Masters in Human Resource Development
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Human Resource Development is a unique two-year program, developed by faculty who are leading practitioners in their field. Their experience and knowledge of current trends and practices lends a customized aspect to every area of study, from core courses to the three areas of concentration that are offered with this program. Through a successful blend of experiential-based learning, broad research, and in-depth academics using the latest technologies in HRD, students graduate with several necessary competencies including:
- Master human capital strategy and execution
- Design a variety of workplace learning and performance solutions
- Implement organization development and change management interventions
- Maximize employee engagement and performance in any organization
- Use cutting-edge training and performance support technologies
- Evaluate programs and interventions to determine their quality, value, and effectiveness
- Apply the latest thinking, research, and best practices
The program is 45 credit hours, consisting of 39 credits of coursework (27 core credits; 12 concentration credits) and a capstone course that includes a co-op assignment, resulting in a final presentation, project paper, and the submission of a professional portfolio, totaling six credits.
NOTE: For the co-op/capstone course - students who are employed may use their current place of employment to fulfill this requirement, but must go above and beyond their current job function.
The program's core curriculum, comprising 27 credits, provides a comprehensive understanding of human resource development, from its foundations to the most successful workplace learning, performance, and change strategies.
Concentrations
In following with the program's objective to train leaders to meet the universal demand for managers who are skilled in human resource development, the following three sectors have been identified as key areas of concentration:
Human Resource Development in Business Settings
Students learn the essentials of leadership and professional development within a business framework through courses drawn from Drexel's online MBA curriculum offered through Drexel's LeBow College of Business. The coursework ranges from the concepts and applications of financial accounting and economics to a comprehensive understanding of organizational development and leadership.
Human Resource Development in Educational Settings
How can school practitioners build effective leadership throughout the school community, sustain new teachers, and implement new technologies? Courses range from understanding the higher education environment, collaborative leadership and mentoring, to career development and planning.
Human Resource Development in Global Settings
As educational institutions expand overseas, strategic human resource leaders in any area of this fast-growing field require a thorough understanding of comparative international education, through culture, cultural relativism, and ethnocentrism. Courses cover every aspect of the field, from the role of foreign assistance and how it impacts the educational policy of international organizations to examining models of conflict resolution as a stepping stone to peace at local, national, and global levels.
