Corporate Training Master's Degrees and Training: Programs at a Glance
Studying corporate training can prepare you to plan, organize, conduct, and assess learning for employees within a business organization. You can learn to design learning solutions and deliver training through a variety of mediums, including on-the-job coaching, classroom facilitation, and web-based instruction. Numerous corporate training programs and courses are available for both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students in either a traditional classroom or online format.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that employment for human resource specialists, including training specialists, would grow at a faster than average rate of 21% from 2010 to 2020. Opportunities for job seekers are expected to be good, especially within the employment services industry. Over the same period, employment of training and development managers is expected to grow by 15%, which is as fast as average.
| Master's | Postgraduate Courses and Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this program for? | Individuals who want to design, deliver, or evaluate learning in a corporate environment | Professionals seeking to enhance their current skill set or pursue certification |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate average salary) | - Training Specialist ($59,000)* - Curriculum Specialist ($62,000)** -Training Manager ($99,000 - might vary depending on experience)* | While continuing education may not lead to a specific career, taking individual courses or completing a certificate can enhance your knowledge and skills for current or future employment |
| Time to Completion | 1-2 years full-time | Varies by course or program (1 day seminar - 1 semester or more) |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Approximately 30-36 credit hours - Final project or thesis | - Varies by course or program - Many CEUs have no testing requirements - Certificate programs may require a final assessment |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree in any field - Prior experience in HR or corporate training may be helpful | Bachelor's degree may be required for graduate or postgraduate certificate programs |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
*Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **Salary.com (May 2012 stats)
Master's in Corporate Training
With a master's degree in corporate training you will be able to assess training needs for an organization and lead programs for workforce development. There are several types of master's degree programs that offer instruction in corporate training, such as the Master of Education in Education and Human Resource Studies, Master of Communication Studies with a concentration in communication training and development, or even a Master of Arts in Training and Development. These programs offer similar coursework in training and development, but differ in their approach and core program curriculum. For example, students in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program would also need to take business, economics, and statistics classes along with their coursework in corporate training.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Students with a bachelor's degree in any field can apply for admission to this program
- Studying corporate training as part of a general human resource or business degree program will give you additional skills that may make you more attractive to potential employers
- Since corporate training is necessary within almost all organizations, there are numerous job opportunities for graduates across a variety of industries
Cons
- A master's degree is not required for the majority of jobs in corporate training, including management positions
- Corporate training is traditionally offered as an area of emphasis within a degree program and not as a stand-alone degree so you may also need to take courses in human resources, business, or education
- The salary that you earn as a corporate training professional may not offset the cost of earning a master's degree*
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Common Courses and Requirements
Master's degree programs that offer corporate training cover related topics, such as human resources, communication, business and interpersonal skills. Although not required in all programs, you may be able to complete original research for a thesis project or develop a professional-level portfolio. Most graduate programs don't require any general education courses, and you may be able to tailor your elective courses to corporate training areas similar to the following:
- Adult learning theory
- Organizational development
- Employee relations
- Facilitation skills
- Curriculum planning
- Learning technology
Online Degree Options
Online master's degree programs are available that offer studies in corporate training, such as programs in training and development or adult education and training. Coursework is essentially the same for online degree-seekers as it is for those who attend classes on campus, and you will be able to complete similar topics of corporate training. Some of these programs can be completed in less than one year. You may be required to do a final project or thesis as a graduation requirement.
Getting Ahead with this Degree
You have a few options for standing out among other applicants for corporate training positions. For example, you could join a professional organization for corporate trainers. This can give you access to many benefits, such as monthly publications on training practices, invitations to seminars and networking events, and opportunities for continuing education.
Training activities within an organization are often dependent on economic factors. The more profitable the company, the more it invests in training. To be better prepared for economic downturns, you could learn other areas of human resources or business. Many organizations look for employees who have multiple skills sets.
Postgraduate Courses and Training Programs in Corporate Training
Continuing education is very important to the field of human resources since policies and regulations can often change and it is frequently the responsibility of the corporate trainer to make sure that employees are properly trained on these changes. Most colleges offer continuing education units (CEUs) for human resource professionals. Courses can be taken as a single unit or as part of a certificate program. Professional organizations, such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), also offer continuing education courses.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Becoming certified as a training professional can increase your employment options
- You can couple CEUs with training from other fields, such as psychology or human resources
- Continuing education will help you to stay current on trends and best practices in training
Cons
- You may be competing for jobs against applicants with an advanced degree
- Continuing education requires a time commitment that may not work with your job responsibilities
- The content of continuing education courses is often broad and may not teach you new skills
Common Course Topics
Certificate programs and individual courses in this field are designed to enhance or develop skills that will help you succeed as a corporate training professional. Most courses are intended for students with previous work experience.
Common topics you may cover in a certificate program or taking CEUs include:
- Designing learning
- Employee coaching
- Compliance training
- Training management
- Delivering training
Online Courses and Certificates
A number of universities now offer online graduate certificate programs in corporate training, as well as individual CEUs for training professionals. These courses and programs are usually designed for students who already have some experience in HR, training or adult education. You may be able to find online studies that allow you to work at your own pace, as well as those where you interact with classmates. Similar to campus-based options, you may need a degree or professional experience to pursue these courses or certificates.
How Continuing Education Can Help You Stand Out
Continuing education can help you to increase your skills and open opportunities for advancement. Studying instructional design and educational technology can give you a competitive advantage in the job market since these areas are beginning to play a larger role in the training environment. For corporate trainers with three or more years of work experience, ASTD offers the opportunity to test for the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance Certification (CPLP) credential. Earning this designation is one way to establish your expertise in the field and demonstrate your level of training.
