HRD or HRM: Which option is better for my career?

As a human resource professional looking to solidify your experience and advance your career into management with an advanced degree, you should base your program choice on your work experience and goals.

The decision comes down to one of two outcomes — human resource development (HRD) or human resource management (HRM). So, what’s the difference between the two types of human resource management?

HRM is a broader scope of all aspects of human resource leadership for an organization, while HRD focuses more on aligning individual growth and development of employees with organizational goals.

A Master of Business Administration is suited for potential HRD career outcomes. Boise State University’s online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL) aligns with potential HRM career outcomes.

Professionals with HRM aspirations tend to land roles as general HR managers or benefits, payroll or recruiting specialists, while professionals geared toward HRD land roles as training and development specialists and managers, instructional designers or program developers.

Both HRM and HRD professionals include solving problems in thoughtful and innovative ways to foster a healthy relationship between employees and management. Earning a master’s degree may help you become more competitive for certain roles in HRD or HRM.

Forging a path

Boise State’s OPWL program prepares you to engineer inclusive learning experience and performance solutions based on evidence to address individual, team and organizational challenges.

The fully online coursework, industry-reflective curriculum and caring, passionate faculty and staff exemplify this program’s dedication to helping you succeed and pursue a meaningful career.

You will also develop a portfolio, gain research and development experience and add a broad professional network and valuable real-world experience through internships as an OPWL student.

You can also customize your OPWL degree with one of four certificate options, which can be completed as part of your degree or as a stand-alone certificate. They are:

• Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development: Gain the skills to analyze organizational factors and their impact, and to improve organizational effectiveness through evidence-based practices, with an emphasis on developing organizational plans, leading change and improving organizational capacity.
• Graduate Certificate in Workplace E-Learning Design and Development: Learn to design, develop and manage e-learning within the workplace.
• Graduate Certificate in Workplace Instructional Design: Gain the knowledge and skills to create instructional programs to design, develop and deliver learning programs for business and industry, government agencies, the military and nonprofit organizations.
• Graduate Certificate in Workplace Performance Improvement: Learn to diagnose and solve performance problems in the workplace, with an emphasis on the practical application of process models, tools and techniques to workplace performance improvement scenarios.

What comes next?

Potential HRM career outcomes for OPWL graduates include three primary categories, made up of several organizational roles. They are:

Instructional Design, Learning and Development and E-Learning:

• Instructional Designer, Senior
• Learning and Development Specialist, Manager
• E-Learning Designer, Developer
• Learning Management System, Manager

Human Resources, Talent and Workforce Development:

• Human Resources Specialist, Manager
• Talent Development Manager, Director
• Workforce Development Specialist, Manager
• Training Specialist, Manager

Organizational Development, Performance Improvement and Consulting:

• Organizational Development Specialist, Manager, Director
• Performance Improvement Specialist, Consultant
• Chief People and Culture Officer
• External Consultant

The flexibility of the OPWL program also allows you to earn a degree while continuing to work full-time and learn at your own pace. You can complete your assignments anytime, anywhere via the Canvas learning management system.

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 University 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.