Master’s (M.S.) are available in the AEA area of concentration. Course content and teaching methods used in Graduate courses are designed to assist students in the development of strong professional knowledge and skills. Graduate students are encouraged to custom design their degree program in consultation with their graduate advisor. Students may build unique areas of expertise into their program such as: * Adult Learning * Program Planning * Program Evaluation * Needs Assessment * Research Design * International Agriculture * Youth Learning * Distance Education * Instructional Delivery Strategies * Learner-Centered Instructional Design …and many other possibilities!

Recent changes in organizations have created an explosion in the need for professionals capable of developing human capital. Rapid technological change, globalization, restructured workplaces, labor market shifts and pressure for reduced costs and increased productivity have increased demand for HRD professionals. Organizations are increasingly recognizing that human capital, along with technology, is the key to competitive advantage in the global economy. The result is that HRD professionals are more valued and more in demand than any time since World War II. Government agencies, business and industrial firms and nonprofit organizations spent approximately 125 billion dollars in 2009 on formal training for employees (ASTD). When informal, on-the-job training, management development and organization development and restructuring costs are added, this total raises to 200 billion dollars. Such huge expenditures create great demand for competent, innovative professionals to lead HRD. Recent government and industry studies have led American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) to postulate, ” the learning deficit in our nation’s workforce is as threatening to our economy as our monetary deficit.” Through the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs, the SHREWD prepares students to meet the demand for HRD professionals who will lead organizations to higher levels of quality and productivity. Typical Organizations with Human Resource Development Career Paths * Professional Associations * Computers and Data Processing * Non-profit organizations * Educational Institutions * Banking * Electronics and Telecommunications * Federal, State, and Local Governments * Manufacturing * Retail Sales and Distribution * Utilities * Wholesale Sales and Distribution * Military * Consulting/Professional Service Firms * Health Care Institutions