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15 Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Training & Development

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

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Updated: February 28, 2024, Reading time: 20 minutes

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Earning a master’s degree in Training & Development can be a great step towards a lucrative and meaningful career in almost every industry, from corporate and healthcare to government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Many training and development programs offer specializations. It can be in Management of Training and Development, Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or Instructional Design in Online Learning.


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Overview

Many universities and colleges in the country offer a master’s in training development online. This makes it easier for working training and development professionals to pursue their master’s degrees and boost their earning potential. The Labor Statistics data puts the median annual salary of training and development specialists at $63,080. Other popular careers in the field include training and development managers, human resource professionals, program directors, and more.

If you want to achieve career advancement in human resources and related fields, then the online master’s in training development is just for you.

Methodology

Various organizations are increasingly seeing the importance of Training and Development, as well as its direct connection to their success, and the need for competent training and development specialists that can fill this need continues to increase. To excel in this fast-growing field, students are well-served to get the best preparation and education they can get. 

We can help you fill this need! We’ve put together a list of the best graduate schools that offer online Master’s in Training and Development programs, based on the following criteria:

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Best Online Master’s in Training Development Programs

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC

Master of Training & Development

Considered one of the world’s leading public research universities, North Carolina State University has remained committed to providing world-class teaching and research since 1887. It currently enrolls more than 37,800 students across over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Standout Features of North Carolina State University’s Online Master of Training & Development Program:

Built with working adults in mind, the Master of Training & Development program is committed to improving human performance in organizations. It is the only graduate program of its kind in North Carolina.    

Did You Know?

As a comprehensive research university, North Carolina State University features 12 colleges and 68 departments. The university is known to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is also at the forefront of other disciplines such as social sciences, business, design, humanities, natural resources, veterinary medicine, and teaching and research in agriculture. 


Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University - Education and Human Development

College Station, TX

Master of Education (M.Ed) in Learning Design & Technology

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University is Texas’ first public institution of higher learning. It is located in the heart of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle and is home to 69,000 students. Currently, the university offers 133 undergraduate programs, 175 master’s programs, 92 doctoral programs, and five first professional degrees as options for study.

Standout Features of Texas A&M University’s Online Master of Master of Education (M.Ed) in Learning Design & Technology Program:

Part of the division of Learning Sciences, the Master of Education (M.Ed) in Learning Design & Technology degree program is led by an expert faculty interested in the science of learning. Students in this program can benefit from various educational, social, and funding opportunities promoted by the division.

Did You Know?

A Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges-approved school, Texas A&M University awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This reinforces the university’s commitment to quality education.


Purdue University

Purdue University - Online

West Lafayette, IN

Master of Science in Education – Learning Design & Tech

Purdue University is recognized for its historic land-grant mission of providing accessible and affordable education. Purdue Global is built for working adults, offering more than 175 online degree programs, micro-credentials, and certificates.

Standout Features of Purdue University’s Online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Learning Design & Technology Program:

The program consists of 12 online courses, equivalent to 32 credits, and may be completed in just over 20 months. Some of the core courses included are Human Performance Technology, Learning Theory and Instructional Design, Learning Systems Design, and Strategic Assessment and Evaluation, among others.  

Did You Know?

Purdue University’s online programs are offered through the efforts of several prestigious academic departments. Some of its colleges received awards and distinctions. This includes the College of Nursing, designated as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. The Department of Homeland Security and NSA also awarded the College of Technology the national cybersecurity designation.  


Colorado State University

Colorado State University - Online

Fort Collins, CO

Master of Education in Adult Education and Training

Colorado State is one of the country’s top public research universities. It has continuously thrived to provide quality academic programs. The five-year average enrollment in the university amounted to more than 33,400 students.

Standout Features of Colorado State University’s Online Master of Education in Adult Education and Training Program:

This online program features a personal touch within the online learning environment for a richer educational experience. Students can expect assignments that allow them to delve into research and program development areas that align with their personal and professional goals.

Did You Know?

Colorado State University features eight colleges, all dedicated to providing a lifetime of learning and exploration. This includes Agricultural Sciences, Business, Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and more.


Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University - Online

Baton Rouge, LA

Master of Science – Leadership & Human Resource Development

Dedicated to changing lives, Louisiana State University provides learning, research, and community engagement. Its student population is more than 35,000. The university is one of 24 universities in the country that hold land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant destinations.

Standout Features of Louisiana State University’s Online MS in Leadership and Human Resource Development Program:

The online master’s program focuses on improving effectiveness at a range of professional organizations. Students should be able to help organizations achieve their business and leadership goals and use evidence-based practice to help make lasting organizational changes and contribute to organizational success.   

Did You Know?

Louisiana State University’s Online and Continuing Education lead the charge toward innovations in distance learning. The online classes are spearheaded by the same expert instructors who teach on campus. Online students also get to enjoy affordable, flat-rate tuition nationwide.


Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL

Masters in Talent Development

With a Higher Learning Commission accreditation and a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparedness approval, Eastern Illinois University is recognized for its undergrad and graduate programs.

Standout Features of Eastern Illinois University’s Online Masters in Talent Development Program:

Expert professionals in the field of talent development determined the program curriculum. They worked with the Association of Talent Development – Chicago Chapter (the world’s largest ATD chapter).

Did You Know?

Eastern Illinois University was among the top Midwest public regional universities. It has numerous education programs accredited by the CAEP.


Midwestern State University Texas

Midwestern State University Texas

Wichita Falls, TX

MA in Human Resource Development, Concentration in Training and Development

Established in 1922, Midwestern State University Texas is one of the 36 public institutions of higher education in Texas. It is known as the only university in the state to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).

Standout Features of Midwestern State University Texas’ Online Master of Arts in Human Resource Development, Concentration in Training and Development Program:

A total of 39 semester hours are needed to earn the degree program. This includes courses such as Communication Skills for Human Resource Development, Instructional Strategies for Adult Learners, Instructional Systems Design, and so much more.  

Did You Know?

Midwestern State University Texas makes higher education more affordable and accessible. It offers U.S. non-Texas residents a special tuition rate.


University of Georgia

University of Georgia - Online

Athens, Georgia

Master of Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (LLOD)

The University of Georgia is a public, land-grant, research university in the city of Athens, Georgia. It stands out as one of the oldest public universities in the country, having been founded back in 1785.

Standout Features of the University of Georgia’s Master of Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development Program:

The LLOD program features a curriculum that focuses on strategic and holistic approaches to nurturing organizations. The program covers a number of key interrelated areas including adult learning, talent management, team development, and more.

 Did You Know?

The University of Georgia’s LLOD program is highly ranked among the best Online Master’s in Education programs in the country.


University of Wisconsin – Stout

University of Wisconsin – Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Master of Science in Training and Talent Development

The University of Wisconsin–Stout is a public university based in the city of Menomonie, Wisconsin. It is a member of the University of Wisconsin System and was founded in 1891. Going by their trademark “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University”, UW–Stout is one of two specialist universities in the system, in this case offering programs in the fields of industry, technology, applied arts, home economics, and the helping professions.  

Standout Features of the University of Wisconsin – Stout Master of Science in Training and Talent Development Program:

UW Stout’s polytechnic expertise brings a unique mix of competencies that are designed into this program’s curriculum, including knowledge management, organizational leadership, instructional design, and more.  

Did You Know?

The University of Wisconsin–Stout is named not after its home city, as in the case of many other universities, but after its founder James Huff Stout, a businessman and politician. UW Stout was established as a manual training (vocational) school and carries this specialization to this day.


Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois

Master of Arts in Training and Development

Roosevelt University is a private university in Chicago, Illinois, with a second campus in Schaumburg, Illinois. Roosevelt University is relatively young, having been founded as recently as 1945 by Edward J. Sparling, an educator. Roosevelt University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and currently has a student population of around 6,300.

Standout Features of Roosevelt University’s Master of Arts in Training and Development Program:

Roosevelt’s training and development program is one of the earliest, having begun over 20 years ago, and has been fully online for 15 years already. The program is also highly ranked and is designed to bring about active engagement, social connection, and real-world solutions.  

Did You Know?

Roosevelt University was initially founded as Thomas Jefferson College but was renamed in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death only two weeks after the university’s founding.


University of St. Francis

University of St. Francis

Joliet, Illinois

Master of Science in Training and Development

The University of St. Francis is a private university in the city of Joliet, Illinois. It is affiliated with the Franciscan religious order, and in its early days in the 1920s was a normal institute (a school specializing in teacher training). The university currently has a population of over 3,000 students.  

Standout Features of the University of St. Francis’ Master of Science in Training and Development Program:

This training and development program is offered with a number of specialization areas that students can choose from: Business Administration, Health Administration, Human Resource Management, Instructional Design in Online Learning, Management of Training & Development, and a Self-Designed option.

Did You Know?

The University of St. Francis became a university in 1998, after operating as the College of St. Francis since 1930. That same year, the university also started to offer online courses and degree programs.


Boise State University

Boise State University

Boise, Idaho

Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning

Boise State University is a public research university in Boise, Idaho. The university started life as a private institution and was established as the Boise Junior College in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, eventually becoming a state college in 1969, and earning university status in 1974. At present, Boise State University has over 24,000 students enrolled.  

Standout Features of Boise State University’s Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning Program:

Boise State’s MS in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning is designed to be rigorous and leans on evidence-based practice. The program also uses a real-world projects approach, where students apply their learnings while completing projects for real clients.

Did You Know?

Boise State also offers three related graduate certificate programs in Workplace Instructional Design, Workplace E-Learning Design & Development, and Workplace Performance Improvement.


University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas - Online

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Master of Education in Human Resources and Workforce Development Education

The University of Arkansas is a public, land-grant, research university in the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the flagship institution of the University of Arkansas System. It began in 1871 and was then called Arkansas Industrial University before changing to its present name in 1899. The University currently has a population of over 26,000 students.

Standout Features of the University of Arkansas’ Online Master of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education Program:

The comprehensive curriculum covers a range of skills in training and organizational development, as well as management development, total quality management, and more.

Did You Know?

The University of Arkansas campus features many interesting historic landmarks, including Spoofer’s Stone, a large chunk of limestone that was unintentionally left behind the campus grounds after the construction of the university’s Old Main building in 1875.


University of Louisville

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

Master of Science – Human Resources & Organization Development

The University of Louisville is a public research university in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, a part of the Kentucky State University system. It was founded in 1798 and became part of the state university system in 1970. The university currently has around 23,000 students enrolled.

Standout Features of the University of Louisville’s MS in Human Resources and Organization Development Program:

The program’s curriculum is designed to align with Society for Human Resource Management standards. It prepares students for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Examination. The program also aligns with research-based competencies set by the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI).

Did You Know?

The University of Louisville holds the title of being the first city-owned public university in the country upon its founding in 1798. It continued to operate as a municipally-funded institute until it became a state university in 1970.


University of Denver

University of Denver - University College

Denver, Colorado

Master of Arts in Communication Management, concentration in Learning and Development

The University of Denver is a private research university in the city of Denver, Colorado. It was founded in 1864 and was then known as the Colorado Seminary, operated as a non-sectarian institution. The University currently has a population of over 13,000 students, and is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”.

Standout Features of the University of Denver’s Master of Arts in Communication Management, Concentration in Learning and Development Program:

Aside from being fully online, the program curriculum is constantly being developed and updated, courtesy of the program’s advisory board made of industry leaders and major employers. The program is Higher Learning Commission-approved.

Did You Know?

The University of Denver also offers Learning and Development as a Graduate Certificate which consists of either 4 or 6 courses.

Online Master's in Training & Development - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in Training & Development online?

Generally, master’s programs in training and development tend to require the completion of 30-36 credits. This can usually be done between 10 months to two years.

What are the most common admission requirements to Training & Development graduate programs?

Many universities need interested students to hold a bachelor’s degree in training development or a related field. Others also require work experience and an updated resume. Other supporting documents like official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements may also be a part of the admission requirements.

Key Takeaways

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