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Masters Degree
Talent Development

Preparing Talent Development Leaders

100% of coursework delivered online

The Master of Science in Talent Development prepares professionals to design, deliver, and evaluate learning and performance initiatives that help organizations achieve their goals. Designed for working professionals, this fully online program develops expertise in training, instructional design, coaching, leadership development, and performance improvement.

Industry-Driven Curriculum

The curriculum was developed with input from talent development professionals and industry leaders through collaboration with the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Chicago Chapter. Coursework reflects the knowledge, skills, and competencies employers seek in today's learning and development professionals.

Career Preparation

Students learn to analyze organizational needs, design and implement training solutions, facilitate learning, measure results, manage projects, and consult with stakeholders. The program emphasizes practical application and evidence-based practices that support organizational success.

Dedicated Faculty

Faculty bring a combination of academic expertise and professional experience in talent development, organizational development, training, and consulting. Their focus is helping students apply learning directly to workplace challenges.

Career Outlook & Salary Information

Demand for talent development professionals continues to grow as organizations invest in employee learning, leadership development, and workforce performance.

• Training and Development Specialists earned a median annual salary of $65,850 in 2024 and are projected to grow 11% from 2024–2034, much faster than the national average. Approximately 43,900 job openings are projected annually.
• Training and Development Managers earned a median annual salary of $127,090 in 2024 and are projected to grow 6% from 2024–2034, faster than the national average. Approximately 3,800 job openings are projected annually.

What You'll Learn

• Analyze organizational, performance, and learning needs
• Design and develop talent development initiatives
• Facilitate training and learning experiences
• Manage learning projects and programs
• Evaluate training effectiveness and organizational impact
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees
• Consult with organizational stakeholders

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Talent Development program are prepared for careers focused on employee learning, organizational effectiveness, and workforce performance. Potential career paths include:

• Training and Development Specialist
• Training Manager
• Learning and Development Specialist
• Instructional Designer
• Organizational Development Specialist
• Talent Development Consultant
• Performance Improvement Specialist
• Learning Program Manager
• Human Resources Development Professional
• eLearning Specialist
• Director of Learning and Development

Graduate Certificates

Students may enhance their professional expertise through EIU graduate certificates that can complement the Talent Development master's degree and support career advancement.

• Training and Development Certificate – Focuses on instructional design, training delivery, facilitation, and workplace learning strategies that help organizations develop employee knowledge and skills.
• Work Performance Improvement Certificate – Emphasizes performance analysis, performance consulting, organizational improvement, and evidence-based strategies for improving workplace effectiveness.

These certificates provide focused professional development opportunities while building specialized knowledge in high-demand areas of talent and workforce development.