Bachelor in Human and Organizational Development

Two Modality Options: In-Person & Fully Online Completion Program

For Fall 2023, rising Juniors Seniors, and returning adult learners are invited to apply for our new fully online completion program for the B.A. in Human and Organizational Development. If you have an Associate’s or equivalent degree, or 60 general education credits, you are eligible for this online 2-year completion program.

The B.A. in Human and Organizational Development prepares undergraduate students to pursue entry-level positions in organizations as human resource development professionals, corporate training and development, training specialists, learning and development professionals, talent development specialists, and instructional designers. The need for employees in the field of employee development and training is expected to be higher than the average growth in jobs overall. As we enter the era of digital organization, more and more companies are looking for individuals with the ability to design and manage online training and development programs.

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to design and deliver training and learning initiatives, lead organizations in creating effective learning programs, and assess the needs of learners to adapt programs to meet those needs. Possible roles include:

• Coordinator, Training and Learning Development
• Learning and Development Specialist
• Training Specialist
• Instructional Technologist
• Instructional Systems Design Specialist

Program Highlights

• Offers electives in several areas, including Business, allowing students to explore interdisciplinary areas of interest
• Provides students the knowledge and skills to plan and develop learning programs and interventions for adult learners in a variety of organizations, including:
  • Corporations
  • Non-profits
  • Education
  • Healthcare
• Equips students with project management skills, which are much needed in organizations today.

Practical Experience

• The program is based on experiential learning, where students not only learn through classroom discussions and theory but also through practical, hands-on projects in the courses taught.
• The program offers students internship experience in fields of interest
• The program also provides a multicultural look at learning and development globally through coursework and an optional study abroad program.

If you have the desire to work with adults in the workplace through learning and development, this may be the right program for you!

The School of Education (SOE) degree programs that lead to professional licensure are designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for professional licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

Whether your career goals include engaging in non-profit, higher education, K-12, or government entities, the VCU School of Education academic programs take learning to a new level. As the 16th best public graduate education school and 10th best online master in education based on U.S. News and World Report (2023), we do things differently. We are UNcommon at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Transforming lives. Serving communities. Learning Elevated. It’s more than an aspirational slogan. It’s our purpose. Our values of innovation, inclusion, community-focused, and collaboration guide us daily with diversity, equity, inclusion, and access at the center of our work. At VCU School of Education, we walk the walk. Come walk with us. VCU has been recognized four straight years as a Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, and we follow suit in the VCU School of education with 32% of SOE students identifying as racially minoritized. Our faculty and staff are known around the world as leaders in education research and instruction, and they bring years of real-world experience to the classroom. Research shows that diversity drives excellence, and with our over $37.4 million dollar external funding supporting research, we make a big impact in challenging the status quo. VCU is ranked among the 30 most innovative public universities by the U.S. News and World Report, and the School of Education is ranked #13 school engagement by the National Science Foundation. If you are ready to be UNstoppable, join our community today.

Vision

To be a leader in responsive, needs-driven, and research-based educational practices that transform the lives of those we serve in our communities, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

Mission

We advance learning and knowledge through impactful research, teaching, and engagement to provide our students, professionals, and communities with the tools to create progressive change. We prepare and support professionals to lead change and inform social, economic, health, and educational policy and practice.

Values

• Innovative – Cultivate discovery, creativity, originality, inventiveness, and talent.
• Inclusive – Ensure a climate of mutual trust and respect where individuals of different cultural backgrounds, identities, abilities, and life experiences are embraced, engaged, and empowered to drive excellence and success.
• Community-focused – Build deliberate/intentional relationships with the surrounding community and engage in actions that focus on the needs of its people.
• Collaborative – Foster collegiality and cooperation with internal and external partners to advance learning, research, and service.