Start your journey
Advance your career as a leader in learning and organizational change
Prepare to shape the future of work as a strategic leader in talent development, learning, and organizational change. This master’s program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact across sectors—all while balancing their professional and personal commitments.
By learning alongside experienced peers, you will develop research-informed leadership skills that translate into immediate real-world impact. Through targeted coursework and a professional internship, you will strengthen your strategic vision and gain hands-on experience designing, implementing, and evaluating development initiatives that drive organizational effectiveness.
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
This program admits students three times each year: Applications are due by July 1 for a Fall semester start, November 1 for a Spring semester start, and March 1 for a Summer session start.
- 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.
Teaching experience is preferred, but not required for admission to this program.
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 our graduate admissions staff at olpd@umn.edu.
Tuition
2025-2026 professional graduate program costs (links directly to most recent 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 OLPD graduate admissions staff at olpd@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.
Contact us
If you simply have a question and would like someone to reach back out with information, please complete our request information form. Be sure to select "MEd in Human Resource Development" as your program of interest:
Coursework
The human resource development MEd requires a total of 34 credits (22 credits of required coursework, 12 elective credits). This is a program for working professionals looking to advance their career in human resource development Courses are predominantly offered in person, but some may be offered with online or hybrid options.
Students holding an undergraduate HRD degree from the University of Minnesota are not required to retake courses completed during their undergraduate program, but must still complete 34 total credits.
Course names and descriptions are included in this section.
Required coursework (16 credits)
- OLPD 5605—Strategic Planning through Human Resources (3 cr)
- OLPD 5607—Organization Development (3 cr) AND OLPD 8602—Advanced Organization Development (3 cr)
OR
OLPD 5615—Training and Development of Human Resources (3 cr) AND OLPD 8601— Advanced Training and Development of Human Resources (3 cr) - OLPD 5696—Internship: Human Resource Development (4 cr required; no more than 6 credits count toward the program)
- OLPD 5819—Evaluating and Using Research in Organizations and Education (3 cr)
Elective coursework (12 credits minimum)
12 or more credits of elective courses with advisor approval.
Transfer credits
A maximum of nine graduate semester transfer credits may be applied to this MEd program. Transfer courses must be completed at the graduate level and approved by a faculty advisor and the College of Education and Human Development; a review of course syllabi is required.
Credits may include any combination of the following coursework:
- Up to six graduate semester credits from fully accredited institutions other than the University of Minnesota.
- Credits completed at the University of Minnesota before admission to the M.Ed. program
Contact our graduate admissions staff at olpd@umn.edu for more information.
What our students say
Quote from Shannon McCrady
My time in the HRD program has been invaluable. The expert faculty are deeply committed to student success, and I’ve collaborated with and learned from a global group spanning undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels, including international students from Russia to Rwanda and beyond. These global perspectives bring an unparalleled richness to our classroom discussions.
The major highlights for me have been fulfilling a dream of becoming a published author through my capstone project and gaining global leadership insights in my Cross-Cultural Leadership course. This program has fundamentally shifted my perspective and has been indispensable to my professional growth.
Quote from John Nesheim
The Human Resource Development MEd gave me the foundation for a rich and rewarding career at 3M. During that time my work spanned several decades across six continents, adding value wherever I went.
Today, as an author and consultant, I’m still doing HRD-centered work. This is because the program instilled in me a leadership mindset, systems thinking, and a global perspective that are timeless. I’m grateful for how my early experiences with the program opened the door to a lifetime of learning, contribution, and continued love for this field of work.
Quote from Daro Nou
As a first-generation student, I came into the HRD program unsure of what to expect. This program helped me find my confidence and my voice. The faculty truly support you, and the classes connect deeply to real-life learning. It made me feel seen, capable, and excited for my future in HRD.
Contact
Sehoon Kim
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Associate Professor; Coordinator of Graduate Programs in HRD
My scholarship seeks a comprehensive understanding of HRD to foster incessant development of individuals, organizations, communities, and society as a whole. My research is inspired by technological development, employee growth, and well-being in the workplace and organizational approaches that enhance the advancement and satisfaction of individuals. My scholarly interests and prior field experiences have inspired my teaching in the classroom, which focuses on students' motivation and positive attitudes, active participation, and various learning styles and readiness levels.