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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Training and Development Program?
With an online master’s in training and development program, you can expect to learn the leadership and communication skills necessary to work in corporate education and human resource environments. Those specializing in this area assess a company’s goals and current performance to create employee training programs. These programs help improve their skills and competence levels while also assisting them in becoming more effective professionals.
Online master’s programs in training and development offer the same academic rigor and quality as an on-campus degree but in a more convenient format. Distance learners can take classes independently while balancing other personal demands, such as work and family.
When researching online master’s programs in training and development, it’s essential to find the one that coincides with your career goals.
Available concentrations
You are unlikely to find many concentrations available to further specialize in training and development programs. Here are a few that are offered in some situations:
Human resources: Learn the skills and responsibilities of an HR manager, including the planning, directing, and coordinating of an organization’s administrative functions.
Research and assessment: Focus on respected research methods and methods for evaluation before, during, and after training programs. With these skills, you will be eligible for positions as training coordinators.
Common degree curriculum
While specific courses vary by concentration area and your chosen online program, master’s programs in training and development all cover similar core subject areas, including human resources, research and assessment, consulting, and other topics related to adult learners. Common courses include:
Adult Learning: Analyzes the psychological and sociological concepts related to adult learning. In the context of training and development, this course likely focuses on applying these concepts to instructional development and delivery.
Ethics: Studies the theories behind values-based leadership by analyzing case studies that present genuine ethical dilemmas. A course like this also helps students develop effective communication skills and facilitates positive discussions among diverse groups.
Strategic Workforce Planning: Often called SWP, this course teaches students how to use SWP strategies to support organizational goals through a talent management system. It typically covers SWP models, components, processes, and the evaluation and implementation of successful corporate training programs.
Integrating Technology: An overview of the best ways to incorporate technology into a training program with consideration given to desired outcomes, adult learner needs, and available resources.
Consultants in Development and Training: Prepares students to work in training and development firms or be self-employed as freelance consultants.
Certification and license preparation
Several certifications exist for professionals in the field of training and development. The Society for Human Resource Management provides standard and senior professional certifications for training and development specialists. These exams test candidates in 15 human resource knowledge areas and eight behavioral competencies. The Human Resource Certification Institute offers eight certificates for development and training specialists. Exams are based on geographic categories and degree levels, and candidates can pick from these based on their career goals.
Program accreditation
In general, accreditation for programs and schools ensures that institutions and their programs meet minimum quality standards for academics, faculty credentials, and campus resources, among others. Colleges and universities in the U.S. earn regional accreditation from one of six organizations, depending on their location. For example, a higher education institution in Texas receives its accreditation credentials from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Online master’s degrees in training and development typically involve 30-36 credits. The length varies by program and chosen concentration, but most students can complete these programs within two years. Most online master’s degree programs in training and development are completed entirely online and don’t usually involve a capstone project. A program’s structure also matters — a cohort learning style, for instance, typically has students take one class at a time with the same small group of classmates. This option is particularly attractive to part-time learners.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Training and Development Graduates
A master’s degree in training and development opens up a wealth of job opportunities, and it’s often a minimum educational requirement for those interested in taking on corporate training roles. Entry-level positions may only require a bachelor’s, but most specialist and training roles require a master’s degree.
Online master’s degree programs in training and development prepare students to become organizational leaders and educators. They help enhance the performance of individual employees by providing corporate training programs and counseling that adhere to the specific goals of their corporate clients.
As with any industry, overall pay depends on experience level and skills. Location, employer, sub-field, and education level are significant factors affecting salary. The type of industry that training and development specialists work in also makes a difference regarding salary. Below are the overall salaries for popular careers individuals choose with a training and development master’s degree.
Compensation specialists typically work in a company’s human resources department and oversee employee compensation and related benefits, including salary schedules and retirement plans. They also may assess a company’s benefits policies to ensure they meet federal, state, and local regulations.
HR managers direct, plan, and coordinate administrative functions in an organization. They often oversee recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff members, work with executives on strategic planning, and provide a link between management and employees.
The responsibilities of a training and development manager include managing staff, assessing job performance, and creating training programs that help enhance employee effectiveness. They typically design each training program component, including instructional materials and learner participation strategies. Sometimes, they may oversee a group of training and development specialists who may help administer the training.
Instructional coordinators usually work in educational settings and help principals and teachers develop curricula and maintain teaching standards according to state and local government regulations. Part of their job may also be monitoring student test data to assess school performance and recommend changes as necessary.
Typically working under training and development managers, these specialists help coordinate and administer programs that train employees to help improve their skills and knowledge in certain areas. They work in nearly every industry and spend much time working with people, leading training activities, and giving presentations.
$63,080 per year
6%
Professional organizations
Professional organizations provide those with a master’s in training and development with various resources and career support. Many professional organizations have a yearly membership fee that provides individuals with access to exclusive materials, invitations to conferences, job boards, and other professional development opportunities. Below are some professional organizations present in the corporate training and development space.
American Management Association: Founded in 1913, the American Management Association (AMA) is one of the world’s most popular and recognized training organizations. They provide memberships for professionals and students and offer specific resources and training programs.
Association for Talent Development: ATD provides members access to training programs and classes, including self-paced and online courses. They also offer discounts for conferences and an active job board.
National Career Development Association: The NCDA is a professional organization specifically for career counselors, and they advocate for industry rights through avenues such as policy initiatives and educational programming. They also offer many professional development opportunities, including webinars, in-person sessions, and certifications.
Society for Human Resource Management: The SHRM is one of the largest organizations for HR professionals. They help certify schools and individuals through their accreditation program. SHRM members receive benefits such as access to eLearning and training opportunities, career guides, and job placement assistance.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Training and Development Degree
Although online classes are generally less expensive than courses taken in person on campus, many students still need some financial assistance to help them pay for their education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is an excellent place to start – filling it out and submitting it provides information about grants, scholarships, loans, and other forms of financial aid available to you through the U.S. government.
Nonprofit organizations, companies, and even individual schools may also have scholarships you can apply for. Be sure to investigate the specific program you’re interested in to determine if they offer financial aid. You can also consult the resources listed below to help you.
Student finance resources and guides
For many students, finding the right resources to help them navigate their financial aid options is a key part of the admissions process. Below are some sources of information that may be helpful to you.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
