Page 61 - The Human Resource Development - New Student Orientation Handbook (REVISED)

The Human Resource Development
Orientation Handbook and Research Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For what kind of employment or position would having this degree qualify me?

Many people in this field have some sort of specialty in which they've already been working, i.e.
health care operations, social work, sales, counseling, etc. They sometimes use this degree to
advance in their own specialty, which may be indirectly related to the actual practice of HRD. This
program educates people in the areas of training, organization development, and career development.
People move into positions in personnel and human resources, organization development,
management consulting--as training specialists, coordinators of continuing education or professional
development, training manager or director, trainer/facilitator/instructor, management development
or career development specialist, staff development specialist, HRD researcher, organization change
agent, or administrator of HRD. It should be noted, however, that there are few entry-level positions
in HRD; many people use this degree to move into a position where they train other employees in
their own area of expertise.

What is the difference between Human Resource Development and Human Resources?

Human Resource Development is part of the general field of Human Resources; the general field of
Human Resources encompasses areas such as labor relations, employee assistance, compensation,
benefits, and staffing. Human Resource Development focuses such areas such as performance
improvement, organizational behavior and development, and consultation that assists organizations
with various issues that hinder individual and professional growth.

How much time per week outside of class is required for homework?

Students spend between 10 -15 hours outside of class per week for reading, writing, and small group
assignments. This will vary depending upon the assignment.

Does this degree lead to any certification?

No. There is currently no certification process for HRD professionals in the US.

What happens if I need to drop out for a semester?

Should there be a lapse of one academic semester, excluding summer semesters, during which
graduate courses are not taken, the student must file a Graduate Readmission Application two weeks
prior to registration.

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