Overview

The Human Resource Education (HRE) graduate studies program provides the knowledge and competencies for managing organizational performance and change. Business Administration and Management programs teach students to manage numbers, identify markets, and develop products, but not how to engage the one asset that most heavily influences successful outcomes-people.

Over the past two decades, the Boston University School of Education has built one of the premier graduate programs in the human resource development field, attracting graduate students from across the region, the nation, and the world. Through this program, students gain or sharpen insights into people and processes, a more global view of problems and opportunities, and a proven methodology for fostering constructive change.

With a master's (EdM), doctorate (EdD), or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in HRE from Boston University, students should have the confidence and competence to address the complexities of change and guide their organizations to success. Hundreds of students have graduated from the Boston University School of Education HRE program and emerged with the competencies to achieve their personal objectives, better serve their organizations and clients, and advance their careers. They become part of a lifelong, supportive alumni community who share pride in a degree or certificate from an institution with an exceptional reputation for academic excellence and leadership development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What differentiates the program from other organizational studies, behavior, development, or psychology programs?

  • An "action" orientation - Many programs teach how to observe, collect, document, and understand behaviors of individuals and organizations. The HRE program focuses on utilizing information collected to adapt, align, and improve performance.
  • Valuing learning as the central foundation to leadership development, performance improvement, as well as individual and organizational change.

Who can benefit from the Boston University School of Education graduate studies program in HRE? Professionals working in:

  • Human Resources
  • Learning and Organizational Development
  • Organizational or Management Effectiveness
  • Executive Coaching
  • Independent Consultants

What types of organizations can benefit from professionals with this education? Our alumni have helped manage organizational changes at:

  • Global, Fortune 2000 companies
  • Rapidly expanding, mid-size companies

In industries such as:

  • Financial and Consulting Services
  • Biotechnology and Health Care
  • Information Technology: Software, Hardware, and Networking
  • Academic Institutions and non-for-profit organizations

The reputation of the HRE program is based on the success of its graduates. The HR learning and organizational development professionals and consultants who attend our program go on to help transform their organizations and better serve their clients. They play a more crucial role in the strategic operations of their institutions, progressing from middle management to executive positions. These are just some of the reasons that our program is so successful:

The Strongest Curriculum
The graduate studies program encompasses both learning theory and a practical, proven methodology that guides students through any organizational challenge. The following highlights some of what the program teaches:

  • Analyzing and influencing organizational behavior, policy, and change
  • Understanding the fundamental theories of human performance technology
  • Analyzing work performance, organizational structures, and organizational processes
  • Aligning people resources with organizational mission, vision, and goals
  • Developing critical-thinking skills for examining research information
  • Understanding the role of learning in organizational change and individual development
  • Taking advantage of emerging opportunities through analyzing the causes of organizational problems and the factors involved in their solution

Globally Recognized Credential
Boston University's reputation for academic excellence is recognized worldwide. HRE program students and alumni rest assured knowing that their credential will retain its value and relevance whatever changes may occur in their organizations, professions, and careers.

Extensive Alumni Community
The statement "Always Learning, Leveraging Strengths" exemplifies the spirit of our student and alumni community. Over the last 25 years, the Graduate Studies in Human Resource Education has graduated nearly 400 Masters and Doctorate students. These alumni are located throughout the New England region, the United States, and the world. Many alumni work in leadership positions in Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies, as well as nonprofit organizations. Others have developed independent consulting practices or small businesses. The HRE program continually sponsors social, networking, and continuous learning events that provide opportunities for the community to remain connected and share ideas.

Experienced Faculty
The faculty of the graduate program is comprised of professors, many of whom are experienced practitioners from industry. Nearly all have authored respected academic or industry publications, held senior corporate positions at major for-profit and nonprofit institutions, and consulted with companies on a wide variety of issues including leadership, collaboration, human psychology, performance, and change management.

Small Class Sizes
We admit no more than 25 students to the HRE graduate studies program each September. We keep class sizes small to encourage peer-to-peer interactions and personalization.

Student Profile
Boston University School of Education graduate students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, from Fortune 500 companies to one-person consultancies. What they have in common is experience. Most of our graduate students have been in the workplace for a number of years. The caliber of our students, combined with our curriculum and faculty, contributes to the quality of the classroom experience.

The Boston University School of Education
Boston University established its School of Education in 1918. It quickly became the largest and educationally the most influential school of its kind in New England. An EdM, EdD, or CAGS in HRE from Boston University is instantly recognizable for the quality of education, the attributes of leadership, and the commitment to excellence.