How to Get a Master's Degree in Corporate Training

Professional education is a top priority in today's dynamic global economy. Corporations and public agencies rely on expert training to build a competitive workforce. In addition to increasing employee productivity, corporate training attracts and retains top talent. Corporate training is a highly profitable sector of the education market, accounting for over $100 billion in revenue in North America.

A master's degree in corporate training qualifies you to lead human resources development as a program administrator, instructional designer, consultant, or educator. Many programs are geared toward working professionals, with options to earn a master's degree online, on the weekend, or in an accelerated time frame.

Research and planning are the keys to a successful graduate school journey. The following guidelines can help you prepare for the master's degree in corporate training step by step.

Master's Degrees in Corporate Training: An Overview

An overview of graduate studies in corporate training may assist you in mapping out your academic and professional trajectory.

Corporate Training as an Academic Discipline

Corporate training exists at the intersection of instructional design and strategic workforce development. The discipline draws on education, business, and social science disciplines ranging from organizational development to industrial psychology. Corporate training, and human resource development in general, is dedicated to increasing worker productivity through vocational training, leadership development, and educational program assessment. To learn more about corporate training, visit WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to Majors.

Master's Degrees

The master's degree in corporate training is the most common qualification in the discipline, and a requirement for many HR development positions. The one- to two-year graduate program offers an overview of best practices in human resource development, as well as the opportunity to develop expertise in a specific area. The curriculum and program emphasis depends on the type of master's degree:

Master of Science or Master of Arts

The MS and MA degrees adopt the template of a traditional social science master's degree. The curriculum emphasizes educational theory and scholarship, and culminates in an original research project and master's thesis. The academic master's degree offers the opportunity to develop deep knowledge in a particular corporate education specialty.

Master of Education

The MEd in corporate training takes a more applied, pre-professional approach to training and development. Programs emphasize internships and practice-teaching over scholarly research. The curriculum skews toward educational methods, technology, adult learning, and instructional design.

Master of Business Administration

Some colleges feature a combined MEd/MBA in corporate training or an MBA in human resource development. The MBA component approaches the discipline from a corporate strategy perspective, emphasizing courses in international HR development and organizational efficiency.

Learn more about your master's degree options at WorldWideLearn.com's The Master's Degree Explained.

Specializations

Most graduate programs culminate in a specialized learning component--an elective course requirement, internship, capstone project, or master's thesis. Specialized fields generally reflect different issues along the business-education continuum. Education disciplines include the following:

Adult Learning and Development is a theoretical specialty focusing on the cognitive and psychological aspects of adult education.

Instructional Design takes an applied approach to the development of adult and vocational learning programs.

Instructional Techniques focuses on the activities and classroom strategies that help adults process new information and cultivate new skills.

Learning Technologies tap the vast potential of digital media as a learning tool. Online learning modules, multimedia presentations, and interactive communication are some of the trends in corporate training technology.

These specializations focus on the administrative and strategic aspects of corporate training.

Program Evaluation and Assessment measures employee performance and gauges the return on investment (ROI) of training programs. Assessment and evaluation also come into play in determining corporate training needs.

Organizational Development (OD) describes the top-down effort to optimize an organization's productivity and effectiveness. Corporate training, in this context, is a means of effecting positive change both at the level of corporate values and skills acquisition. The field focuses on organizational behavior and change management.

Strategic Human Resource Development views worker talent as a corporate asset, and integrates training and development programs with organizational strategy.

Global Training & Development focuses on the unique challenges of developing corporate training programs for an international workforce. Issues include creating a common corporate culture, multicultural integration and cultural sensitivity, and global customer service training.

Each graduate corporate training program features different specialization options. Faculty experts, departmental affiliations, and professional alliances determine each department's landscape of specialized topics. By focusing your academic interests, you're more likely to find the right master's degree program for you.

Career Track

A master's degree in corporate training prepares you to teach in a corporate or academic context, to administer corporate training programs, or to shape human resource development strategy. Job titles in corporate training include:

• Instructor
• Instructional designer
• Instructional technologist
• Organizational development specialist
• Corporate training consultant
• Corporate training program director or administrator
• Professor of human resource development

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, demand will be "particularly strong" for training and development specialists, as employers "devote greater resources to job-specific training programs in response to the increasing complexity of many jobs and technological advances." Specifically, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts job growth of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. The best opportunities will go to graduates with specialized training in HR development.

Plan for a Master's Degree in Corporate Training

As your professional trajectory comes into focus, you're ready to take on the second phase of preparing for a graduate degree--researching and applying to graduate corporate training programs.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Corporate Training Program

Today's graduate corporate training programs let you earn a master's degree online or on campus. Consider the following steps as you research graduate degree programs.

1. List Accredited Programs

Start by accessing lists of accredited graduate programs in corporate training. Search for master's degrees under all the discipline's 'aliases.' These may include human resource development (HRD) or education, training and development, and adult vocational training.

Accreditation is the critical factor at this stage in your search. This designation by an independent program evaluation agency attests the quality of your education and the market value of your degree. In addition, accreditation is a requirement for many financial aid programs. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a searchable database of approved regional and national accreditation agencies.

Resources

The Sloan Consortium, which represents online institutions nationwide, publishes a list of online master's degrees in education, including programs in adult education and human resource development.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), a leading accreditation agency for business schools, features a list of schools with graduate management programs in HR management, business education, and strategic management.

2. Earn a Master's Degree Online or on Campus

For most graduate students, program format ranks second only to accreditation as a must-have program requirement. Online and campus programs feature different advantages for different students:

Online Master's Degree: Working adults tend to favor the online format, which allows flexibility for career and family responsibilities. Distance graduate education features scheduling flexibility and a self-paced format, as well as an opportunity to connect with professional peers worldwide.

Campus Degree: Campus programs appeal to students seeking face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers. Local programs also feature unparalleled access to campus research resources--a valuable tool for recent undergraduates who have not yet established a career (and access to corporate resources) in training or HR. Corporate training students targeting an academic career in human resource development may benefit from a campus program.

Both program formats offer a solid education in corporate training. The decision to earn a master's degree online or on campus depends on your circumstances and career goals.

Resources

WorldWideLearn.com features a database of online degree programs andcampus education options. Search Degrees by Location for campus programs in your area.

3. Explore Academic Programs

The most important stage of your program research takes you into the details of each program's unique approach to the discipline and academic resources.

Research the following factors:

• Course List. Course requirements and electives reflect the program's emphasis.
• Curriculum and Degree Requirements. Master's programs feature a more diverse range of program activities. Compare program requirements, such as research projects, group work, case studies, competitions, internships, etc.
• Faculty. Instructor expertise and industry knowledge shape the graduate student experience. Explore the background of the institutions' faculty.
• Industry Relationships. Industry relationships ensure a relevant, up-to-date curriculum, as well as pre-professional training programs.
• Career Support Services. Look for a placement office with a solid track record, as well as basic job search, resume, and interviewing services.
• Academic Environment. A supportive, collegial environment enhances your learning experience and networking opportunities.

Resources

WorldWideLearn.com streamlines your academic program research by matching you with schools that meet your specifications. Fill out a form indicating your criteria, and school representatives can contact you directly to answer your questions about the program.

School Web sites publish detailed information about program resources, including faculty CVs and publications, course descriptions and reading lists, and professional development resources.

Informational interviews with faculty, alumni, and current students give you an inside look into the graduate experience, program resources, and even the long-range value of a master's degree in corporate training.

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, rank the top programs on your list by taking into account quality and selectivity. You can evaluate these features by reviewing:

• Rankings
• Selectivity data
• Job placement and salary statistics
• Student background, including years of industry experience

Resources

Admissions Data. Ask an admissions counselor for department data sheets, which list all the information you need: Average GPA and test scores of admitted applicants, average years of work experience, percentage of international students, and job placement.

Rankings help you gauge a program's reputation. The standard ranking publication in the United States is U.S. News & World Report. Look for the Best Education Schools ranking, which includes a specialty section on Technical/Vocational Education.

Step Two: Apply to Graduate Corporate Training Programs

With a short list of schools in hand, you're ready to apply for admission to corporate training master's degree programs.

1. Complete Prerequisites

First, complete any outstanding prerequisites for graduate study. Eligibility criteria generally include the following:

• A bachelor's degree in human resources, business, education, communication, or another social science or humanities field.
• Some programs specify basic prerequisite courses which must be completed before you apply.
• Standardized tests, such as the GRE or GMAT (for MBA). International students must pass the TOEFL or another English proficiency exam.
• Work experience (for some programs).

WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide connects you with resources for completing prerequisites, including test preparation materials, prerequisite courses, and online study aids.

2. Prepare Application Materials

Next, prepare materials to support your admissions candidacy. In addition to an informational form, submit:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Test scores
• Personal statement
• Resume

3. Apply for Financial Aid

Most graduate students file financial aid applications alongside their admissions packet. Financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of your education. Grants and scholarships are essentially free money supplied by academic institutions, private organizations, or public agencies. Tuition waivers and corporate tuition assistance can also make college more affordable. Lastly, low-interest student loans help you cover your costs. You can also reduce your expenses by keeping your job and enrolling in an institution that lets you earn a master's degree online.

Resources

Take these steps to secure financial aid:

• Meet with financial aid advisors at your top schools.
• Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This comprehensive financial aid application puts you in the running for all federal financial aid programs, from Pell Grants to Stafford Loans.
• Ask your employer about educational incentives.
• Apply for private scholarships offered by civic organizations, clubs, etc.
• Apply for a low-interest bank student loan, if necessary.

Step Three: Building an Academic Network

You can start your corporate training education before you set foot in the classroom by networking with peers and potential mentors.

• Join professional associations such as American Society for Training & Development and the Academy of Human Resource Development.
• Read journals such as the International Journal of Training and Development and Human Resource Development Review.
• Attend networking events in your specialty area.

Graduate school brings together the great minds of human resource development. The synergy of talented corporate trainers and HR specialists creates a nursery for innovation. Developing relationships with your peers integrates you into a larger network of strategic workforce training professionals.

Conclusion

A master's degree in corporate training starts well before the first day of class. Build a foundation for success by focusing your goals and identifying the academic resources to achieve them. Entering the program with a clear career trajectory can help you take advantage of the opportunities that come your way throughout the program. Take the first step in your future today.

Sources

• AACSB Accredited Business Schools Database, AACSB International--The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
• American Society for Training & Development.
• Best Education Schools Specialty Ranking: Technical/Vocational, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
• Department of Human Resource Training and Development, Idaho State University.
• Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers and Specialists. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Master's in Human Resource Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• Master of Science in Education: Training and Performance Improvement specialization, Capella University.
• M.S. Degree in Training and Development, University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Programs in Education, The Sloan Consortium.