Human Resource Development (M.Ed.)

Human Resource Development is a becoming an organizational necessity. The role of the human resource specialist is growing from one based solely in training to one that is oriented to strategic improvements in workplace performance. The HRD professional also contributes to organizational success and employee well being by providing learning opportunities such as leadership development and enhanced group processes and individual competencies. This includes training and development and career and organization development. The HRD program is designed for those who aspire to provide developmental opportunities for adults in a variety of contexts such as business, government, non-profit, and other organizational settings.

Purpose
The Human Resource Development program equips students with a valuable set of competencies that prepare them for professional positions designing, implementing, facilitating, and evaluating adult and organization learning programs. This program prepares students for positions within HRD or contributes to the knowledge of current HRD professionals who are seeking career advancements.

Competencies
Students in the Human Resource Development M.Ed. program will graduate with the ability to:

1. Positively affect the bottom line by ensuring that employees have the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to be effective members of the organization and that continuing opportunities exist for skills, knowledge, and abilities to be improved.
   
2. Increase productivity and satisfaction for employees by initiating, leading, and integrating the flow of organizational communication, knowledge, and learning within the organization.
   
3. Facilitate organizational change by leading and managing through ethical and effective methods to help employees and the organization meet current environmental and market demands.
   
4. Promote individual employee growth and empowerment through the effective management of talent and the use of coaching in order to help employees set goals and take strategic action.
   
5. Deliver effective training designed for the purpose of producing optimal outcomes based on the needs of the learner and the needs of the organization; promoting a positive learning environment.