Department of Human and Organizational Learning
Established in 1958, the Department of Human and Organizational Learning (HOL), formerly known as the Human Resource Development Program, is a two-time recipient of The Academy of Human Resource Development's "Outstanding Program" Award and is the oldest program of its kind in the country. Human and Organizational Learning focuses on the interrelationships among people, organizations, and learning, while utilizing systematic change processes.
Our programs teach learners to challenge assumptions through critical reflection, and foster group and self-directed learning. Theory, research and practice are balanced throughout the curriculum. Students are encouraged to form learning communities to provide collective support, promote action learning, and model a learning culture.
The HOL programs are organized around three primary theoretical constructs: organizational development and change; leadership development; and individual, group and organizational learning. Our multidisciplinary approach to organizational studies draws on the fields of management, sociology, biology, psychology, anthropology and education. The program focuses on increasing the learning capacity of individuals, teams, and organizations to optimize organizational growth and effectiveness.
Most of our students are part-time and take one or two courses per semester (approximately 25% are full-time). Class sizes vary, but the average HOL graduate class has 15 or fewer students. These students include managers, human resource development practitioners, consultants, and other working professionals from many organizations of varying size and type. Approximately 20% of our students are international students; their backgrounds lend a rich perspective to the classroom. All classes are offered in the evening, enabling students to continue working full-time while attending school.
The HOL program is committed to providing quality education for professionals and managers who are interested in helping people and organizations adapt to continuous change.
Degree Programs
Graduate Certificates
- Leadership Development (18 credits)
- Design and Assessment of Adult Learning (12 credits)
- Essentials of Human Resource Development (12 credits)
- Organizational Learning and Change (12 credits)
