Training and development managers work with large corporations in diverse industries to ensure that employees possess adequate skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earn a median salary of $108,250 per year and projects a 10% growth rate by 2026.
Professionals seeking a role in this in-demand field can advance their careers with an online master's degree in training and development. Many students in these programs have a background in business, human resources, or education; however, many schools offer bridge classes for learners whose bachelor's degree covered other topics.
Students who excel in this field possess exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. Earning a master's degree in training and development online rather than on campus provides flexibility for professionals to continue working while earning their degree.
Graduates with a master's degree in training and development are qualified to work as managers. Training and development managers earn different wages depending on their location and experience. In New Jersey, Washington D.C., New York, and Rhode Island, training and development managers earn more than $140,000 per year, on average. Payscale reports that the national average salary for these positions steadily rises with experience. The mean annual salary for entry-level training and development managers is $63,000 while senior managers earn about $87,000 per year.
State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|
New Jersey | 1,110 | $147,970 |
District of Columbia | 310 | $147,370 |
New York | 3,470 | $142,710 |
Rhode Island | 60 | $141,010 |
Virginia | 790 | $134,180 |
United States | 34,500 | $117,690 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: PayScale
The top online master's degrees in training and development prepare learners to lead departments as human resource managers, oversee school curricula as instructional coordinators, or manage the compensation aspect of human resources. Some graduates concentrate on training certain types of employees and work as training and development specialists.
Annual Median Salary: $110,120
Projected Growth Rate: 9%
These professionals oversee the functions of human resources departments. Managers create budgets, set employment goals, and oversee hiring. Some companies will hire candidates with bachelor's degrees and experience. However, an online master's degree in training and development provides candidates with a competitive edge on the job market.
Annual Median Salary: $108,250
Projected Growth Rate: 10%
These professionals coordinate programs that train new hires and existing employees. Some companies accept candidates with relevant bachelor's degrees, but only with ample experience. A master's degree in training and development fast-tracks professionals into these positions.
Annual Median Salary: $60,360
Projected Growth Rate: 11%
These human resources professionals work under the supervision of training and development managers. They conduct the training courses that managers design, and assist in administrative duties. These candidates may have experience in the jobs for which they train people.
Annual Median Salary: $63,750
Projected Growth Rate: 11%
Instructional coordinators often find employment in public school districts. These education professionals develop curricula for schools, assess the results of their programs, and make changes as needed. Most employers in this field require candidates to possess a master's degree and some instructional experience.
Annual Median Salary: $62,680
Projected Growth Rate: 9%
These professionals work in human resources departments, focusing on employee salaries and benefits. They may work as employees or freelancers and assess a company's pay and benefit structures, then make recommendations for improvements and implement those recommendations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statstics
Each accredited online master's degree in training and development provides learners with unique opportunities. Some programs focus on human resources with a concentration in training, and others focus entirely on employee development. Though curricula vary, many schools offer the courses below.
Training managers, human resources directors, and development specialists must analyze the results of their programs. These courses give students the conceptual and mathematical skills needed to collect relevant data and make inferences based on the findings.
Students in these courses study theories about effective workforce planning and techniques for applying those theories. Learners discover how to hire employees that support company objectives. These skills are particularly important for candidates seeking management positions in human resources.
Human resources professionals must take care not to violate employment laws. These classes teach degree candidates about pertinent laws and when to consult a lawyer to protect themselves and their employers.
Students study the leading theories behind how people learn and retain knowledge. Students also learn practical techniques for implementing teaching strategies. Training managers and instructional coordinators lean on the skills that they develop in these classes when they develop curricula.
Many of the best online master's degrees in training and development require candidates to finish a capstone experience at the end of the program in the form of an internship or final project. In both cases, learners gain hands-on experience and items for their portfolios, which they may use to find employment.
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