Online Master's in HRD

Program Description

The Master of Education (Ed.M.) with a concentration in Human Resource Development (HRD) is designed for individuals currently working in or aspiring to human resource development positions in a variety of organizational sectors. The program is delivered through highly interactive synchronous and asynchronous technologies that provide live interactions between students and and instructors, and rich environment for in-depth discussions. The program emphasizes:

  • Training and Development
  • Workplace Learning
  • Organization Development
  • Performance Improvement

Our HRD students and graduates work for community-based groups, corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, the military, and non-profit organizations. Courses are highly interactive and provide participants with a focus on training and development, organization development, and the use of technology for performance improvement at the individual and organizational levels.

Here's what others have been saying about the program:

  • Ranked "Top Ten" nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Won "Outstanding HRD Program of the Year" from the Academy of Human Resource Development.
  • Named a "Top 10 Best Buy" among HR-related online programs by GetEducated.com.

Admision Requirements

Applicants with at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the United States or a comparable degree from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.

Applicants enrolled in the final year of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the United States or a or comparable degree program from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad, and who meet the GPA requirements stated above.

International applicants must meet minimum requirements based on their country of origin. Please note that proposed programs of study may require a higher GPA than the Graduate College's minimum standard.

For International Applicants: TOEFL scores are required. The minimum score for the Department of EPOL is 590.

Core Courses - 32 Total Hours

All of the courses below:
      HRE 400: Principles of HRE
      HRE 411: Instructional Design
      HRE 472: Learning Technologies
      EPS 500: History of Work and Educational policy
      EPSY 407: Adult Learning and Development
      HRE 585: Program Evaluation
      HRE 532: Strategic Human Resource Development

Capstone Courses - 4 Hours

In addition to your core courses, you will complete a two-part capstone project taken in conjunction with your Term 4 course in each year of your program. HRD 495I is a prerequisite for HRE 495II:
      HRE 495I: Research in Organizations and Institutions (2hrs)     
      HRE 495II: Individual Capstone Project in Organizations (2hrs)

For complete information on courses, registration, application and more, please visit

Education Online's website and look under "Online Program Options"

Example Program Plan

To be added

Application Information

  1. Download Step-by-Step Application Instructions (PDF)
  2. Apply Online apply

Student Forms and Policies for Current Students

  • Ed.M. Requirements & Advising Worksheet (HRD on-campus program)
    For students entering Fall 2010 or after 
    (PDF) (Word)

    For students entering Spring 2006 or after 
    (PDF) (Word)