What is a Master of Science in Human Resource Development?

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masters-of-science-in-human-resource-developmentIf you are interested in earning an advanced degree in Human Resources, you might be wondering what a Master of Science in Human Resource Development will prepare you for. Human Resources is a very complex discipline and has come a long way in the last decade. With so many different job titles and so many different roles and responsibilities to assign, distinguishing between all of the various graduate degrees majoring in HR can be confusing and time consuming. There are both Master of Arts and Master of Science programs with myriad concentrations to select from, and one concentration you may have never considered before is in Human Resource Development. If you are interested in learning more about this advanced degree, read on and learn what the program entails.

What Type of Professionals is the Master of Science in Human Resource Development For?

A Master of Science program with a concentration in Human Resource Development is designed for professionals in the field who want to gain expert knowledge and mastery in the skills that are directly related to development, management and leadership in Human Resources. If you want to learn how to utilize powerful tools in an effort to facilitate positive change throughout an organization while still learning about the theoretical foundations in the field, this could be the right program for you to advance into an upper-level position in HR. Not only will you learn how to conduct invaluable research and how to measure productivity, you will also focus on critical thinking skills so that you can develop to become a valuable player in the discipline.

Features of a Human Resources Development Program

What makes a M.S. HRD program different from others is the performance-oriented curriculum that will be covered throughout your term as a graduate student. Much of the curriculum is research-oriented due to the fact that it is a Master of Science program. You can expect to achieve mastery of skills and expertise in the discipline by studying only the most relevant information that is centered around real-world experiences. Once you complete the program, you will be equipped with all of the managerial, administrative, and professional skills you need to possess to become a generalist, a specialist, or even eventually a HR manager or director.

Selecting the Best Program

The Human Resource Development program can be completed online and traditionally, depending on the school that you plan on attending. As you are comparing all of the programs, be sure to select one that is accredited by an accrediting body such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. By selecting a program that has met the high standards set by accrediting agencies, you will know that the theories and skills you gain will truly help you in the field once you graduate.


When you have a degree in Human Resource Development you can become a valuable player in helping employees develop their professional skills as a coach or mentor, or you can become part of succession planning or performance management. If you want to be a part of developing a superior workforce for a large or small organization, this degree can help you get there. Search the various Master of Science in Human Resource Development programs that are available, and get the formal training you need to start your career.

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