Start your journey
Advance your career with an online master's in learning and talent development
Advance your career in human resources or transition into the field of organizational development with our flexible online master of learning and talent development (MLTD) program. Designed for working professionals, this program allows you to hone your leadership skills while balancing your job and personal life.
Gain in-demand skills in training and development
Get ready to connect with a diverse group of professionals and learn practical skills you can apply immediately. We've designed our courses to sharpen your strategic vision and build your confidence as a leader.
Careers
With this degree, you can compete for top positions in the fields of Human Resource Development, Talent Development, Organizational Development, and more.
2024 Median Pay: $140,030 per year / $67.34 per hour
Number of Jobs, 2024: 221,900
Job Outlook, 2024-34: 5% (Faster than average)
2024 Median Pay: $127,090 per year / $61.10 per hour
Number of Jobs, 2024: 46,400
Job Outlook, 2024-34: 6% (Faster than average)
More info from BLS.gov
- Talent and Development Manager
- Organization Development Manager
- Learning and Development Manager
- Learning and Development Specialist
- Training and Development Specialist
- Consultant in any of these areas
Application deadlines
Rolling admissions–apply anytime! There is no application deadline; however, applications submitted with less than three weeks before term start may be considered for the subsequent term. Fall term begins each September, spring term begins each February, and summer term begins each June.
- Applications are not complete until all required materials and fees have been received. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered.
- Applications are processed by the Graduate School. A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department's admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials.
Degree: Bachelor's degree
GPA: 2.8 undergraduate
GRE: Do not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):
- TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading)
- IELTS = 6.5
- Refer to this page for all English language proficiency requirements.
Required Fields
- Personal Information
- Application Information
- Educational Background
- Languages
- Employment/Residence Information
- Applicant Statements #1 & #2
- Recommendations Letters (limit 2)
- Resume or CV
Optional fields: All other fields or application materials are optional but will be taken into consideration if submitted.
Application Fee
U.S. citizen/permanent resident: $75.00; International: $95.00. Click here for more information about application fees.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts. There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. The University will request official copies of this material if you are admitted. Click here for more information about transcripts and credentials.
GRE Scores
Do not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.
Applicant Statements
Complete Statements #1 & #2; Statement #3 is optional.
Statement #1: Personal Statement
Please provide a statement—do not exceed two pages—outlining why you are interested in this program and your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. You may wish to include:
- How you expect this program will contribute to your professional development and career goals.
- How you anticipate applying the knowledge and skills you will gain from the program to your current or future working challenges and needs.
- How your professional experience can contribute to the collective learning of your fellow students in the program
Statement #2: Diversity
Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota’s mission. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. [Please do not exceed one page.]
Statement #3: Extenuating Circumstances (optional)
If your grades and/or test scores are not strong, and you would like to provide an explanation, please do so. [Please do not exceed one page.]
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former supervisors, work peers, clients, or professors who can assess your academic and professional capabilities.
When you apply, the online application includes a section for you to list the contact information of the individual recommending you. They will receive an email from the application system with instructions on how to submit their letter. Please ask your recommendation providers to check spam/junk mail folders if they don't receive the message.
Request letters of recommendation early in the application process to allow enough time for your letter writers. Unsubmitted letters of recommendation are one of the most common delays during the application review process.
You may finish and submit your application before the recommenders submit your letters.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
International students who will have completed 16 semester credits (within the past 24 months) in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States before entering the University of Minnesota are exempt from the testing requirement but may be asked to take locally administered English tests after arrival on campus. Click here for more information about English language proficiency requirements.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact: Dr. Ana Carolina Rodriguez, MLTD Program Coordinator: rodr0667@umn.edu.
Tuition
Because this is a fully-online program designed to meet the needs of working professionals, a special tuition rate will apply, with no distinction being made between resident and non-resident students.
2025-2026 professional graduate program costs (links directly to most recent MLTD program tuition rate)
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Get more information on funding opportunities!
University Funding Opportunities:
Refer to the University of Minnesota Graduate School's funding page, specifically the page on fellowships for prospective / incoming students. Questions about University funding opportunities should be directed to the Graduate School —612.625.7579, or gsfellow@umn.edu
CEHD Funding Opportunities:
Refer to CEHD funding opportunities. Questions about college and department-level funding for this program should be directed to Ana Carolina Rodriguez, MLTD program coordinator — rodr0667@umn.edu
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works a little differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Check out this One Stop link for more information on eligibility, required steps, and timelines.
Note: many MLTD students fund their studies through tuition assistance or reimbursement programs sponsored by their employers.
Request information
Coursework
This is an online, asynchronous program for career-minded individuals looking for additional academic support and skills in learning and talent development. The program consists of 33 credits. Course names and descriptions are included in this section. Visit the University of Minnesota program catalog for a full list of requirements.
Consulting for Organization Change
This course is an introduction to major theories, concepts, skills and techniques of consulting for industry, education and government. The topics covered in this course include the scope of the consulting industry (local, national and global); the skills, techniques, attitudes, and mindset considered important to individuals who become organization consultants; identifying and framing problems in a way that leads to manageable solutions; the methodologies of organization consulting and the importance of good project management; ethical issues of organization consulting; and developing a professional written consulting proposal.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training happens at multiple levels: clarifying the vision, mission and values of an organization is the first step, awareness training is the next level, and situational DEI training follows. Additionally, the integration of DEI into policies, procedures, stories at each organization level to ensure they are DEI inclusive.
Evaluation in Human Resource Development
This class will focus on the exploration of evaluation methods for human resource development programs and projects. This includes the systematic collection of data needed to make decisions related to the strengths and weaknesses of selection, adoption, value and implementation of programs and projects, including Training programs, Technology, Organization Development (OD) Interventions, Career planning strategies, Team & individual performance, Organizational level performance (sustainability, diversity, inclusion, etc). This includes commonly used evaluation tools (e.g., Balanced Scorecard, Strategy Maps, Kirkpatrick method, Return on Investment (ROI) and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and the development of custom evaluation tools.
Introduction to Applied Research for HRD Professionals
This course provides an introduction to engaging in applied research for HRD professionals. Specifically, this course will focus on providing an overview of the challenges, issues and considerations that practitioners face when engaging in research designed to solve real-world, practical problems. The content covered in this course is intended to complement other existing courses that highlight research skills such as framework design, methodological choices and leveraging existing research. Ultimately, this course is intended to position graduate students to understand the complexities and practicalities of engaging in applied HRD research with a particular interest in the role of training, leadership and organizational development in supporting organizational goals.
Course Objectives
- Understand applied research, and its distinction from other forms of research.
- Describe some of the advantages and challenges of undertaking applied research as an HRD professional.
- Articulate the potential of applied research in solving specific HRD-related problems.
- Think critically about the relationship between HRD research and professional practice.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of applied research principles and practices.
- Articulate the ways in which research paradigms and positionalities inform the lens researchers bring to research.
- Evaluate existing scholarship for its applicability in solving HRD-related problems in their own organizations.
- Provide examples of real-life application of course content to the organization challenges experienced by themselves and their peers.
Instructional Design for E-Learning
This course provides an overview of the philosophy and practices in the most common form of distance training—online or Internet-based. As such, areas of examination include developing opportunities for meaningful learning online, utilizing technology to inquire and innovate, designing an online training program, and forecasting future training. This online course will utilize several instructional tools that can be accessed through the Canvas course site. These tools may be a great model to use in the future when you provide training online at work.
Introduction to Human Resource Development
This course provides students with high-level understanding of the many aspects of the field of HRD, especially those that support learning and talent development. Students will analyze the responsibilities of HRD scholars and practitioners and acknowledge how theory and practice inform one another to achieve workplace and societal learning outcomes. Students will also become familiar with the methods and principles that support learning at the individual, group/team, and organizational levels. As students acquire this knowledge, they will be encouraged to critique the connections and effectiveness of the multiple aspects of HRD.
Leadership Training
This class will look at leadership styles and on training strategies that support strong skills in leadership (e.g. developing vision and mission in a purpose driven organizations, developing people and organization-level strategies, and finally creating skills that support the implementation of these strategies). Along with training topics, students will develop expertise in individual leadership assessment instruments commonly used in leadership training functions. A capstone leadership development digital portfolio will document each student’s experience through the course and will serve as a development plan to support students in their professional roles.
Organization Development
This course introduces students to the field of Organization Development (OD). OD is concerned with creating, managing, and sustaining change in organizations using social science knowledge and practices to improve inter-organizational, organizational, group, and individual performance. This course will introduce students to the theories, techniques, and applications of OD and organization change.
Strategic Human Resource Development
This course explores the strategic nature of HRD and how it achieves its strategic people imperatives while leading and supporting the strategic goals of larger organizations. Strategic planning is viewed holistically and framed within the context of systems thinking. The focus is to develop strategic leadership in HR as a way to support strategic organizational leadership.
Strategies for Teaching Adults
The course will explore psychological theories of adult learning as well as learning styles and personality types. Using group discussions, specific readings. Through activities learners will gain a greater understanding of teaching styles, group and team learning, and practical skills in moderating discussion groups and study circles.
Training and Development
Graduate level exploration of important training theory and tools used in practice for the design and development of organization level training programs.
What our students say
Quote from Manuria Yang
As a full-time employee, I appreciate the program's flexibility and asynchronous course structure. The ability to set my own pace allows me to engage with the material in a way that best fits my schedule. Additionally, the professors are truly exceptional—not only are they knowledgeable, but they also provide insightful feedback that enhances the learning experience. Their level of engagement mirrors the effort students invest, creating a highly rewarding academic environment.
Quote from Carmen L. Eide
This program has provided me with a competitive advantage when working with clients looking to create training programs for their organizations. It has enhanced my ability to have impactful conversations with clients, leading to improved experiences. With the knowledge and skills I've gained, I can now offer superior services, valuable insights, and innovative ideas that set me apart in the industry.
Quote from Nilcéia Anderson
The MLTD program has significantly contributed to my career growth. As a working professional, I can immediately apply what I am learning to my current role. The flexibility of asynchronous classes perfectly aligns with my schedule, and the support and guidance from the program coordinator have been very beneficial.
Quote from Tyler Anderson
The MLTD program is great for professionals working full-time. As a full time dad and husband, I am able to balance the class workload with all other areas of life and not feel overwhelmed. The courses I have taken have been directly related to my work in Talent Acquisition. In my professional life, I find myself saying "I just learned about this in school!" I highly recommend this program to those wanting to take a deep dive into the HRD world!
Contact
- Coordinator of the Master of Learning and Talent Development
- she, her, hers
- rodr0667@umn.edu
MLTD Program Coordinator Ana Carolina Rodriguez has over 20 years of experience in Organization Development and Human Resources as a manager and consultant. She is also a Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC) and a Certified Conflict Mediator.