Best Online Master’s Programs in Training and Development

If you’re considering pursuing a master’s degree, you probably enjoy learning and may be looking to expand your career options. As a learning and development specialist, you can help others do the same.

A master’s in learning and development can provide the skills to work in human resources, adult education, or corporate training as an instructional designer, training manager, talent consultant, and more. Continue exploring this guide to learn what to expect from this degree’s curriculum, specializations, and potential outcomes.

A master’s in learning and development teaches business-focused students to develop curriculums, oversee training methods, and evaluate employee performance. Though they may use different names, like training and development, corporate training and communication, talent development, or instructional coordination, these programs teach similar concepts.

It’s common for schools to award this specialization as a master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) degree. These programs don’t vary much when attached to a learning and development discipline, but an MS may focus slightly more on design tools and industry research than an MA. Learning and development degrees may also be available as a master of education geared toward careers in educational curriculum development and instruction.

Generally, a master’s in learning and development requires 30-36 credits and takes 1-2 years to complete. Many schools offer this degree through on-campus, online, and hybrid delivery. Online courses may be asynchronous with no set meeting times or synchronous, requiring learners to meet with their instructor or peers through video on specific days and times for live instruction.

Earning an online master’s in training and development provides students with the leadership and communication skills required for work in corporate education. Graduates possess broad skill sets that allow them to pursue work in offices and for corporations of all sizes.

Program requirements and duration vary among schools, though all programs at accredited institutions will adhere to rigorous academic standards and offer similar core coursework. Each program will also likely offer concentrations and advanced coursework. Students interested in particular subfields or specialties should conduct careful research to find a degree program that meets their needs.

Coursework covers the theories behind values-based leadership. Students analyze case studies, practice communication skills, and facilitate peer discussions. Most training and development master’s programs require this course.

This class covers strategic workforce planning models by breaking down the processes and components needed to create a successful training program. Enrollees also learn the steps required to implement and evaluate workplace prep programs.

Students learn to choose various training technologies by considering potential outcomes and other organizational methodologies. Coursework may also cover multiple media platforms, computer-based education, and performance analysis of various training models.

This class prepares learners to work in development and training offices. Coursework includes client assessment, consultation evaluation, and the foundations of professional relationships. Assignments emphasize human resource development for companies of all sizes, including independent consulting work.

This course emphasizes the sociological and psychological theories behind the concept of learning as an adult. Topics include the diversity in backgrounds, motivations, and characteristics of adult learners. Students consider foundations for training and development specialties.

To be an effective manager, candidates must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Through lectures, interactive discussions, and analysis of practical interactions in the workplace, enrollees learn the fundamentals of leadership dynamics and their function in the workplace.

Coursework equips enrollees with the skills needed to implement social awareness programs in the workplace. This class introduces students to social justice by researching applicable movements throughout history. Learners analyze theoretical scenarios regarding social equality in the workplace.

Accreditation verifies that a school meets academic standards set by an accrediting body.

Institutional accreditation applies to entire schools and is necessary for students seeking federal financial aid or credit transfers between institutions.

Programmatic accreditation endorses industry-specific programs and departments. The following bodies accredit business-focused departments and degrees, including master’s degrees in learning and development:

Check a school’s accreditation page or department website to discover its accreditation status or search for accredited schools and programs using the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s database.

Certifications are usually optional for this field, although they can help you develop specific skills, stand out to employers, and advance your career.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers a few notable certifications for learning and development professionals, namely its certified professional (SHRM-CP) and senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP) credentials. SHRM also provides relevant specialty certifications for learning and development professionals, including the HR department of one and people analytics specialty credentials.

You can also pursue certifications from the HR Certification Institute, including associate professional in human resources and global professional in human resources.

According to the latest National Center for Education Statistics data, the average annual tuition for a master’s degree in business, management, or marketing was $10,990 in 2020.

Completing a master’s degree in learning and development requires a significant financial investment. Prospective learners should consider the following financial aid resources to help them budget for their education.

Students should always fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By seeking federal loans through the FAFSA program, eligible students can receive funds through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Many schools and private programs offer scholarships and grants to active members of the military and veterans. Some programs offer funds to reservists as well.

As the prevalence of online schools has grown, more institutions offer online-specific scholarships to distance learners. These scholarships can correspond in criteria and sum to those for in-person students, though this is not always the case.

Colleges and universities offer academic and needs-based scholarships for students in certain programs. Students seeking online master’s degrees in training and development may receive scholarships and loans through their school/college of business or communication.

Students and graduates of learning and development programs may be interested in joining a professional society or organization. Most organizations require members to pay yearly fees to access scholarships, networking events, research events, and certification opportunities. These five organizations are some of the largest for training and development professionals.

Association for Talent Development: Members of ATD reside in 120 countries. This association serves as one of the largest training organizations in the world and offers memberships to students and professionals in the field. ATD members can access networking events, certification opportunities, and resources from other professional organizations.

American Management Association: AMA ranks among the field’s top training organizations, embracing members from all over the world and providing them access to training opportunities and resources such as the Women’s Leadership Center. AMA offers membership to professionals and students pursuing degrees in training and development.

National Council for Workforce Education: NCWE furthers basic skills training and job development for professionals and students in institutions of higher education. This council holds conferences and advocates for federal advances of student rights. Members can access workshops, networking events, and research reports.

National Career Development Association: This professional organization focuses on career counselors. NCDA promotes industry rights through educational training and policies at the state and federal levels. Membership includes access to online seminars, face-to-face instruction, and professional certification.

Society for Human Resource Management: SHRM is one of the largest associations for human resource professionals. It certifies individuals and schools through its accreditation program. Membership includes training, online learning, and career guides. SHRM members can also receive job placement assistance and academic counseling.

Most master’s in learning and development programs require an applicant to have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate coursework. Some schools also request a resume, essay, professional references, and previous relevant work experience.

Yes. Learning and development is a subset of HR focusing on worker training and development. Learning and development professionals also have HR experience, allowing them to meet an organization’s staffing and employee development needs.

Yes. The BLS projects the demand for training and development specialists and managers to grow by 6% from 2022-2032. As of 2022, more than 28,000 training and development professionals worked in company and enterprise management alone in the United States.

If you enjoy improving organizational workforces, a master’s in learning and development could suit you. A master’s degree could lead to jobs with excellent salary potential, like training and development managers, who earn a median salary of $120,000 as of May 2022, according to the BLS.