Degree Overview: Master’s Degree Program in Corporate Training
Majors Overview June 3, 2015Corporate trainers teach the employees of an organization about various topics. Organizations require these trainers to help them downsize, change, and grow. Those with a graduate education may see more career opportunities than those without one.
Master’s Programs in Corporate Training
Corporate trainers, also called human resources workers, are employed by adult learning organizations to train staff members of various organizations in numerous topic areas. Corporate trainers may opt for specialization in areas such as technology skills and communication skills, among others. Graduates of these programs may qualify for professional certification. Enrolled students may opt for specific educational concentrations, but typically core coursework revolves around the theories of corporate learning and adult training communities. Other programs explore online learning, leadership, and curriculum development.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree and meet GPA standards.
Coursework
Coursework includes concepts such as instructional design, curriculum development, leadership quality, and needs assessment within adult learner communities. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Business management for learning organizations
•Improving learning organizations
•Professional adult education
•Adult learning theories
•Workplace learning
•Knowledge management
•Successful online learning
•Needs assessment for learning environments
•Assessment strategies to improve adult learning
•Strategic planning
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, respective job growth rates of 7% and 11% have been predicted for human resources specialists and training and development managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The continual expansion and growth of companies drives this growth. In May 2012, training and development specialists brought in an average annual wage of $95,400, while human resources specialists in the field banked $55,640 (BLS).
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may become eligible to take a certification exam. They may seek the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential offered by the American Society for Training and Development. They can achieve the certification through passage of an exam and assessment of recent work in the development and training field. Eligibility for the exam calls for three years of work experience. Students can re-validate certification through continuing education credits.
