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
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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.