Why This Matters

  • WORK IN FIVE DIFFERENT SECTORS

    Because so many organizations need help training employees, a Master’s in Training and Development can lead to work in many different sectors. Graduates work for companies, professional service organizations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and more.

  • JOBS FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS ARE GROWING BY 9%

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for training and development managers. An expected 9% increase in the field should create 3,100 more positions by 2029.

  • EARN ANOTHER $44,600 ANNUALLY WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE

    The median annual salary for training and development managers is $113,350, compared to an average salary of $68,730 for training and development specialists. A master’s degree could help you land a manager position.

Our Research

We reviewed many Master’s in Training and Development degrees, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degrees. Our list includes a variety of online, traditional, and hybrid programs to offer flexibility.

In order to qualify for our list, programs had to be regionally accredited. Many have simultaneous national accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 67 hours to write this article
  • 196 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 331 education programs we compared

The Top 49 Master’s in Training And Development Degree Programs

Best Master's in Training And Development Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Central Oklahoma
01
Best for Concussion Management
Georgia Southern University
01
Best Private Institution
Indiana Wesleyan University
01
Best Christian Institution
Bethel University
01
Best in the Northeast
Bridgewater State University
01
Best in the West
Brigham Young University
01
Best for Hands-on Training
California University of Pennsylvania
01
Best for Clinical Immersion
Indiana State University
01
Best for Full-Time Students
Lasell University
01
Best for Rehabilitative Treatment
Long Island University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Loras College
01
Best for State-of-the-Art Equipment
Louisiana State University
01
Best Public Institution
North Dakota State University
01
Best for Injury Prevention
Southern Utah University
01
Best for Professional Certifications
Stephen F. Austin State University
01
Best in the Midwest
University of Michigan
01
Best in the Southeast
UNC Greensboro
01
Best for International Students
Adrian College
01
Best for Study Abroad
Alvernia University
01
Best Thesis Option
Appalachian State University
01
Best for Emergency Treatment
Arkansas State University
01
Best Accelerated Program
Augustana University
01
Best for Interdisciplinary Approach
Aurora University
01
Best for High School Athletics
Ball State University
01
Best in the South
Baylor University
01
Best for Diagnosis and Intervention
Boise State University
01
Best Alumni Network
Bowling Green State University
01
Most Rigorous Curriculum
Bridgewater College
01
Best Advisors
California Baptist University
01
Best for Collegiate Sports
California State University, Fresno - College of Health and Human Services
01
Best Faculty
California State University, Fullerton
01
Best Student Organizations
California State University, Long Beach
01
Best for Pedagogy in Physical Education
California State University, Northridge
01
Best Internships
Carroll University
01
Best for Community Engagement
Castleton University
01
Best for Part-Time Students
Central Connecticut State University
01
Best for Organizational Health
Central Methodist University
01
Best for Active-Duty Military
Chatham University
01
Best Athletic Training Board Exam Pass Rate
Clarke University
01
Most Innovative Curriculum
The College of St. Scholastica
01
Best for Veterans
Colorado Mesa University
01
Most Affordable Program
Colorado State University-Pueblo
01
Best for Sports Medicine
Concordia University Wisconsin
01
Best Laboratory Facilities
Culver-Stockton College
01
Best for Work-Study
Cumberland University
01
Best for Non-Sports Settings
Daemen College
01
Best for Field Experiences
Dakota Wesleyan University
01
Best On-Campus Program
East Carolina University

What You Should Know About This Degree

A Master’s in Training and Development is a highly flexible degree that can be taken into many different industries. To make yourself as attractive to potential employers as possible, it’s helpful to have some knowledge of the industry that you want to work in. Industry knowledge normally doesn’t come through these programs, but it can be attained via another master’s degree, an undergraduate degree, or professional experience. Professional experience can be obtained before enrolling in a degree program or simultaneously while enrolled in a program.

Because training involves working directly with people, many of these programs have an in-person component. Even online programs, where the coursework can mostly be completed over the internet, frequently have an in-person requirement. Before enrolling in a program, ask about any in-person requirements and make sure your schedule will allow you to fulfill those requirements.

Certification is not mandatory in this field, but it can help set you apart from other training and development professionals. Several organizations offer voluntary certifications. A couple of the more well-known organizations to consider pursuing certification through are the International Society for Performance Improvement and the Association for Talent Development.

What’s Next?

Use these questions to help you further evaluate Master’s in Training and Development degrees:

  • Am I eligible for this program? While master’s degrees generally require an undergraduate degree, most of these programs are indiscriminate about what bachelor’s degree applicants must have. A few, however, want applicants to have a bachelor’s in human resources or a related field if they don’t have professional experience. Confirm that you meet a program’s minimum eligibility requirements before applying.
  • What tests are required for this online degree? Whether programs require applicants to take the GRE or GMAT test varies. Check with programs to see if they want scores from either of these tests, and schedule a time to take it.

When you identify a potential program, contact the program directly or check its website to learn about the admissions process. You’ll have to find out about required application materials and deadlines for submissions.

Also consider how you’ll pay for a degree. Discuss financial aid and scholarship options with programs, and check with your employer to see if it provides tuition reimbursement.