Best institutions to study Human Resources Development
A program that prepares individuals to apply integrated training, organizational development, and career planning and counseling skills to the design, management, and evaluation of programs to improve individual productivity, employability, and job satisfaction and organizational effectiveness.
76 U.S. institutions graduated 3,502 Human Resources Development students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.1005, a specialization of Human Resources Management and Services (CIP 52.10), and leads most directly to the Training and Development Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 13-1151).
About Human Resources Development programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply integrated training, organizational development, and career planning and counseling skills to the design, management, and evaluation of programs to improve individual productivity, employability, and job satisfaction and organizational effectiveness. Includes instruction in psychology; organizational behavior; principles of adult education; occupational counseling; skill testing and evaluation; program design; consulting practice; organizational development; and applications to issues such as training, management development, customer service, and total quality management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Human Resources Development program focuses on preparing individuals to enhance organizational effectiveness through integrated training, organizational development, and career planning. This program is ideal for those interested in improving employee productivity, job satisfaction, and overall workplace dynamics within various business environments.
Students will gain essential skills in psychology, organizational behavior, adult education principles, and occupational counseling. Coursework includes training design, program evaluation, and consulting practices, equipping graduates with the tools necessary to address training and management development needs effectively.
Credentials awarded
What Human Resources Development graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree1,796 graduates / yr · 3 institutions51%
- Master's degree750 graduates / yr · 32 institutions21%
- Bachelor's degree609 graduates / yr · 23 institutions17%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate218 graduates / yr · 26 institutions6.2%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year78 graduates / yr · 12 institutions2.2%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship35 graduates / yr · 6 institutions1.0%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years14 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.4%
- Post-master's certificate2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Human Resources Development completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,715 |
| 2013 | 1,783 |
| 2014 | 1,862 |
| 2015 | 1,758 |
| 2016 | 1,836 |
| 2017 | 1,845 |
| 2018 | 1,930 |
| 2019 | 1,977 |
| 2020 | 2,014 |
| 2021 | 2,305 |
| 2022 | 2,072 |
| 2023 | 1,724 |
| 2024 | 1,595 |
| 2025 | 3,502 |
Top 50 institutions for Human Resources Development, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicAssociate'sBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1,891 | 45% | — | $52,194 |
| 2 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LAPublicMaster'sBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 205 | 69% | — | — |
| 3 | The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TXPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 132 | 54% | — | $34,085 |
| 4 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 113 | 65% | — | $46,700 |
| 5 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicBachelor's | 109 | 84% | — | $51,664 |
| 6 | Boise State University Boise, IDPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 102 | 60% | — | — |
| 7 | Villanova University Villanova, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 83 | 92% | $33,774 | — |
| 8 | Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, ALPrivate for-profitMaster's | 61 | 33% | $15,554 | $53,843 |
| 9 | Oakland University Rochester Hills, MIPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 50 | 58% | — | $51,010 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicMaster's | 49 | 34% | — | $58,884 |
| 11 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, ARPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 44 | 71% | — | $40,007 |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicBachelor's | 44 | 49% | — | $48,505 |
| 13 | Idaho State University Pocatello, IDPublicMaster'sBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 36 | 39% | — | $62,033 |
| 14 | University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MSPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 31 | 49% | — | $44,709 |
| 15 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicBachelor's | 29 | 69% | — | — |
| 16 | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublicMaster's | 28 | 87% | — | — |
| 17 | University of Houston - Clear Lake Houston, TXPublicMaster's | 27 | 52% | — | — |
| 18 | Clackamas Community College Oregon City, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 25 | 23% | — | — |
| 19 | University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WIPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 46% | — | $55,263 |
| 20 | Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 58% | — | — |
| 21 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 19 | 84% | $29,789 | $57,219 |
| 22 | Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, ILPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 18 | 22% | — | $49,131 |
| 23 | Park University Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 38% | $16,013 | $51,169 |
| 24 | Charter Oak State College New Britain, CTPublicBachelor's | 16 | 67% | — | — |
| 25 | Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KSPublicMaster's | 16 | 57% | — | — |
| 26 | Pepperdine University Malibu, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 83% | $41,986 | — |
| 27 | Southwestern College Winfield, KSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 36% | $26,868 | — |
| 28 | Webster University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 64% | $25,090 | — |
| 29 | Tusculum University Greeneville, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 25% | $22,577 | — |
| 30 | Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 12 | 73% | $42,705 | — |
| 31 | Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu, HIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 35% | $30,299 | — |
| 32 | Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublicMaster's | 12 | 47% | — | — |
| 33 | Bowie State University Bowie, MDPublicMaster's | 12 | 38% | — | — |
| 34 | University of Wisconsin - Stout Menomonie, WIPublicMaster's | 12 | 55% | — | — |
| 35 | Barry University Miami, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 38% | $24,719 | — |
| 36 | Towson University Towson, MDPublicMaster's | 11 | 69% | — | — |
| 37 | Champlain College Burlington, VTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 65% | $32,531 | — |
| 38 | University of San Francisco San Francisco, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 70% | $37,121 | — |
| 39 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 9 | 68% | $28,141 | — |
| 40 | Bellevue University Bellevue, NEPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 9 | 33% | $29,230 | $53,007 |
| 41 | Midwestern State University Wichita Falls, TXPublicMaster's | 8 | 43% | — | — |
| 42 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, ILPublicPost-degree cert. | 7 | 85% | — | — |
| 43 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 7 | 58% | — | $48,115 |
| 44 | Anoka Technical College Anoka, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 66% | — | — |
| 45 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicPost-degree cert. | 7 | 83% | — | — |
| 46 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 57% | $10,199 | — |
| 47 | University of St Francis Joliet, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 6 | 67% | $15,591 | — |
| 48 | McDaniel College Westminster, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 63% | $18,988 | — |
| 49 | Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, NCPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 6 | 61% | $24,872 | — |
| 50 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 6 | 78% | $36,004 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Human Resources Management and Services field (CIP 52.10) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 36 states & territories
Where Human Resources Development graduates come from. Each state links to all Human Resources Management and Services programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 13-1151, Training and Development Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Human Resources Development program can pursue careers as Training and Development Specialists, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 10.8% and approximately 43,900 annual openings. A typical bachelor's degree is required, with a median wage of $65,850.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 52.1005
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Training and Development Specialistsprimary SOC 13-1151 | $69,280 | +10.8% Much faster than average | ~43,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Human Resources Development programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
- Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
- Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
- Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.
Tools and technology used
Other Human Resources Management and Services specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Human Resources Management and Services (CIP 52.10).
- Human Resources Management/CIP 52.1001
Personnel Administration 18,033 graduates / yr518 institutions - Organizational Behavior StudiesCIP 52.10033,311 graduates / yr116 institutions
- Labor and Industrial RelationsCIP 52.10021,363 graduates / yr26 institutions
- Human Resources Management and ServicesCIP 52.1099906 graduates / yr31 institutions
- Labor StudiesCIP 52.1004137 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Executive/CIP 52.1006
Career Coaching partial data93 graduates / yr9 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and learning strategies.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Training and Development Specialist or in various roles related to human resources.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 10.8% and around 43,900 openings each year.
What is the CIP code for Human Resources Development?+
Human Resources Development is CIP 52.1005 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Human Resources Management and Services (CIP 52.10). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply integrated training, organizational development, and career planning and counseling skills to the design, management, and evaluation of programs to improve individual productivity, employability, and job satisfaction and organizational effectiveness. Includes instruction in psychology; organizational behavior; principles of adult education; occupational counseling; skill testing and evaluation; program design; consulting practice; organizational development; and applications to issues such as training, management development, customer service, and total quality management.
How many institutions offer Human Resources Development programs?+
76 U.S. institutions reported Human Resources Development graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 36 states & territories, awarding 3,502 credentials in the year. That is 12.8% of all Human Resources Management and Services graduates.
How much do Human Resources Development graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Training and Development Specialists occupation, which Human Resources Development most directly leads to, pays a median of $69,280 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Human Resources Management and Services field report median earnings of $51,010 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card