Start your journey
Defining the science of human and organizational performance
The PhD in human resource development is an intensive, research-focused program designed for scholars who seek to redefine how people and organizations thrive in an era of global complexity. Moving beyond traditional management, our curriculum demands a deep dive into the psychological, social, and economic foundations of the field. This is an immersive intellectual journey where you will master systems thinking and the scientific study of organizational change.
As a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota, you will collaborate with world-class faculty to produce original research that influences global policy, corporate strategy, and academic discourse. You will not simply study the field—you will lead its evolution through high-impact scholarship and critical inquiry. Join a department with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and gain the expertise required to investigate the systemic forces driving learning and performance in a changing world.
Careers
Our graduates do not just enter the job market; they shape the future of the profession. We prepare scholars for high-stakes roles where the ability to generate and analyze data is paramount.
- Tenure-track faculty: teaching and leading research at premier universities worldwide.
- Executive researchers: leading research and development divisions for fortune 500 companies.
- Strategic research directors: leading the internal research and development arms of global enterprises to drive long-term human capital strategy.
- Global consultants: advising government agencies and international non-governmental organizations on human capital and workforce development.
- Senior learning executives: designing and overseeing the long-term human resource development strategies for large-scale enterprises.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Applications are due by December 1 for a Fall semester start.
- Fall semester start only.
- Applicants may only apply to one OLPD track.
- Applications are not complete until all required materials and fees have been received. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered until the next review date the following year. It is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before any submission deadlines.
- 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: Master's degree or equivalent
GPA: 3.0 undergraduate, 3.5 graduate
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 our graduate admissions staff at olpd@umn.edu.
Tuition and funding
Tuition
Visit the University of Minnesota's One Stop tuition page for information on tuition. This program follows the guidelines listed under the "Graduate and professional" sub-heading. The general graduate tuition rate includes a 6-14 credit band for full-time registration. Each credit above or below the plateau is assessed on a per-credit basis.
Review the Cost of Attendance page as well as information about student fees assessed by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
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.
Request information
If you simply have a question and would like someone to reach back out with information, please complete our request information form. Your information will not be shared outside our department.
Coursework
The PhD curriculum is a rigorous sequence of core theoretical seminars and advanced research methodology courses. Unlike practitioner-oriented tracks, our coursework is designed to support the development of a unique research agenda, culminating in a dissertation that offers a significant contribution to the field.
Courses for this program are offered in-person and online. 72 credits (48 credits of coursework + 24 thesis credits) completed in 3-5 years for full time students. For a full list of requirements, visit the University of Minnesota program catalog and select "Human Resource Development" under "Requirements" > "Program Sub-Plan Requirements."
OLPD departmental core (16 credits)
- OLPD 8011—Doctoral Research Seminar I (1 cr) [Fall term of first year]
- OLPD 8015—Inquiry Strategies in Educational and Organizational Research (3 cr) [Take Spring term of first year]
- Quantitative research course (3 cr) selected with approval of advisor
- Qualitative research course (3 cr) selected with approval of advisor
- Additional methods courses (6 cr) selected with approval of advisor
Specialization (9 credits minimum)
- Take one OLPD 8000-level theory seminar / 3 credits.
- Take two or three additional 8000-level seminars offered by HRD faculty / 2-3 credits each for total of 6 credits.)
Additional research courses (9 credits minimum)
- Statistics course selected in consultation with advisor (3 cr)
- OLPD 8603 - Capstone Research Experience (3 cr), taken in Fall term of second year
- OLPD 8603 - Capstone Research Experience (3 c4), taken in Spring term of second year
Additional coursework (14 credits minimum)
- These credits can be used for a minor or to meet the requirement that a minimum of 12 credits
be taken outside the HRD track. Select in consultation with advisor.
Thesis credits (24 credits)
All Ph.D. students are required to register for 24 semester thesis credits after completing the preliminary oral exam. The 24 credits must be taken over two or more terms.
- OLPD 8888—Thesis Credits: Doctoral
Contact
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch. Your information will not be shared outside of our department.