When thinking about careers in workplace performance and employee growth, many professionals immediately consider human resources. However, there’s another critical field that takes a broader, more strategic approach to workplace success: organizational development.
While human resources and organizational development share some common ground, they play distinct roles within an organization. If you’re considering a master’s degree in this field, understanding these differences can help guide your decision. Traditional programs typically focus on human resource management, while Boise State University’s online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL) emphasizes organizational development, preparing you to drive workplace improvement and change.
Human resources: Managing people and policies
Human resources professionals focus on managing the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement. They are responsible for key functions including the following:
- Hiring and onboarding employees
- Administering benefits and compensation
- Handling employee relations and compliance
- Ensuring adherence to labor laws and policies
Human resources is primarily operational — it manages people, policies and procedures to ensure the workforce functions smoothly. Traditional human resources degrees, such as an MBA with a human resources focus, train professionals to handle these responsibilities efficiently.
Organizational development: Driving change and performance
Organizational development, on the other hand, is strategic. Organizational development professionals focus on improving workplace performance through learning, culture and systemic change. They use data-driven approaches to do the following:
- Design and implement workplace learning programs
- Improve team collaboration and leadership effectiveness
- Drive organizational change and transformation
- Enhance company culture and employee engagement
Rather than focusing on human resources processes, organizational development professionals engineer solutions that enhance performance at the individual, team and organizational levels.
Why OPWL is the right choice for organizational development professionals
If you’re looking for a graduate program that goes beyond traditional human resources management, Boise State’s OPWL program is designed to prepare professionals for organizational development-focused careers.
Here’s what sets OPWL apart:
- 100% Online Flexibility: Study from anywhere while balancing your career and education.
- Application-Oriented Learning: Apply new strategies immediately in your workplace.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Learn instructional design, performance improvement and change management.
- Robust Professional Network: Build connections with faculty and industry professionals.
- Portfolio Development: Graduate with real-world projects that showcase your expertise.
If you’re passionate about driving workplace change, improving learning and development and enhancing organizational effectiveness, OPWL is the ideal program to help you achieve your goals.
In addition to the master’s degree, the program’s online Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development equips you with the expertise to drive and manage transformative change by evaluating essential organizational elements like culture, leadership and structure. Develop the skills to implement evidence-based strategies, champion organizational development principles and propose solutions that improve efficiency and support sustainable growth.
Learn more about the Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning program
Earning an online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning from Boise State can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.