Human Resource Development (HRD) is about applying learning and development (L&D) concepts to adults working and volunteering in organized communities towards the ends of problem-solving, transforming, and prospering at both individual and organizational levels (Career and Organization Development (C/OD)). According to the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD), 75% of the most highly regard
ed HRD programs in the country reside in a College or School of Education (SOE) given the field’s underlying philosophy of learning and development and its roots in the fields of adult and vocational education and organizational studies. Students enrolling in HRD programs come from areas as diverse as teaching, psychology, sociology, management, communications, counseling, and community-based organizations. Although some might have worked in human resource related fields, many are career-changers and find the developmental approach of HRD programs in Schools of Education to be an appropriate fit for their convictions, goals, and values. Through experiential-based learning, broad research, and in-depth academics, the HRD program develops students toward roles to include:
• Administrator (e.g., Chief Learning Officer, Director of HRD)
• Evaluator
• HRD Manager
• Instructional Designer
• Urban Adult Community Educator
• Career Development Advisor
• Instructor and Trainer
• Organizational Change Agent & Consultant
• Continuing Professional Education
The HRD program and course content also prepares the School of Education’s doctoral students (both EdD and PhD) as they develop their skills as organizational leaders, academics, researchers, and scholar-practitioners.
