Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development)
Hours: 30 Online
About
The Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development) program at Fort Hays State University is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for success in the rapidly evolving field of training and development. Offered during both the fall and spring semesters, the program provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to lead workforce initiatives in diverse organizational settings.
Ideal for professionals seeking career advancement or a transition into the high-demand field of workforce development, the program integrates theoretical foundations with real-world applications. Graduates gain expertise to become practical training and development specialists, ready to make an immediate and meaningful impact within their organizations.
Why pursue a Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development) at Fort Hays State University?
The Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development) distinguishes itself through a unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Designed specifically for working professionals, the program enables students to advance their careers without disrupting their schedules.
Delivered entirely online, the program offers an industry-focused curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and guidance from expert faculty. Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel and assume leadership roles in the workforce development sector.
Who is this program for?
This program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to design, deliver, and evaluate training programs across diverse organizational settings. It is ideal for:
- Corporate trainers wanting to enhance their skills and knowledge in training program design and delivery
- Human resources professionals seeking to expand their expertise in employee training and development
- Adult learners continuing education seeking to advance their careers or transition into workforce development
- Professionals in leadership positions aiming to refine their skills
- Those with a background in a related field looking to advance their career prospects
Real-World Applications
Organizations across various industries are increasingly seeking professionals who can design, implement, and evaluate talent development programs to enhance employee performance, drive organizational growth, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to meet these demands.
A key component of the program is the Culminating Experience course, where students apply what they’ve learned to a real-world challenge or opportunity. Guided by experienced faculty, students complete projects aligned with their career goals, gaining practical insight into the responsibilities and strategic decisions faced by workforce development professionals.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University is committed to delivering a forward-thinking education by continually integrating the latest advancements, industry trends, and emerging technologies into its curriculum. This ensures that students receive relevant, up-to-date training that reflects the evolving demands of today’s professional landscape.
Hands-on Activities
The Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development) program provides a range of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, job shadowing, research projects, and conference participation, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Additionally, the emphasis on applied learning throughout the core courses encourages students to address practical scenarios and develop effective solutions for workforce development.
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop expertise in workforce development principles and practices
- Acquire skills in instructional design and delivery
- Apply strategies for evaluating training programs
- Understand the role of technology in workforce development
- Explore career paths in the field of talent development
How You’ll Learn:
- Engage in a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications
- Gain hands-on experience through internships or a professional project
- Network with industry professionals through workshops and seminars
- Collaborate with peers in a supportive learning environment
- Benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty
The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare students to design, implement, and manage effective training programs across diverse organizational settings. Each course builds progressively, deepening students’ understanding of workforce education principles, strategic planning, and leadership skills tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s professionals.
BUED 611G: Principles and Philosophy of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
This course acquaints the prospective teacher-coordinator with the background and appreciation of vocational education in the educational process.
BUED 612G: Methods of Talent Development
This course identifies and examines planning procedures and strategies that lead to effective talent development programs for adults who are learning in a wide variety of settings. Students will gain skills in course planning models, needs assessments, marketing, evaluation, and program management.
BUED 613G: Organization and Admin. of Career and Technical Educ.
To acquaint the prospective teacher-coordinator with the needs of the administrator and coordinator for the establishment and administration of publicly aided programs in various career clusters and pathways.
Discover the full Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates have a wide range of career paths available to them. The curriculum equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various fields. Potential career opportunities include:
Talent Development Specialist
Talent development specialists design, implement, and evaluate employee training programs, identifying organizational needs and measuring program effectiveness.
Human Resource Development Specialist
Human resource development specialists plan and implement programs that enhance employee skills and support organizational goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers oversee employee training programs, collaborating with senior management to identify needs and implement effective training plans.
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create engaging learning experiences by collaborating with subject matter experts to develop and deliver effective training materials and programs.
Learning Program Evaluator
Learning program evaluators assess training effectiveness, analyze outcomes, and provide data-driven recommendations to ensure continuous improvement.
Fort Hays State University recognizes the importance of the admissions process in building a diverse community of dedicated professionals. Applicants to the Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development) must meet the following requirements:
Two Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with their academic and professional capabilities, providing meaningful insights into their qualifications.
Personal Statement
The personal statement allows applicants to express their aspirations, career goals, and motivations for pursuing workforce development. It offers insight into their unique perspective and commitment to making a positive impact in this dynamic field.
Resume
The resume provides applicants an opportunity to highlight their academic and professional experience, emphasizing accomplishments and illustrating how their background aligns with the program’s goals.
Minimum GPA
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours for admission. Alternatively, those holding a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.25 or higher also satisfy the program’s academic requirements.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
When considering the Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development), students may also explore related programs that provide diverse opportunities:
- M.S. in Education Administration
- Ed.S in Advanced Professional Studies (Business Education and Workforce Leadership)
- Master of Science in Education (Business Emphasis)
- Master of Liberal Studies (Corporate Communication)
- Master of Business Administration (Corporate Communication)
Workforce development is a broad term encompassing any activity or initiative designed to improve the skills and knowledge of the workforce. This can include programs such as training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
Yes, FHSU does provide an accelerated Master of Professional Studies (Workforce Development).
We integrate theoretical foundations and practical applications. The program focuses on developing expertise in workforce development principles, instructional design, and the role of technology in training and education. The curriculum also explores global perspectives, training program evaluation, and strategies for addressing emerging workforce needs.
The subjects include a range of topics, including workforce education research skills, understanding workforce development principles, global perspectives on emerging trends, and developing and implementing effective training strategies tailored to organizational needs.
The online program can be completed in two years.
Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies
The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in business by aligning individual strengths and goals with the evolving needs of the global marketplace. Whether pursuing a degree on-campus or online, students benefit from programs that emphasize practical business knowledge, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking decision-making skills essential for today’s dynamic business environment.
The department offers a diverse range of academic pathways, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Its immersive curriculum, delivered by faculty who remain actively engaged with current industry trends, equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed across a variety of sectors, from local enterprises to international organizations. FHSU graduates are consistently in high demand, reflected in strong job placement rates and a network of successful alumni.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Collegiate DECA: An international organization for students and educators in the fields of business, finance, hospitality, and marketing. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through co-curricular programs that blend classroom learning with real-world experiences and professional networking opportunities.
- Pi Omega Pi - Business Education Club: The National Business Education Teacher Honor Society is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and service within the field of business education. The organization encourages scholarship, leadership, and professional development among students preparing for careers in business teaching.
- Eta Sigma Delta - International Hospitality Management Society: Recognizes hospitality and tourism students for their exceptional academic achievement, service, and professionalism. The organization provides valuable networking opportunities and fosters connections among students, industry executives, educators, and peers.
- THM Travel Club: Supports domestic and international travel experiences for students in tourism and hospitality. Through participation, members gain practical skills in travel planning, budgeting, organization, and fundraising, offering a well-rounded perspective on career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry.
- Certificate
- Master's
- Online
