Why This Matters

  • MASTER’S DEGREE RECOMMENDED BY 19% OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS

    Of those surveyed, 19% of individuals in a managerial training and development role recommend a master’s degree.

  • 7% INDUSTRY GROWTH BY 2029

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for training and development managers is expected to increase 7% by the year 2029 thanks to innovations in technology and an ongoing need for new training across many industries.

  • EARN AN AVERAGE OF $115,640 PER YEAR

    The BLS indicated in May 2020 that training and development managers earned an average annual salary of $115,640. The top 10% of earners in this profession earned over $200,210 per year.

Our Research

The degrees on this list are exclusively focused on training and development. While all are master’s degrees, some programs award a Master of Science while others award a Master of Arts or Master of Professional Studies.

Each of these programs is accredited by a professional organization such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). These organizations oversee master’s degree programs to ensure they comply with education standards. This accreditation ensures that credits earned are transferable and that degrees are recognized throughout the United States.

  • 72 hours to write this article
  • 40 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 77 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Master’s in Training and Development Programs

Best Online Masters in Training and Development Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Lewis University
01
Best for Educational Psychology
University Of North Texas
01
Best in the South
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
01
Best Tech Program
Tennessee Tech University
01
Best in the Midwest
University of St. Francis
01
Best for Organizational Development
University Of Georgia
01
Best for Corporate Training
Middle Tennessee State University
01
Best Hybrid Option
The University of Memphis
01
Best in the Southwest
University Of The Southwest
01
Most Affordable
Amberton University

What You Should Know About This Degree

A master’s in training and development may seem similar to a master’s in education, but as you research these program options, it’s important to understand the difference. While a master’s in education prepares you for work in an educational setting, such as a high school or post-secondary institution, a master’s in training and development is meant to prepare you for workplace training in large organizations and government agencies.

As with any program, it’s vital to check accreditation status to ensure you’re receiving a high-quality education. This can be done by searching for the school in the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.

Upon completion of your degree, you can seek employment with corporations, government, or healthcare facilities. You should feel prepared to oversee large training initiatives and to create and implement programs that ensure professional development among employees.

Although you shouldn’t initially require any extra certifications, work within a government or healthcare setting will likely require a background check. As your career grows, you may require additional certifications on topics that are pertinent to your industry.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online master’s in training and development programs:

  • What licensing or certifications are required? Depending on the industry you choose to work in, you might require some additional certifications as you progress throughout your career. This may include certifications in human resources, technology, or other areas that are related to your industry.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? The format and schedule of your course will depend on the program you select. While some online master’s degree programs may require that you attend timed lectures or study groups online, most are designed to enable you to work at your own pace.

There is a lot of information to take in while you research and select the right degree program for your career goals. As you do this, make sure to closely pay attention to details such as application deadlines and procedures. If you require financial aid or plan to apply for scholarships, it’s also important to submit these applications on time and according to published guidelines.