Training and development programs teach human performance technology in order to improve productivity. The masters in training and development programs prepare candidates for a wide range of responsibilities. These include career and organization development, design and delivery, performance analysis, and program evaluation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the masters in training and development program, candidates should be able to analyze systems performance, select, design, evaluate and implement interventions, support training and performance improvement, and evaluate training and development programs.
Online Masters in Training and Development Programs
For the convenience of busy professionals, these days a number of institutes offer online
masters in training and development programs as well. These programs offer a convenient learning schedule to students, and are also much less expensive as compared to traditional programs.
Admission Requirements
What does it take to get selected by the program?
Applicants are required to hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institute.
- Grade point average (GPA)
Decisions are made based on the applicant’s cumulative GPA. Those with a low GPA may be required to take the graduate record exam (GRE)
- Reference letters
- Personal statement
Curriculum
What courses are usually taught by the program?
The curriculum is usually divided into required courses and elective courses. The required courses include the following:
- Introduction to training and development
This course teaches the skills and roles of the training and development professional and its contribution to an organization’s goals.
- Instructional methods in training
This course examines teaching methods used when developing and formulating training programs.
This course is about technological approaches applicable in training delivery including classroom technology.
The elective courses usually include the following,
- Program planning and development
This course examines major paradigms in curriculum and practical implications for designing and evaluating curriculum and instruction.
This course analyzes main theories and practices in organization development that result in improved effectiveness of organizations.
This course teaches how to design, implement, and promote coaching programs for organizational improvement.
This course teaches developmental and psychological theories related to adult learning and the principles behind the motivation to learn.
Despite the fact that the above mentioned curriculum is typical for many schools, please note that it may vary by different degrees between programs.
What career opportunities does the program open up?
Graduates with a major in training and performance often pursue training, instructional design, or consulting posts in government, health care, business, or the military.
Some of the popular jobs pursued by those with masters in training and development include the following:
- Human resources training consultant
- Instructional coordinators
- Staff development specialist
- Training and development managers
- Project manager
Instructional coordinators
Median annual salary as of May 2012: $ 60,050 (BLS)
These professionals oversee school curriculum and various teaching standards. They also develop instructional materials, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and examine its effectiveness.
Training and development managers
Median annual salary as of May 2012: $ 95,400 (BLS)
These professionals plan, direct, and coordinate training activities in order to enhance knowledge and skills of an organization’s employees.
*All salary figures taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics