Human Resource Development for Higher Education and Industry (BS)

Why Earn a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Development at Indiana State?

The Human Resource Development (HRD) program prepares you for a rewarding career as a human resource professional who improves learning and performance in individuals, groups, and organizations. The program covers areas such as lifelong learning, career development, training and development, and organizational development.

Gain Experience in the Field Before You Graduate

The HRD program combines a core curriculum with directed electives that support your work background—or allow you to develop a specialized area of expertise.

Content is based on the disciplines of education, business, psychology, and related behavioral sciences. Required studies in the major are drawn from the competency studies from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly known as the American Society of Training and Development, and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

This program blends theoretical and practical learning experiences in classroom and real-world environments. You will complete an internship that enables you to put your knowledge into practice while exploring the possibilities of full-time employment.

Flexible Options for Adult Learners

Many students who pursue the Human Resource Development degree already work in industry, education, or government and have decided to return to school for formal study. For the benefit of working students, the delivery system and sequencing of courses are designed for flexibility. In addition, degree-completion programs in the University's online learning program facilitate the transfer of credit and offer these students degree-completion options on campus or through online learning.

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

As an HRD major, you will benefit from faculty who are committed to providing you with opportunities to apply relevant classroom principles to real-world industry situations and challenges. Small class sizes will allow you to work one-on-one with professors and collaborate with classmates on projects and interactive learning activities. Advisors will work with you on course selection prior to registration each semester.

You will have opportunities to participate in professional activities in the field (internship experience) and student organizations such as the Wabash Valley Collegiate Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Activities include field trips to business and industry locations, attendance at professional meetings and seminars, mentoring, and guest speakers for student chapter meetings.

What You’ll Learn in the Human Resource Development Program

Your coursework will include study in areas such as instructional procedures and practices, the psychology of work, the use of instructional technology, safety programs and safe work environments, occupational decision-making, strategies for task analysis, and basics of industrial training, education, and development. You will also complete an internship.

While a minor is not required for completion of this degree, you are encouraged to pursue this option to enhance employability. Suggested areas include: business administration, communication, psychology, and safety.

View the full curriculum.

Transfer Credit

Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States. Credit also may be granted for military training and experience. Previously earned college credit can be applied toward completion of the program per Indiana State's transfer guidelines.

Transfer Guidelines

Career Possibilities for Human Resource Development Graduates

The job outlook is good for human resource specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of human resource specialists to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $62,290 in May 2021.

Jobs typically held by human resource development graduates include those with responsibilities for training and development, organization development, career development, performance management systems, union/labor relations, and human resource development activities.

Indiana State graduates have worked for such companies as Alcoa, Eli Lilly, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, and United Airlines, among many others.

Teaching and Learning Diversity

“In my class, ideas and personal opinions are highly encouraged. I teach for inspiration, and I learn when I teach.”

Szufang Chuang, PhD, Professor of Human Resource Development for Higher Education and Industry, organizes class sessions to value and respect the diverse thoughts, ideas, and opinions her students bring into the class. She believes this is centrally important to teaching students how to foster positive, equitable relationships in the workplace and throughout their lives.