Human resource development
Human Resource Development (HRD) is an interdisciplinary field that combines insights from psychology, sociology, economics, organizational development, and education. We explore the human element of how organizations run. We research the dynamics between employees in an organizational context, and how knowledge is created and shared both formally and informally.
HRD practitioners are prepared to design training and development programs, identify system and business process needs, forecast necessary staffing changes, and improve employee engagement and performance. As a community of scholars, we seek to answer questions like:
- How does telecommuting affect workers’ sense of belonging?
- What are the undervalued leadership qualities needed for organizational innovation and success?
- What incentives motivate our workers to continuously improve?
- How do our everyday practices intersect with our political and socio-economic contexts?
Featured News
"People first" - In human resource development, learning and lives are the focus
Programs
Certificates
Undergraduate HRD certificate
Learn how to identify gaps in skills, knowledge, and technology for organizational units, and be able to understand and recommend a variety of development approaches and options.
Graduate HRD certificate
Learn how to identify gaps in skills, knowledge, and technology for organizational units, and be able to understand and recommend a variety of development approaches and options.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Human resource development BS
You will gain the skills you need to offer workplace training and contribute to organizational development in a variety of public and private organizations.
Human resource development internship
The purpose of the graduate internship is to provide students an opportunity to engage in real-life human resource development (HRD) experiences under the supervision of HRD practitioners from industry, (for-profit or not-for-profit business), education, consulting, and government.
Graduate Degree Programs
Human resource development MEd
This prepares you to lead training and development in organizations, assess when various development strategies are needed, and implement and evaluate solutions for organizational change.
Human resource development MA
This track program will help you gain valuable industry experience, learn key models and strategies in training and development, and prepare to enter into a number of research-focused fields and careers.
Master of Learning and Talent Development (MLTD)
An entirely online graduate degree that prepares you to lead training and development in organizations, assess when various development strategies are needed, and implement and evaluate solutions for organizational change.
Human resource development PhD
This track program prepares you to conduct research and provide sophisticated consultation into how workers acquire new knowledge and skills, relate to one another in complex social environments, and transition to management and leadership positions.
