Corporate trainers are responsible for
preparing new employees to enter the workplace. Individuals interested
in career development, training, coaching and mentoring can enroll in
one of many online degree programs for corporate trainers. These may be
offered at the bachelor's or master's degree level and fall under the
title of human resource development.
Online bachelor's degree programs in human resource development are typically designed for professionals who already work in
human resources
and training; however, they are also open to freshman students with no
prior experience in the field. Students gain the knowledge and skills to
design, facilitate and manage employee training, while also learning
traditional human recourse functions such as employee motivation and
retention, recruitment, compensation and benefits. Coursework combines
adult training theory with simulations. Topics include instructional
design, managing adult learners, performance evaluation and other human
resources fundamentals.
At the undergraduate level, many online options for human resource
development are bachelor's degree completion programs, which allow
students to transfer up to 94 credits from former college studies.
Courses can be taken online or in a blended-class format where
attendance takes place both online and on campus. Students focusing on
employee training and development may need to complete in-person
presentations or internships; professors use these opportunities to
evaluate training techniques and classroom management skills. Programs
take anywhere from 2-3 years to complete.
List of Common Bachelor-Level Human Resource Development Courses
Applicants may find it helpful to have their general education
requirements complete before enrolling in an online program, so that
they may focus on key human resource and employee training courses.
Common core courses for this field are described below.
Labor Relations Course
This class covers employee and labor issues in the United States,
including historical and current legal and ethical topics. It also
reviews labor relations theory and practice.
Understanding Learning Styles Course
This course introduces students to the different ways that people
learn. Students create training sessions to address different learners'
needs.
Managing Adult Learners Course
Students learn how to impart knowledge to nontraditional adult
learners in a classroom environment. Lessons include techniques for
managing difficult learners.
Students who earn a bachelor's degree in human resource development
often work as corporate trainers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for training specialists was
$56,440 in May 2009. Employment opportunities are expected to grow by
22% between 2008 and 2018. This number is significantly faster than the
national average for all jobs (
www.bls.gov).
Online Master's Degree in Human Resource Development Overview
Online master's degree programs in human resource development cater
to professionals already working in the field and are meant to build
upon existing experience. The program prepares students for leadership
roles in training management, but may also qualify graduates for
positions teaching higher education and providing corporate consulting.
Topics include the design and implementation of human resource programs
as well as technology solutions. Specializations may be available, but
vary by school.
Courses are available online through delivery formats that include
discussion forums, streaming video and interactive meetings (such as
through GoToMeeting or Skype). Programs range from 33-37 credit-hours
and can be completed in 1.5-7 years.
List of Common Master-Level Human Resource Development Courses
Graduate students in an online master's degree program for human
resource development are required to complete core classes before taking
specialized courses. In most cases, coursework and independent research
comes together in a mandatory final thesis project.
Developing Relevant Training Course
Students learn how to identify and select methods to create training
sessions that are relevant to employees' positions. Performance-based
training and evaluation techniques are emphasized.
Human Resource Employee Management Course
This course covers methods for effectively leading human resource
staff members. Topics include employee selection, management style,
employee motivation and team-building.
Technology and Learning
This course reviews the impact technology has on how information is
processed and stored. Students learn to utilize tactics such as games
and task replication to facilitate learning.
Graduates usually work as human resource development managers and
perform or oversee corporate training. According to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for human resource developers
was $88,090 in May 2009. The BLS also reports that top-paying
industries hiring for this position that year were television and radio,
healthcare services, manufacturing, technical services and electronics
stores.
The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)
Certification Institute and the non-profit trade association CompTIA
offer certification for corporate trainers. Both organizations cover
core instructor competencies and skills.
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