Key Information:
- Villanova University and University of Arkansas are top schools for an online degree in training and development.
- Graduates with a degree in training and development can pursue careers as corporate trainers, instructional designers, and human resources managers.
- Online programs offer flexibility for working professionals.
- Programs typically include courses on adult learning theories, instructional design, and technology in education.
A degree in training and development, online or on campus, will help you make the most of your talents. If you enjoy leadership positions, can communicate well, and value learning, then your online degree can help you hone your natural gifts. You’ll also gain the specific skills you’ll need for the job. You’ll learn all about the HR side of business. You’ll also learn about curriculum development, instructional design, maintaining a budget, delivering training, talent management, and other important factors in skills training and human resources.
Plus, a training and development degree is more specific than a general HR degree. That specificity may just give you a competitive edge in the workplace. With a concentration in training and development, you can assure future employers that you have exactly what it takes to do the job.
Related:
- Best Bachelor’s in Training and Development
- Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Training and Development
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Bachelor Degree in Training and Development
To rank the best online bachelor degree in training and development, Bachelor’s Degree Center editors researched accredited schools offering an online learning or hybrid option. We have ranked each development program using current IPEDS and Niche data, including cost, graduate salary, and student reviews.
1. Villanova University
Villanova University offers a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in Organizational Development and Management that is one of Pennsylvania’s leading online bachelor degree in training and development programs. Featured classes for Villanova University’s training undergraduate degree includes organizational decision-making, instructional design, curriculum development, essentials of finance & accounting, foundations of strategic management, strategic operations, and process improvement, and innovation and creative thinking, to name a few.
Villanova University is a private higher learning institution that was established by the Order of Saint Augustine as an academy in 1811. This catholic, private university serves nearly 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year from its suburban campus and its distance learning platform.
What We Like: Villanova University is recognized as the oldest catholic school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the only Augustian institution of higher learning in the nation.
Degree: Organizational Development and Management
For more info, visit the program website!
2. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers a completion BS in Human Resources and Workforce Development Education (HRD) that US News ranks among the best in the nation. The University of Arkansas’ online bachelor degree in training and development program can be completed in only 2 to 4 years, depending on the students’ previous earned credits. Potential careers for graduates of this UARK program include program designer, training facilitator, program evaluator, and instructional designer, among others.
The University of Arkansas is a preeminent research institution of higher education that was founded in the 1870s. The school is also a land-grant and space-grant university with a student enrollment that exceeds 28,900 undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus and online.
What We Like: The University of Arkansas offers its students an impressive 19 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Degree: BS Human Resources and Workforce Development Education
For more info, visit the program website!
3. University of Arizona Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers a BA in Instructional Design that is ranked among the leading innovative online bachelor in training and development degree program. This program from UAGC explores the connections of thinking, learning & technology, among others. Students complete the degree one course at a time over five-week intervals. The University of Arizona offers students the opportunity to transfer up to 90 credits if eligible. Students have the option of adding an emphasis on business, cognitive studies, health, real estate, or supply chain.
The University of Arizona Global Campus was founded in 2020 after UA acquired Ashford University. This higher learning institution offers online classes and programs exclusively to its 32,550+ students each year.
What We Like: The University of Arizona Global Campus operates independently from the University of Arizona, which is the university’s flagship.
Degree: BA in Instructional Design
For more info, visit the program website!
4. CSU Global
CSU Global offers a BS in Human Services with a Specialization in Human Resources and Organizational Development that is considered the most innovative of online bachelor in training and development degree programs in Colorado and beyond. Featured classes for CSU’s baccalaureate degree program in organizational development include labor relations and employment law, leading through conflict resolution, development training, and the principles of human resource management, to name a few.
CSU Global is a public higher learning institution that was established in 2007 as the distance learning platform of Colorado State University. More than 20,000 students attend bachelor’s degree classes offered online by CSU Global, and many graduate students.
What We Like: CSU Global offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs from its online learning platform.
Degree: Human Services with a Specialization in Human Resources and Organizational Development
5. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers a BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning (OLL) that US News recognizes among the leading online bachelor degree in training and development programs in the nation. The University of Louisville offers active duty military members a substantial discount on tuition and multiple start dates throughout the year. Students select from these specializations – leadership training healthcare, project management, training methods, digital leadership, diversity and inclusion, human resource, counseling career & technical ed, and early childhood education.
The University of Louisville is a research university that was established in the 18thy century as an education seminary. The University of Louisville’s urban campuses and online platform serve more than 21,150 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
What We Like: The University of Louisville is recognized to be one of the oldest higher learning institutions located to the west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Degree: BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning
For more info, visit the program website!
6. University of Wisconsin — Stout
The University of Wisconsin Stout offers a BS in Career, Technical Education, and Training that is available entirely online. The University of Wisconsin’s online bachelor degree in training and development program is internationally and nationally recognized among the leading programs. Students must complete 120 ‑121 academic credit units in core classes that include the coordination of work-based learning programs, development courses, course construction in career and technical education, education psychology of the adult learning, and introduction to counseling for partners in education, to name a few.
The Menomonie campus of the University of Wisconsin is a public school that was chartered in the early 1890s. Its rural 100+ acre campus is home to approximately 8,400 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
What We Like: The University of Wisconsin’s Menomonie campus is named to honor its founder, James Huff Stout.
Degree: BS in Career, Technical Education, and Training
For more info, visit the program website!
7. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers a BS in Training Specialist (Occupational & Technical Studies) that is available as a degree completion or full program. Old Dominion University s online bachelor in training and development degree program curriculum aligns with the ASTD latest research for training. Featured coursework for Old Dominion University’s undergraduate degree in training and development includes organizational behavior, interpersonal relations, adult education and training, instructional methods in occupational training, and workforce supervision.
Old Dominion University was chartered initially as a division of the William and Mary in 1930 but became an independent college in 1962. Old Dominion University is a space and sea-grant institution of higher education that serves more than 23,850 students each year.
What We Like: The school’s name is derived from one of Virginia’s nicknames – given to the area by King Charles II.
Degree: BS in Training Specialist (Occupational & Technical Studies)
For more info, visit the program website!
8. Dominican University
Dominican University offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Training and Development (BPS TD) degree program that offers the working learner a completion path and accelerated degree plan at their own pace. Dominican University’s BPS degree is delivered in 8‑week modules and allows for up to 68 transfer credits from a community college or 90 transfer credits from a 4‑year school. The core curriculum for this online bachelor degree in training and development program includes social justice, environmental law, building sustainable organizations, and social science research, among others.
Dominican University was founded by the Dominican Sisters as St Clara Female College in 1901. The university’s 30-acre campus near Chicago serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students each year.
What We Like: Dominican University offers enrolled students an impressive faculty-to-teacher ratio of 1 to 11.
Degree: BPS in Training and Development
For more info, visit the program website!
9. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University offers a BS in Management and Technology — Training and Development that is one of Ohio’s leading online bachelor degree in training and development programs. With six start dates offered each year, Bowling Green State University offers a great fit for most working learners. Interdisciplinary coursework covers information studies, business, and management, as well as the methodologies and applications of training and development, to name a few.
Bowling Green State University is a member school of Ohio’s university system that was founded in 1910. The school’s main campus is located near Toledo. The total student enrollment of Bowling Green State University – across all campuses exceeds 20,150 students.
What We Like: Bowling Green State University is organized into colleges and schools offering programs in business, education, health, musical arts, technology, and applied engineering, among others.
Degree: BS in Management and Technology — Training and Development
For more info, visit the program website!
10. Walsh University
Walsh University offers a BA in Organizational Development and Leadership (ODL) that ranks among the most innovative of online bachelor degree in training and development programs in Ohio and the Midwest. Walsh University’s undergraduate degree in Organizational Development and Leadership is delivered in eight-week accelerated modules which fit with working learners’ flexibility requirements. In addition, this military-friendly college offers credit for previous work, life experience, and education.
Walsh University is a private university that was established in 1960 as a liberal arts school. The school’s North Canton campus and online platform serve approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students each year.
What We Like: Walsh University offers about 80 undergraduate and graduate programs which include a variety of international education locations.
Degree: BA in Organizational Development and Leadership
For more info, visit the program website!
11. Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University offers a BS in Applied Management with an academic specialty in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation (ITTE) that is among Illinois’ leading online bachelor degree in training and development completion programs. This program from Northern Illinois University requires applicants to hold, an AAS — an Associate of Applied Science degree, an AA — an Associate of Arts degree, or an AS — an Associate of Science, in a related field of study. Featured classes include instructional media literacy, human performance technology, learning in the digital age, and survey methods for training and evaluation, among others.
Northern Illinois University was established in the mid-1890s as a state normal school. This space-grant university maintains academic facilities in Dekalb, Naperville, Rockford, Hoffman Estates, and the state of Oregon.
What We Like: Northern Illinois University is organized into seven colleges/schools that grant degrees in business, education, engineering, health, law, performing arts, and liberal arts.
Degree: BS Applied Management-Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation
For more info, visit the program website!
12. Ashland University
Ashland University offers a BS in Organizational Training and Development that is one of the best online bachelor degree in training and development completion programs in Ohio and beyond. Students enrolled in Ashland University’s undergraduate degree in training and development must complete 120 academic units to graduate. Feature coursework includes methods of teaching adult learners, instructional design, ethical leadership in workplace training, and leadership communication, among others.
Ashland University was founded as a college in the late 1870s and is affiliated with the Brethren Church. More than 6,550 students attend classes on the university’s suburban campus and through the distance learning platform.
What We Like: Ashland University offers programs and diplomas in the areas of business, arts/sciences, education, adult studies, and nursing/health sciences.
Degree: BS in Organizational Training and Development
For more info, visit the program website!
13. Liberty University
Liberty University offers a BS in Business Administration — Human Resource Management that is ACBSP-accredited and offered entirely online. Liberty University’s best online bachelor degree in training and development program requires 120 credit units, with up to 90 credits eligible for transfer. The average completion time for this training degree at Liberty is 3. 5 years. Featured classes include workforce planning and employment, human resource development, and compensation management, to name a few.
Liberty University is one of the globe’s largest private universities that operates as a nonprofit. Founded in the early 1970s, Liberty University now serves approximately 95,000 students – mostly online. Students must follow Liberty University’s honor code.
What We Like: Liberty University is organized into thirteen colleges/schools and is known for adult learning.
Degree: BS Business Administration-Human Resource Management
For more info, visit the program website!
14. Widener University
Widener University offers a BA in Organizational Development and Leadership that is one of the leading Pennsylvania online bachelor degree in training and development programs. This undergraduate degree is available with an accelerated dual degree with a master’s degree earned in only five full years. Widener University has a generous credit policy, which permits up to 75% of the required 120 credit units.
Widener University was founded in the early 1820s as a school for boys. Widener maintains several campuses – two in Pennsylvania and a third in Delaware. The university’s student enrollment nears 6,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
What We Like: Widener University’s seven colleges/schools offer students an impressive faculty to student ratio of 12 to 1.
Degree: BA in Organizational Development and Leadership
For more info, visit the program website!
15. Idaho State University
Idaho State University offers a BS in Workplace Training and Leadership (WTL) that is available 100% online. ISU’s online bachelor degree in training and development program is ranked among the best in Idaho as it emphasizes career and technical education for CTE educators. Featured classes for this Idaho State University training degree include workplace leadership, principles of adult education, theories and models of leadership, and methods of training, plus a practicum in training, among others.
Idaho State University was founded as an academic academy in 1901. Idaho State University now operates as a space-grant multiple campus school with a student enrollment that exceeds 12,150 students each year. Satellite campuses are located in Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Meridian, in addition to the main campus in Pocatello.
What We Like: Students enrolled in Idaho State University are from 59 international locations.
Degree: BS Workplace Training and Development
For more info, visit the program website!
Why Should I Get My Training and Development Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Related to human resource management, training and development specialists have become a lot more important recently. Though it’s a relatively new profession, workplaces rely more and more on training and development professionals these days. Companies value lifelong learning, and consistent training helps them keep up with the competition.
Training and development specialists oversee training programs for companies. They create the programs, lead seminars, and do other tasks that promote growth and improvement in the workplace. If you’d enjoy that type of job, one of the best things you can do is earn a training and development degree online, or a human resource management degree.
Advantages of Online Training and Development Programs
But why look for training and development degrees online? Because if you’re a self-starter, this kind of degree works very well with online learning. You can also find a lot of online training and development programs to choose from.
Online programs can open your options if you can’t travel for school. Instead of limiting yourself to the programs in your area, you can consider options in other states. E‑learning allows for more freedom than in-person courses. Good learning management and interactive courses help students develop competencies in their online courses.
And of course, a lot of students choose online learning for the flexibility and convenience. Online programs let students learn from any location, often at their own pace. You might choose an accelerated degree, for example. Or you might learn part-time as you keep up with your current job. An online training and development degree program can make an ideal choice for adult learners.
Be sure that the program you’re considering has accreditation, however. A legitimate program will provide mentoring, professional development, and career development initiatives.
Do I Need a Master’s?
A master’s program could help your career prospects, certainly, and an online master program allows you to work while getting your degree. An online learning master’s program makes your online master degree go quickly and easily. Look more into online master programs here.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Training and Development?
With a bachelor’s degree in training and development, you can work in human resources to help employees hone their own skills. This kind of job can be deeply rewarding for those who enjoy helping others succeed.
Most training and development managers work directly for corporations, usually as part of the HR department. However, you may also find work in a nonprofit organization. You can even work as a freelancer and offer your services to many organizations.
Job Titles in Training and Development
Now, what are some specific jobs in HR training and development? Training and development specialists go by many names. Here are just some of them.
- Head of Learning and Development
- Director of Learning and Development
- Talent Development Manager
- Learning Consultant
- Training Coordinator
There are lots of job titles in training and development, but the job descriptions remain the same.
Since all of these positions are leadership positions, many companies will seek people with a lot of experience. But what about entry-level jobs in training and development? How can you start using your degree right away?
With a lot of jobs in Human Resources training and development, you can get started as an assistant or team member. Large organizations often need more than one training specialist. You might also find a leadership position in a smaller organization.
Apart from jobs in corporate training and development, your degree will also help you qualify for other HR positions. Sometimes, these positions can lead to leadership positions if you stay with the same company for a long time. A master’s degree can help move into leadership as well; an online master in training and development is not the only graduate program in human resources.
What Does a Training and Development Assistant Manager Do?
When you get started in the field, you’ll likely start with training and development assistant jobs. If you search for “assistant manager training and development job description,” you may get several different answers. That’s because the job often depends on the company. Different companies will have different training needs.
Training and Development Job Description
Generally, though, the training and development assistant job description involves helping a manager. The training manager oversees the entire training department. They develop training programs and often delegate tasks for these programs.
Assistants help managers coordinate these programs. They might teach company classes, go over learning materials, and keep up with enrollment.
Because of this extensive job description, assistant training managers usually work full-time. They also require excellent organizational skills, leadership skills, and people skills.
