Doctorate in Training & Performance Improvement Degrees
Reaching the top in any profession requires both education and experience. In the field of training and performance improvement, a doctorate provides the recognized expertise needed to excel, whether just starting out or making a mid-career change. Responding to the growing demand, over a dozen U.S. universities now offer doctorate degrees in this fast-evolving field, which allow both full-time students and working adults to achieve their dreams of ascending the apex of a profession dedicated to helping others learn and grow.
Other People Are Reading
-
Why pursue a doctorate in training and performance improvement?
-
The field of training and performance improvement is growing in importance. As global competition intensifies, organizations of all sizes all over the world are looking for ways to boost the productivity and quality of their workforces . A doctorate degree is the ultimate educational achievement that positions professionals to work at the pinnacle of this field. Doctoral-degree-holders work in executive management, human resources, training and consulting positions that pay well and offer outstanding working conditions.
What doctorate degree programs in training and performance improvement are available?
-
Over a dozen U.S. universities have created cross-functional doctorate programs in training and performance improvement. These programs typically draw on coursework from both business and education to provide students with a thorough understanding of the economic, social, cultural and psychological aspects of training adults and helping organizations achieve peak performance. Some doctoral programs are traditional campus-bound degrees that require full or part-time attendance. Newer doctoral degrees are also offered entirely online or as a hybrid program that allows completion of some courses online while others must be completed on campus. You can earn two different doctorates in this field: the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or the EdD (Doctor of Education). The former is more research and teaching focused, while the EdD is a more practical, leadership-oriented degree.
-
What do you learn in a doctorate in training and performance improvement degree program?
-
Most doctorate programs follow the accepted theory in the field that includes analyzing workforce performance needs, designing custom solutions, implementing performance improvements and evaluating results. Coursework covers the basic theory and practice of training and performance improvement, while fieldwork gives students practical hands-on experience. Universities offer a number of specializations, including concentrations in organization development and change management, training and development, e-learning, coaching, career counseling and human resource management. Prerequisites for doctorate degree programs include at least a Bachelor's degree, with a Masters preferred. The doctorate requires about 120 credit hours of classroom instruction, plus completion of a research project and dissertation. The entire process typically takes 4 to 8 years to complete.
How do you get started?
-
Before committing the time and money required, think and plan carefully. You may want to seek career counseling to help you decide which doctorate program is right for you. Assessment tools can assist in identifying your career interests and strengths. Once you decide, go for it and keep at it until you achieve your goal.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit graduation day image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
