Human Resource Development (Master's)

About the Program

The Master of Arts in Education and Human Development degree in Human Resource Development (HRD) is designed to meet the career goals of each learner in an individually designed program. Students acquire skills and knowledge in the areas of leadership, group processes, adult learning, organizational diagnosis, and consulting strategies, depending upon their interests.

The program is a total of 36 credits, including eight required courses and four electives. These courses allow the student to obtain a solid foundation in Human Resource Development theory and concepts with an applied emphasis. Electives are chosen with an advisor in the areas of organizational development, human performance and learning, training/development, and may include two courses from other departments within the university or Washington Metropolitan Area Consortium of Universities.

Program of Study

The program renders an interdisciplinary approach to gain insights about complex people facing complex problems in complex situations. A number of lenses allow scholar-practitioners the ability to objectively describe the world around them.  These can include leadership, culture, change, groups and teams, technology, organizational diagnosis, design, development and strategy.

The HRD degree focuses on the interrelationships among people, organizations and learning while utilizing systemic change processes.  The program encourages the learner to challenge assumptions through critical reflection, and fosters group and self-directed learning.

Course descriptions are available in the GW University Bulletin of graduate programs.

Program Delivery

The master's degree in HRD is offered in the following formats and locations:

• Evening studies (full-time or part-time): Washington, D.C., Foggy Bottom campus
• Weekend cohort studies: GW Alexandria Graduate Education Center (VA)
• Evening and weekend studies: GW Hampton Roads Center (VA)
• Singapore
• Hong Kong

Applications and Admission

Spring, summer and fall admission are available, however, please check each program location for specific information. Applications must include the following:

• Completed GW online application
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose (250-500 words)
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended and a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75
• Resume
• Standardized test scores (from within the past five years) from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

To be admitted to the program, degree candidates must meet the admissions criteria established by the University, the School and the program. Applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not an official language are also required to submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores. Please visit the GSEHD Admissions webpage for more detail.

Tuition Support Information

GSEHD offers a limited number of tuition fellowships and support from endowment funds for on-campus students. All awards are merit-based. For additional information, please visit the Tuition Support webpage or contact the GSEHD Office of Admissions.

Contact Information

Kristin Furio, Program Manager
2134 G Street, NW, Room 221
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-1040 (ph)
(202) 994-4928 (fax)
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