Online Master’s Degree Program in Human Resource Development
MS in Human Resource Development
As organizations compete to thrive in an increasingly global market, an innovative approach to leadership is needed at every level. Drexel University’s online program prepares you to become a strategic partner to your organization's leaders, facilitating workplace learning and change, while maximizing employee performance at all levels of the organization. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of education, psychology, and business, the program prepares you to lead change and growth strategies within your organization.
What is a Master of Science in Human Resource Development?
An MS in Human Resource Development is the ideal human resources degree for professionals who are employee-focused. Human resource development programs prioritize the strategic aspects of human resources, like training, organizational development, employee retention, career development, and mentoring. The goal of the program is to help you facilitate learning, performance, and change across all organizational levels, regardless of the sector or industry.
Master’s Degree in Human Resources Development Online Program Features
- Recognized by the Academy of Human Resource Development as a Program of Excellence
- Aligned with the core competencies espoused by the Association for Talent Development, Society for Human Resource Management, International Society for Performance Improvement, and the OD Network
- Learn from and network with faculty who are leading researchers and practitioners in the fields of human resources and talent development
- Curriculum includes the most up-to-date technology, tools, and trends to ensure you’re familiar with the latest developments in the field
- Classes are entirely online, so you can learn around your schedule
- Members of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and other partner organizations receive a 30% tuition savings
Why Should You Earn an MS in Human Resource Development?
Learn more about why you should earn an MS in Human Resource Development from Program Director, Salvatore Falletta, EdD:
Archived Webinars
- Evidence-Based Evaluation for Workplace Learning, Performance, and Change
- Innovation and Learning: Designing and Redefining Workplace Learning in the New Normal
- Leaders’ Role in Recognizing and Responding to Distress and Promoting Wellbeing
- School of Education Online Open House
What are the Salary Expectations for Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Human Resources?
Graduates of the Master’s in Human Resources program can work in a wide range of settings, including the government, educational sector, large corporations, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations. Some familiar job titles and median salaries for positions within the field of Human Resource Development include:
Job Title
Median Salary*
Career Coach
$52,050
Human Resources Business Partner
$104,850
Human Resources Consultant
$75,200
Human Resources Manager
$110,120
Human Resources Specialist
$60,350
Performance Improvement Specialist
$89,600
Training and Development Manager
$108,250
Training and Development Specialist
$60,360
*2017-2019 figures via Bureau of Labor Statistics and Wanted Analytics
Human Resource Development vs. Human Resource Management
A degree in human resource management tends to be more focused on the transactional functions of human resources such as recruitment, compensation, and compliance. A human resource development degree, on the other hand, will highlight skills such as talent development, employee engagement and retention, training, leadership development, and succession management. The goal of a human resource development degree is to help you facilitate organizational leadership growth and development.
Archived Webinar
Related Program
State restrictions may apply to some programs. Learn more.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Core Requirements | ||
EDCR 510 | Leadership in Educational Contexts and Systems | 3.0 |
EDCR 512 | Using and Integrating Learning Technology | 3.0 |
EDCR 514 | Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education | 3.0 |
EDCR 518 | Evidence-Based Evaluation | 3.0 |
Human Resource Development Courses | ||
EHRD 500 | Foundations of Human Resource Development | 3.0 |
EHRD 602 | Coaching and Mentoring for Sustainable Learning | 3.0 |
EHRD 611 | Organization Development and Change | 3.0 |
EHRD 612 | Strategic Human Resources Development | 3.0 |
EHRD 660 | Principles of Adult Learning | 3.0 |
Capstone Research Sequence | ||
EDU 780 | Capstone Research | 3.0 |
Choose from one of the following: | 6.0 - 7.5 | |
Thesis Track | ||
EDUT 780 | Thesis Capstone Course I | |
EDUT 781 | Thesis Capstone Course II | |
Practitioner Track | ||
EDUP 780 | Practitioner Capstone Course I | |
EDUP 781 | Practitioner Capstone Course II | |
Professional Electives | 9.0 | |
Total Credits | 45.0 - 46.5 |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with undergraduate GPA—a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above may be considered)
- Provisional admission may be granted for a GPA below 3.0
- An admissions interview is required for a GPA below 2.75
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement (500-750 words) describing your interest in the program. Specifically:
- How the program relates to your previous educational and professional activities
- If changing course, why you're moving in this new direction with your educational goals
- How the program relates to your current line of work
- How you plan to apply the program to your future goals
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2024-2025 is $1111 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1481 per credit)
For the academic year 2024-2025, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2024-2025 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2024
September 23, 2024
December 7, 2024
December 9, 2024
December 14, 2024
Winter 2025
January 6, 2025
March 15, 2025
March 17, 2025
March 22, 2025
Spring 2025
March 31, 2025
June 7, 2025
June 9, 2025
June 14, 2025
Summer 2025
June 23, 2025
August 30, 2024
September 2, 2025
September 6, 2025
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