Online Master’s Programs in Training and Development

The growing training and development field requires a strong eye for talent and an ability to assess an organization’s training needs. With a master’s in training and development, graduates work as training and development specialists or training and development managers. These in-demand careers pay above-average salaries. Training and development managers, for instance, earn a median annual salary of $125,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Our list ranks the best online master’s in training and development programs for 2021. Prospective students can use the rankings to find the best fit for their interests, budget, and career goals.

Yes; many universities offer online training and development degrees for students wanting a flexible enrollment option. The format appeals to working professionals seeking career advancement.

Specialized training in needs assessment, talent development, and instructional design prepares learners for careers in training and development. A master’s program offers advanced training.

Training and development professionals earn above-average salaries and benefit from strong demand. For example, training and development managers earn a median annual salary of $125,040.

Jobs in the field include training and development specialist and training and development manager. Professionals also work as instructional designers, instructional coordinators, and human resources managers.

A training and development degree offers focused instruction in talent development, instructional design, and needs assessment. The degree provides specialized training in a human resources field, preparing professionals for career advancement. For example, a master’s degree leads to leadership roles such as training and development manager.

A growing number of universities offer online training and development programs. The flexible, convenient format appeals to working professionals and students balancing school with other responsibilities. An online format also lets prospective students shop around for the most affordable program without restricting their choices to local schools.

The cost of a master’s degree varies depending on the program, student’s enrollment status, and institution. For example, the University of Louisville charges $830 per credit for its online master’s degree in human resources and organizational development. Villanova University costs $940 per credit to earn an online master’s in human resource development. With many programs requiring 30-36 credits, prospective students should expect to spend at least $20,000 in tuition and fees.

Some programs offer tuition discounts for in-state students or distance learners. For example, at Western Carolina University, master’s students in the human resources program pay $849.28 per credit if they live outside of North Carolina but only $253.78 per credit if they qualify as an in-state student.

In addition to tuition, master’s students also spend money on textbooks, transportation, and living expenses. Distance learners often save money since they do not commute to campus.

A training and development degree prepares graduates for various career paths. At the entry level, training and development specialists administer and conduct training programs. According to the BLS, this in-demand career pays a median annual salary of $64,340 as of May 2023 with 12% projected job growth from 2022-2032.

With professional experience or a master’s degree, training and development specialists move into managerial and supervisory roles. Training and development managers design and implement training programs. They work with executives to identify an organization’s training needs and create custom programs to meet those needs. Training and development managers also supervise specialists and instructors. The median annual salary for the profession is $125,040.

Other career paths with a master’s in training and development include human resources manager, college administrator, and instructional coordinator. In these roles, professionals rely on their management and instructional design training. Compensation and benefits managers also draw on the analytical and assessment skills gained during a training and development degree.

Training and development programs build analytical and leadership skills through their coursework. Master’s students study learning theories, instructional design, program assessment, and e-learning design during their degree. These courses train students to assess an organization’s training needs, develop strategic training and development plans, and implement training programs.

Hands-on projects and assignments build the knowledge and skills necessary for training and development jobs. Many programs incorporate a capstone project or thesis to help learners gain professional experience and prepare for the workforce. This section covers common training and development courses. While each program sets its own curriculum, many feature the following options.

Training and development professionals generally do not require licensure to practice in their field. However, a voluntary professional certification helps learners showcase their strengths and stand out on the job market. A talent development, project management, or human resources certification can open the door to higher salaries and specialized roles.

Training and development graduate students qualify for multiple scholarship opportunities. Professional associations, private foundations, and private donors all support degree-seekers in human resources specialties, including training and development. In addition to the following opportunities, master’s students should research scholarships based on their university and career goals.