools that include Arts and Science, Business and Professional Studies and Education. The school has six men’s sport teams and seven women’s sports teams known as the Mustangs. The sports teams participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and are part of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC).
Highlight The school has an average of 1,000 students attending campus during an academic year.
Degree MBA Strategic Management
11. Western Carolina University
The MS Human Resources program at Western Carolina University is a 100% online program that’s aimed at students who are already working in the human resources field or wants to move into a human resources role. Students are taught to develop competencies in HR leadership through classes that focus on how to recognize talent and encourage its development. The program is designed to accommodate working students and offers them the option to attend part or full-time.
Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public university and is part of the University of North Carolina higher education system. The school has an average school population of 12,000 students each academic year and gives an education to students from 48 states and 35 countries.
Highlight WCU makes it a point to engage with the local community in order to provide educational opportunities. It also has a partnership with the Cherokee nation to preserve its language.
Degree MS Human Resources
12. Grand Canyon University
The MEd Educational Leadership program at Grand Canyon University is aimed towards students who want to work in the field of education or are looking to earn licensure for education. Students have the option to enter a master’s degree program for working educators or master’s degree programs for postsecondary education. Multiple degree programs are available with core curriculums that address teaching students of all ages and educational challenges. The programs are 100% online and designed to be flexible for working students.
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university and is now a non-profit institution. It offers over 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Business, Education, Fine Arts and Production, Theology, Doctoral Studies, Nursing and Health Care, Humanities, GCU Honors College, and Science, Engineering and Technology.
Highlight GCU is the largest Christian university in the world based on its 20,000 on-campus students and 90,000 online students.
Degree MED Educational Leadership
13. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University offers a MEd in Instructional Design and Technology program is designed to teach students how to take on a leadership role in any work environment. Students learn how to recognize and encourage leadership potential in students or employees, gain comprehension of how people learn at different stages of life, how to make sustainable organization change and how to design an instructional program. The program requires 33 credit hours to complete.
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a public research university and part of the University System of Ohio. It offers over 200 undergraduate degree programs and a selection of master’s and doctoral degrees. The school features a robust recreational center for athletic activities.
Highlight BGSU’s athletic teams participate in the NCAA Division I level and belongs to the Mid-American Conference.
Degree MEd in Instructional Design and Technology
14. Idaho State University
The MS in Human Resource Development program at Idaho State University teaches students how to take on a leadership role in any organization or agency. Students learn how to create organizational learning materials that help employees at all levels improve their performance. The M.S. HRD-CTE program is designed to support educators who teach adults in the trades and professions. This master’s degree program is fully online, and can be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Idaho State University (ISU) is a public research university and part of the Idaho public university system. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Bengals and participate in the NCAA Division 1 FCS Big Sky Conference.
Highlight ISU is also a space-grant university and is part of a consortium that has one school in each state engaging in outer space research.
Degree MS in Human Resource Development
15. Eastern University
Eastern University’s MBA Management program is designed to teach students how to become effective leaders at high-performing organizations. Students have the option to take a concentration in Social Impact, Health Administration, Leadership, and Innovation and Design to refine their MBA or design their own interdisciplinary concentration. Students learn how to think with a leadership mindset, engage individuals and teams to perform at their best and engage their business acumen for the betterment of the organization.
Eastern University is a private Christian university and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Colleges at the school include Arts and Humanities, Business and Leadership, Templeton Honors, Palmer Theological Seminary, Education, Health and Sciences, and Esperanza junior college. Its athletic teams compete in NCAA Division III.
Highlight The university features the Edison Room which is home to a collection of artifacts and drawings from Thomas Edison.
Degree MBA Management
How Do I Choose a Master’s in Training and Development Program?
When choosing the best online master’s programs for human resources development it’s important to understand the types of courses that will be offered. Students will go through core courses in Human Resource Administration, Organizational Change, and Instructional Design. More detailed coursework includes:
- Consultation for Education and Industry
Students are prepared to work in training and development firms or operate as freelance consultants. Students are taken through client situational assessments, theories of human resources development in internal and external organizations, evaluating consultation programs, and the dynamics of professional relationships.
- Technology and Training
This course assists students in selecting the right technology for their organization to help develop effective training scenarios for employees. This focuses on adult learner needs, organizational and training resources, multimedia platforms, performance-relevant training models for distance learning and classroom education, and more.
- Ethics in decision-making
This is a course that focuses on the theories behind values-based leadership. Students will also develop their ability to effectively communicate and facilitate productive discussion in diverse groups.
- Strategic Workforce Planning
These strategies support the goals of the organization through an integrated talent management system. Students are taken through SWP models, processes, components, implementation, and evaluation of a successful training program.
- The Adult Learner
Students will analyze sociological and psychological theories related to adult learning and instructional development and delivery. Topic evaluated will include motivation, learning processes, diversity in characteristics, and background.
What Kind of Job Can I Get with a Master’s in Training and Development?
Many people wonder, what can I do with a master’s in training and development? There are many careers to pursue with a master’s in training and development. Training and development management jobs are plentiful in this field, with different master of training and development jobs easily attainable. Training and development manager jobs span an entire field within the human resources field. Jobs in training and development management include:
- Training and development specialist
- Training and development manager
- Human Resources specialist
- Human Resources manager
- Instructional Coordinator
Master’s in training and development jobs have a very bright outlook, with the median pay being about $54.50 per hour with just a bachelor’s degree. Individuals with a master’s degree can see a significant increase in salary, especially with work experience. The salaries of individuals with a master of training and development jobs also vary based on the state and region. These jobs can be found in nearly every industry, with the employment and salary range expected to grow at least 7% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations.
When using the internet to search for jobs, using the keyword: training and development manager jobs near me should produce good results. This will outline all the different types of jobs available and their locations around the globe.
Students who pursue this type of online master’s in training and development should also consider certifications and licensing available to further their position in the marketplace. The Human Resource The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) offers eight certificates for training and development specialists. This consists of multiple-choice, fill in the blank, drag and drop, and scenario response questions from an exam based on geographic categories and degree levels.
It would also be wise for individuals with this degree to pursue Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certifications, as well as joining this association.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief