The Master of Science (MS) in Human Resource Development (HRD) is a hybrid, high-impact program designed for aspiring specialists ready to launch a career in learning and development, talent management, and organizational change in diverse organizations.
What You Will Learn
Through the MS HRD program, students learn to collaborate with target audience for the following:
- Integrating learning with work: Implement and evaluate learning and talent initiatives.
- Leading organizational change: Align human capital with organizational goals.
- Improving performance: Aligning business needs with talent strategies and interventions.
- Co-designing with Artificial Intelligence: Co-creating learning experiences for performance improvement.
- Facilitating action: Lead sessions that result in decisions, accountability, and results.
Program at a Glance
- Total credits: 30 credit hours (10 courses – 8 core and 2 electives).
- Time to completion: Typically, 16–24 months, depending on course load.
- Location: University of Houston at Sugar Land (Cullen College of Engineering – Technology Division).
- Format: Evening course offerings with hybrid design for working professionals.
- Start terms: Fall and Spring admission.
- Estimated resident cost range: Approximately 22,000–27,000 USD (without financial aid) (students should consult the UH tuition calculator for exact and international costs).
- Financial aid and Scholarship options: Financial support may include FAFSA based aid (for eligible U.S. students), university wide and college level scholarships open to both domestic and international students, and on campus roles such as assistantships that can offer stipends and possible tuition waivers.
Career Opportunities
Graduates pursue careers in learning and development, organizational development, talent management, leadership development, people analytics, employee experience, and strategic HR business partnership in corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and public sector settings. Example roles include:
- Chief Learning Officer
- HR Business Partner
- Organizational Development Consultant
- Learning & Development (L&D) Manager
- Change Management Specialist
- Corporate Trainer or Leadership Development Program Manager
- Instructional Designer or eLearning Developer
- Talent Development Manager or Performance Management Specialist
- Workforce Planning Analyst
- Employee Experience Specialist or Culture Transformation Lead
- Career Coach or Executive Coach
- HR Consultant (independent or firm based)
- HR Analytics Specialist, People Analytics Consultant, or HRIS Analyst
- Learning Technology Specialist
Our alumni make significant contributions to major organizations in Houston and across the globe including Amazon, ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66, NRG Energy, JPMorgan Chase, HP, City of Houston, and KPMG.
Designed for Working Professionals
- The MS HRD program offers flexible learning options, including hybrid courses, with most classes scheduled in the evening to support students who work full time.
- Course content is shaped by industry insights and emphasizes real world application to current HR and HRD practice. Please review our advisory board.
Why Study HRD at UH in Houston?
Located at UH at Sugar Land, the MS HRD program combines the resources of a major public research university with the convenience of a modern, accessible campus for professionals in the Fort Bend and greater Houston region.
Houston is a fast growing, global business hub and an ideal setting to study human resource development.
- One of the fastest growing large cities in the United States.
- A truly international city, with more than 145 languages spoken.
- Home to Fortune 500 headquarters, world class healthcare, and a growing tech sector.
- Rich quality of life with 10,000+ restaurants representing over 70 countries and 300+ parks, trails, and recreation areas.