The information below applies to current students already admitted to the Master of Arts in Human Resources Development program in the CECP department who are planning to continuing with the original program and plan to graduate with their Master of Arts in Human Resources Development.
This program is intended for students seeking professional positions in the interdisciplinary field of workplace learning and performance, which subsumes practice in such areas as training and development, performance technology, instructional design and technology and organization development.
This successful program developed in 1983 is focused on research and preparation for the practice of human resources development in a variety of organizations and industries. Graduates of the program hold leadership and professional positions in regional and global companies, non-profit organizations, education and the public sector.
The program is intended to meet the needs of three major audiences:
Persons with related experience seeking entry into the HRD profession,
Current HRD professionals seeking graduate education and
Current HRD professionals seeking to expand current skills through advanced professional development
The program is designed to provide participants with knowledge and skills that enable them to effectively contribute to improving the value and business impact of HRD products and services. The aim of the program is to prepare graduates in the concepts, methods and tools of HRD that allow them to play leadership roles in the design and delivery of HRD functions and services. Graduates will study and achieve an enhanced understanding of adult learning, human performance and organizational effectiveness in two major domains:
Topics central to the design and delivery of effective learning interventions through the study of learning theory, needs analysis, instructional design and evaluation; and
Topics central to the leadership and management of an effective HRD function within an organization through the study of general systems theory, organizational effectiveness and HRD leadership processes.
We welcome applicants who have completed an accredited baccalaureate degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, three letters of recommendations, three years of work experience and a statement of purpose outlining professional goals. Applicants should contact the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
(269-387-5100) for detailed information on admission to the program
Students will have the option of selecting elective courses in one or more of six practice area specialties listed below. The selection of specific courses is done in consultation with and approval of academic advisor.
Professional association websites:
Academy of Human Resource Development
American Society of Training and Development
International Society of Performance Improvement
Society of Human Resource Management
For further information regarding the Masters Degree in Human Resources Development contact:
Dr. Larry Buzas
Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
3521 Sangren Hall
Western Michigan University
Phone: (269) 387-3881
Fax: (269) 387-5090
