Best Master’s in Training And Development Degree Programs of 2024

Graduates of training and development master’s degree programs design and implement instructional programs as corporate trainers, organizational consultants, or instructional coordinators. They’re leaders in their industry, teaching their colleagues and the next generation of employees how to become more efficient and effective with state-of-the-art training techniques and management concepts.

In 2022, the median annual pay for these training and development specialists was $63,080, while the average wage for a manager in training and development was $120,000. When graduates apply their master’s degree to a career in human resources, they could make $130,000 as human resources managers. In 2023, the average tuition and fees for a master’s degree in training and development were $20,513. Based on its flexibility within industries, investing in this master’s degree is an investment in a future career.

How to Choose a Training and Development Degree Program

Choose your area of study

Training and development degree programs lead to two career paths: business and education. When you plan to use your master’s degree in the corporate world, you will likely choose a degree program like a Master of Science in program management, a Master of Science in organizational development, or an MBA focusing on training and development. If you prefer coursework in the humanities departments — and you’re looking for a career in human resources — consider a Master of Arts in human resources with an emphasis on training and development.

The education world is also in need of instructional coordinators with master’s degrees in training and development. When you earn your postgraduate degree through a school of education, your degree choices include a Master of Education in training and development, a Master of Education in organizational development, or even a Master of Science in instructional design.

Research schools and programs

Start your degree research with a list of accredited schools and training and development programs. Accredited schools and programs make it easy for you to transfer credits and degrees between institutions — and they are more likely to uphold academic and professional standards than unaccredited schools. Institutional accreditation agencies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) regularly assess schools for the quality of their education. Programmatic accreditation agencies like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) specifically focus on business schools and training and development programs.

After researching accredited schools and programs, consider your educational needs to narrow your list further. Students who require housing and desire a full-time schedule may opt for schools that offer more intensive programs with graduate housing, while students who need a more flexible schedule and wish to live off campus should look more carefully at schools that offer part-time or remote coursework options.

Prepare for tests and applications

Most business schools require incoming students to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and achieve a minimum score for admission. Schools of education typically include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) instead of the GMAT in their application requirements. However, it all depends on your specific school, so visit the admissions website or contact the admissions program before you sign up for one of these exams.

Your admissions packet will likely include:

• An application letter or letter of intent
• Sealed transcripts from previous degree programs with a minimum GPA
• Letters of recommendation from professors, colleagues, or employers
• A resume (for business schools)
• A sample lesson plan (for schools of education)
• A log of classroom observation hours (for schools of education)

Select your program

For business students pursuing a master’s degree in training and development, researching an institution’s school of business is essential. Visit the campus before making your decision, and if possible, sit in on a business class or two. Talk with MBA graduates from the school and read works written by professors in the business school. Schools of professional studies may offer the same degrees, so spend time comparing the type of coursework you’d rather complete during your program.

If you’re applying a postgraduate degree in training and development to an education career, learn more about your chosen institution’s school of education. Speak with graduates and professors in the program about the school’s educational philosophy and teacher readiness program. Students who already have a teaching credential can explore their professional network for additional program recommendations.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Paying for your master’s degree in training and development begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which lets you know how much aid you can expect for your program. The financial aid office at your chosen school can guide you toward additional sources of assistance, including grants, scholarships, and the employer tuition assistance program for students already in the workforce.