If you have ever thought about pursuing graduate-level education in order to advance your career in the field of human resources, an important question has probably crossed your mind: What can I do with a Master’s in Human Resource Development? By considering the information found below, you can obtain an answer to this question and several others that pertain to the field of human resources.
The Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development
Although broadly defined, human resource development is basically a field that integrates the sectors of psychology, systems design, sociology, management theory, organization development and education for the purpose of improving human and organizational performance. The Master’s degree in Human Resource Development facilitates this process by preparing students to become problem solvers and strategic thinkers who are capable of addressing a wide range of performance issues within the business and public sectors. Generally, HRD specialists assist organizations in identifying performance gaps and designing appropriate interventions which can result in improved human performance within the workplace environment.
Individuals who want to obtain a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development should know that doing so will generally take about two years. However, some programs may be shorter or longer than this, and the student’s availability to take courses plays a critical role in determining how soon she or he will graduate. Many students may find themselves interested in enrolling in an online degree program since doing so provides one with a great degree of scheduling flexibility.
What Can I Do With the Degree?
Individuals who obtain a Master’s in Human Resource Development should note that there are a wide range of vocational opportunities they can pursue. Some job titles they can hold include that of a:
•Instructional Designer/Technologist
•HRD/Training Specialist
•Human Performance Improvement Consultant
•E-Learning Specialist
•HRD Generalist
•Training and Development Manager
•Program Designer
•Curriculum Designer/Developer
•Training Facilitator
•Program Evaluator
•Organizational Development Consultant
•Corporate Learning Specialist
•Chief Learning Officer
Here is an in-depth look at some of these occupations:
E-learning Specialist
An E-learning specialist works for companies and other organizations such as educational institutions to ensure that their online education programs are optimized. For example, an E-learning specialist might customize the eLearning software of a college’s online correspondence courses so that instructors can offer additional instruction outside the classroom environment. E-learning specialists can also help employers inform employees of significant changes within the company or general field by making the information available online. E-learning specialists can expect to earn about $54,000 annually.
Training and Development Managers
Training and development managers are individuals who plan, coordinate, and direct programs for the purpose of enhancing the skills and knowledge of an organization’s employees. Additionally, these individuals lead and advise a staff of training and development specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, training and development managers can expect to earn about $95,400 per year.
Organizational Development Consultants
Organizational development consultants help their clients improve their businesses by offering a plethora of services. Some of those services can include change management, group problem solving, talent management, meeting design and facilitation, team development, business process redesign, and customized training. The average annual salary for an organizational development consultant in the U.S. is $82,626.
Resource: 10 Best Careers for Human Resources Professionals
Conclusion
If you are thinking about earning a Master’s in Human Resource Development, you should know that doing so can help advance your career. Now that you have an answer to the question “What can I do with a Master’s in Human Resource Development?,” you can determine whether pursuing this educational path would be appropriate for you.
