Best Online Master’s in Training and Development Programs

Online master’s programs in training and development integrate courses in teaching and business acumen. Students in these programs of study can develop advanced skills in curriculum design, instruction, and program evaluation. Graduates with these advanced business degrees often land roles in which they train fellow employees or business clients.

Traditional, on-campus master’s programs traditionally take two years to complete. Students usually complete online programs more quickly. However, they may need to study more intensively. According to EducationData.org, the average cost of an education master’s degree was around $42,010 in February 2024. However, costs vary widely by program and school.

Professionals with a master’s in training and development often qualify for diverse career opportunities in nonprofit, governmental, and for-profit organizations.

Newer professionals may work as training and development specialists or instructional coordinators — positions that enjoy above-average job growth projections of 2%-6%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual salaries for these jobs were $64,340 and $74,620, respectively, in May 2023.

Experienced professionals with master’s degrees in training and development can qualify for high-paying senior roles. According to the BLS, for example, training and development managers earned a median annual salary of $125,040 in May 2023.

The page below highlights some of the top online schools for training and development. Read on to learn more about training and development program curricula, requirements, and career paths.

Online graduate study in training and development best suits self-disciplined professionals who enjoy planning and improving educational programs and systems. Most master’s programs require students to complete around 30-36 credits, depending on prior coursework.

Core courses focus on adult learning theory and practice, training and development approaches, and research methods. This degree program can help learners build skills in curriculum development, instructional design, and educational technology.

Most online master’s in training and development programs offer curriculum concentrations such as business administration, human resources management, and instructional design. Training and development programs typically include fieldwork and a capstone research project in the student’s area of interest.

Traditional master’s degrees usually take four full-time semesters to finish, but online learners may opt for accelerated or part-time programs with varying timelines. Many working professionals enroll part-time so that they can maintain their jobs and income while advancing their education.

MS programs in training and development tend to focus on technical applications, while MA programs often prioritize more general training. Learners planning to work in schools may opt for a master’s in education degree with a concentration in training and development.

See below for a sampling of common online master’s in training and development courses. Keep in mind that concentrations and course offerings vary widely by school and program.

Like on-campus programs, competitive online master’s in training and development programs typically seek candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school. Some programs only accept candidates with business or education bachelor’s degrees.

Online and on-campus programs typically feature similar graduate school admission requirements. See below for descriptions of these common application features. Keep in mind that a few schools may require interviews or additional writing samples. Some schools waive standardized test scores.

Most undergraduate programs use application systems such as the Common App, which allow students to apply to many schools at once. However, graduate schools usually each have their own application. Yet, some state universities in Texas, New York, and California feature general application systems for graduate students.

Applications usually ask about education and professional history. Many applications include short-answer questions about the student’s interest in a given school, study path, or career.

Many graduate programs require applicants to submit standardized test scores. Most master’s in training and development applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The GRE measures quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and writing.

Some programs accept the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the standardized business school entrance exam. Not all schools require GRE or GMAT test scores.

Graduate schools look for students with proven records of academic excellence. Many online master’s in training and development programs require applicants to submit 2-3 recommendation letters written by the applicant’s current or former professors.

About two months before the application due date, the applicant should find willing recommenders and provide their contact information on the application form. The school then sends recommendation forms directly to recommenders to fill out and return.

Many graduate school applicants possess relevant professional experience that can enhance their candidacy for admission. Graduate schools usually ask applicants to submit a resume or curriculum vita that outlines current and prior work experience, achievements, and extracurricular activities.

Most universities require application essays. These essays give the admissions team a sense of the applicant’s writing abilities. Application essay prompts usually ask applicants to communicate their values, interests, and reasons for applying. In these essays, prospective students often discuss specific academic and career goals.

Graduate schools expect applicants to submit official copies of all current and prior college transcripts. Applicants usually must fill out a transcript request form through the registrar’s offices at their former schools. These schools then send an official sealed and signed transcript directly to the applicants’ prospective schools.

Some prior graduate-level business or education credits may transfer toward an online master’s degree in training and development.

An online master’s degree in training and development can help professionals advance their careers and earn higher salaries — all at their convenience, from the comfort of home. This degree program may help students build specialized skills and advanced knowledge that can prove useful in private and public sector careers.

Some graduates develop, coordinate, or manage instruction and curricula at schools. Other training and development master’s-holders oversee adult education programs at nonprofit organizations or employee training programs at for-profit companies.

According to the BLS, training and development specialists and instructional coordinators made above-average median annual salaries in May 2023. Earning a master’s degree may help experienced professionals earn promotions or land higher-paying senior-level jobs. Training and development managers and human resources managers both earned six-figure median annual salaries in May 2023.

The BLS projects healthy growth for instructional coordinator and training and development specialist, and training and development manager positions between 2022 and 2032.

Training and development master’s graduates should consider many career options. Learn more about possible careers in teaching, human resources, and business fields.

Some research-oriented master’s degree-holders may continue their education. Many schools offer doctoral programs in adult education and training or curriculum and instruction. Doctoral degrees can qualify graduates to become researchers and college professors, often in business or education departments.

Some training and development master’s graduates pursue professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Training Management or Certified Professional in Talent Development. Graduates may also consider pursuing certificates and careers in in-demand fields such as human resources.

According to EducationData.org, the average cost of a master’s degree was $66,340 in 2024 in the U.S. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that private institutions cost far more on average to attend than public institutions. Out-of-state students at public institutions usually pay far more than their in-state peers, as well. Some schools allow distance learners to pay in-state tuition rates, even when attending from another state.

Take time to compare program costs carefully, since prices and quality vary widely. Students should also consider the true cost of a program by calculating the price of tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other hidden expenses.

Some online master’s in training and development programs permit asynchronous participation, which means that enrollees can listen to lectures and contribute to discussions at any time of day or night. Many programs also accommodate working students by allowing part-time enrollment. Meanwhile, learners with more time to study may choose accelerated programs that allow them to earn their degrees more quickly.

Participants who thrive on live interaction with other people may prefer synchronous online programs in which everyone attends their virtual classroom session simultaneously.

Online learners can apply to top schools wherever they wish, regardless of geographical concerns. However, some distance learners apply to online programs at nearby schools. Being close to campus can be helpful for networking purposes.

Some online master’s in training and development programs also require brief on-campus residencies. Local students have an easier and less expensive time fulfilling these demands. Consider such requirements when choosing which schools to apply to.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation approves certain agencies to evaluate academic rigor and certify education quality at colleges and universities. Schools that meet standards set by one of the designated seven regional accrediting agencies enjoy more prestige than nationally accredited schools.

Take the time to learn about accreditation before choosing prospective schools, since accreditation status can affect financial aid and future credit transfers. Top master’s in training and development programs also typically possess programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Some programs offer robust student services that can help enrollees overcome difficulties and optimize opportunities. Services may include mentorship programs and internship programs.

Some schools offer special support for distance learners. These services often include online tutoring or mentorship. Most schools also offer online academic advising and career services for distance learners.

AECT serves educational technology professionals. It provides resources like academic journals and runs an annual conference. Graduate students may participate in its graduate student assembly. To improve education, AECT disseminates research findings and advises policymakers.

This national research society aims to improve education through scholarly research. It conducts research projects, publishes books, holds an annual meeting, advocates and analyzes public policy, and offers professional development. AERA provides graduate students with several leadership and networking opportunities, including a graduate student council.

ISPI hosts a variety of networking and professional development opportunities, including an annual conference, symposiums, institutes, workshops, and webinars. Its online career center lists human resources job postings and allows members to post to their resume database. ISPI offers professional certification and training program accreditation.

While this center’s primary purpose is to offer instructional design services to organizations, it also serves the larger instructional design community, hosting a job bank, a directory of schools that offer degrees in the field, a calendar of workshops, and an encyclopedia of instructional design terms on its website.

Training and development professionals can access networking and professional development opportunities like conferences, workshops, and webinars through professional organizations. These associations often provide resources like publications and research briefs. Graduate students and job seekers can use professional organizations to connect with mentors, internships, and employment opportunities.