Human Resource Development

The Master of Human Resource Development (MHRD) program at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is a comprehensive graduate degree designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in the dynamic field of human resources and organizational development. This program combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for designing, implementing, and evaluating effective human resource strategies within various organizational contexts. Students enrolled in the MHRD program will explore key areas such as talent management, training and development, organizational behavior, conflict resolution, and employment law, equipping them with a holistic understanding of how to foster productive and positive workplaces. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, projects, and internships that provide real-world applications of HRD principles. Additionally, the program promotes critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills necessary to navigate complex organizational challenges. Candidates are encouraged to engage with faculty who are recognized experts in human resource development and related disciplines, benefiting from their research and industry insights. The program is suitable for individuals seeking to advance their careers in human resources, organizational development, or related fields, as well as for professionals aiming to acquire specialized knowledge to improve organizational effectiveness. Graduates of the MHRD program at the University of Minnesota are well-equipped to contribute to organizational success by enhancing workforce capabilities, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and implementing innovative HR strategies that align with organizational goals. With a strong emphasis on ethical practice and lifelong learning, the program prepares students to become influential HRD practitioners capable of making meaningful contributions to their organizations and the broader community. As part of the university’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, the program also emphasizes relevant social and cultural issues impacting workforce development today. Whether students aspire to work in corporate, non-profit, government, or educational sectors, the MHRD program offers the foundational and specialized knowledge necessary to excel and lead in the evolving field of human resource development.

A minimum grade of C- is required for all Foundation, Major, and Supporting Program courses. The only course that can be taken S/N is OLPD 4696.

Foundation Courses

These courses are intended to be taken as prerequisites to the major, although this is not strictly required. Student can take some of these courses as they are taking introductory courses in HRD, however most of these courses should be completed within the first 90 credits.

Psychology

• EPSY 1281 - Psychological Science Applied [SOCS] (4.0 cr)
• or PSY 1001 - Introduction to Psychology [SOCS] (4.0 cr)

Public Speaking

• OLPD 1461 - Presentations in Work Settings: Business & Marketing Education and Human Resource Development [CIV] (3.0 cr)
• or FSOS 1461 - Presentations at Work: Families, Communities, Nonprofits, and Schools [CIV] (3.0 cr)
• or COMM 1101 - Introduction to Public Speaking [CIV] (3.0 cr)

Mathematics

• CI 1806 - College Algebra through Modeling [MATH] (3.0 cr)
• or MATH 1001 - Excursions in Mathematics [MATH] (3.0 cr)
• or MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability [MATH] (3.0 cr)
• or STAT 1001 - Introduction to the Ideas of Statistics [MATH] (4.0 cr)
• or A higher level math course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Consult an advisor for options.

Economics

• APEC 1101 - Principles of Microeconomics [SOCS, GP] (4.0 cr)
• or ECON 1101 - Principles of Microeconomics [SOCS, GP] (4.0 cr)
• or APEC 1102 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3.0 cr)
• or ECON 1102 - Principles of Macroeconomics (4.0 cr)

Personal Leadership

• OLPD 1302 - Personal Leadership in the University (3.0 cr)
• or OLPD 1301W - Personal Leadership in the University [WI] (3.0 cr)
• or PA 1961W - Personal Leadership in the University [WI] (3.0 cr)

Future Studies

• OLPD 2811 - Societies of the Future: Changing Work Contexts [TS] (3.0 cr)
• or OLPD 2811H - Societies of the Future: Changing Work Contexts, Honors [TS] (3.0 cr)

Business Writing

• OLPD 3324W - Writing in the Workplace for Education and Human Development Majors [WI] (4.0 cr)
• or WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing [WI] (3.0 cr)
• or MGMT 3033W - Business Communication [WI] (3.0 cr)
• or WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)

Major Courses

Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits in the major. These 24 credits include five specific required courses (list below), one computer applications course (options listed below), a 4-credit Internship, and 3 credits of electives within the HRD major (options below).

• OLPD 3601 - Introduction to Human Resource Development (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 3202 - Introduction to Strategies for Teaching Adults (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 3620 - Introduction to Training and Development (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 3640 - Introduction to Organization Development (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 3696 - Profession and Practice of Human Resource Development (2.0 cr)
• OLPD 4696 - Internship: Human Resource Development (1.0-4.0 cr)

Computer Applications for Business & Industry

• CI 5301 - Foundations of Computer Applications for Business and Education (3.0 cr)
• or CI 1871 - Computer Literacy and Problem Solving (4.0 cr)
• or IDSC 3001 - Information Systems for Business Processes and Management (3.0 cr)

HRD Electives

Students must complete a minimum of 3 credits of electives from the following list of course options.

Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:

• OLPD 3305 - Learning About Leadership Through Film and Literature (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 3318 - Introduction to Project Management (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 3380 - Developing Intercultural Competence (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 3828 - Diversity in the Workplace (3.0 cr)
• OLPD 4318 - Advanced Project Management (3.0 cr)

Supporting Program

Students must create a supporting program of at least 12 credits. These courses must be taken outside of OLPD. This is an opportunity for students to explore a related area of interest that helps strengthen their major area of study or widens the arena for application of skills and concepts. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an OLPD program advisor before choosing supporting program courses. Common courses can include the following, but are not limited to these options:

Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:

• ABUS 4104 - Management and Human Resource Practices (3.0 cr)
• COMM 3441 - Introduction to Organizational Communication (3.0 cr)
• HRIR 3021 - Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations (3.0 cr)
• HRIR 3031 - Staffing and Selection: Strategic and Operational Concerns (2.0 cr)
• HRIR 3041 - The Individual in the Organization (2.0 cr)
• HRIR 3042 - The Individual and Organizational Performance (2.0 cr)
• HRIR 3051 - Compensation: Theory and Practice (2.0 cr)
• HRIR 3071 - Union Organizing and Labor Relations (2.0 cr)
• HRIR 3072 - Collective Bargaining and Dispute Resolution (2.0 cr)
• MGMT 3004 - Business Strategy (3.0 cr)
• MGMT 4002 - Managerial Psychology (4.0 cr)
• PSY 3711 - Psychology in the Workplace (3.0 cr)
• SCO 3001 - Introduction to Operations Management (3.0 cr)

Upper Division Writing Intensive within the Major

Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.

Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:

• OLPD 3324W - Writing in the Workplace for Education and Human Development Majors [WI] (4.0 cr)
• WRIT 3029W - Business and Professional Writing [WI] (3.0 cr)
• MGMT 3033W - Business Communication [WI] (3.0 cr)
• WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)

Requirements

• Completed Application for Admission
• $55 U.S. nonrefundable application fee
  If you apply online, you may pay the fee online using a credit card.
• Secondary school transcript from each secondary school/high school attended
  If you have graduated from high school/secondary school, the final school transcript must include grades through the end of the last year in school (equivalent to the 12th year of high school in the U.S.) and the year of graduation. If you were also issued a graduation certificate or leaving examination results, we must also receive a copy of this document. You may submit these documents online using our Secondary School Document Submission form.
• English proficiency test scores
  If your native language is not English, a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score is required. Official test scores must be sent directly to the University of Minnesota by the testing agency.

Scholarships

• The University of Minnesota offers a limited number of Global Excellence Scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer international students studying on an F-1 visa and admitted for fall semesters. The Gold Global Excellence Scholarship awards the full difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen only) and the Maroon Global Excellence Scholarship awards 50% of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen and transfer students). 
• New international freshman admitted to the University will also be considered for the Undergraduate Research Scholarship. Recipients receive $1,400 for participation in a faculty sponsored University of Minnesota research project and up to an additional $300 in support of supplies and expenses related to their research project.

The Human Resource Development program at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the field of human resources, organizational development, and training. This program emphasizes the core competencies required to effectively manage and develop human capital within a variety of organizational settings. Students in the program gain comprehensive knowledge in areas such as talent acquisition, employee training and development, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and employment law.

The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address real-world challenges in human resource management. Courses often include case studies, project-based learning, and internships to foster experiential learning. The program also emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, preparing students to promote a positive and productive organizational culture.

Faculty members involved in the program are leading experts and researchers in human resource development, and they often collaborate with industry partners to provide students with relevant insights and networking opportunities. The program may also offer specializations or tracks, such as Training and Development or Organizational Leadership, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career interests.

Upon completion, graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as HR specialists, training managers, organizational development consultants, and other related positions within corporate, nonprofit, government, or educational organizations. The program’s integration with the university's broader resources, including career services and research centers, supports students' professional growth and development.

Overall, the Human Resource Development program at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities prepares students with the strategic, technical, and interpersonal skills necessary for successful careers in the field of human resources, emphasizing ethical practices, continuous learning, and leadership development in organizations.