M.S. Training & Talent Development

Elevate Transformational Learning

At UW-Stout, we're shaping leaders who redefine the future of workplace learning, performance, and transformation through hands-on, experiential learning. Our 100% Online Master of Science (M.S.) in Training & Talent Development (TTD) program is designed to elevate professionals across sectors and industries. What sets us apart is our online format, allowing you to blend real-world connections with academic pursuits. With our program, you're not just gaining knowledge; you're implementing new skills and ideas into your career from day one. Join us, where you're more than a student; you're a motivated professional ready to make an immediate impact.

In Partnership with the Association for Talent Development

We proudly collaborate with the Association for Talent Development, setting industry standards and redefining training methodologies.

Two professionals engage in individual training.

Shaping Leaders in Core Competencies

Our program develops the skills to lead, excel, and drive change in the world of Training & Talent Development. From forming partnerships to improving performance, creating change, and managing knowledge, our program prepares you to shape a successful and impactful career.

Lead the Learning Function. Develop strategic partnerships, manage human capital, and enhance learning through technology.

Improve Human Performance. Analyze needs, propose solutions, design and deliver training, and measure effectiveness.

Create Organizational Change. Facilitate strategic planning, build trust, influence stakeholders, and manage culture change.

Manage Organizational Knowledge. Catalyze knowledge sharing and understand technology's role in organizational learning.

Career-Defining Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive blend of modern learning technologies with foundational talent development strategies. Courses range from Organizational Development and Consulting to Interpersonal Effectiveness Training, preparing students for holistic workplace leadership.

Program Overview

View program plans, credit requirements, and course descriptions.

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Fulfill Your Electives Earning a Professional Certificate

Enhance your knowledge, skills and career in critical areas related to training and leadership. Whether you want to distinguish your education with specialized expertise or pursue a certificate before earning your master’s degree, the courses in these professional certificate and certification programs can be applied to the M.S. Training & Talent Development’s elective requirements.

Organizational Development & Consulting Certificate

Strategic Leadership & Talent Development Certificate

Workforce Development Specialist Certificate

Learn from Experienced Experts

Guided by an alumnus of the program and accomplished faculty with forty years of combined industry experience in training and development, our program bridges academia with industry realities, aligning your education with professional demands

Dr. Kelly Droege

Program Director & Associate Professor
244 Jarvis Hall-Technology Wing
Call or Text: 715-232-5423
Email: droegek2005@uwstout.edu

Dr. Sara Willett

Assistant Professor
Email: willetts@uwstout.edu

Adult & Student Services Coordinator

Amanda Zastrow

Adult Student Services Coordinator
315 Sorensen Hall
Email: zastrowa@uwstout.edu

Career Pathways Through Comprehensive Learning

Our program's diverse curriculum prepares you for opportunities in a multitude of industry sectors and career pathways.

Leadership Development Specialist. Shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Learning and Development Manager. Drive organizational learning strategies.
Organizational Change Manager. Navigate and lead transformational shifts.
Talent Development Manager. Unearth and nurture organizational talent.
Instructional Designer. Craft impactful learning experiences.
Technical Trainer. Bridge the gap between technology and its users.
Human Resource Development Coordinator. Foster employee growth and enrichment.
Training Supervisor. Oversee and optimize training operations.
Manager Internal/External Consultant. Provide valuable insights to drive business strategies.

An Immersive Train-the-Trainer Experience Awaits.

True excellence in training and talent development doesn’t come solely from classroom instruction—it’s cultivated through immersive, real-world experiences. As a part of our Workforce Development Specialist apprenticeship, you'll engage in an "earn-as-you-learn" model, bridging theoretical understanding with actionable insights. Over 144 hours (equivalent to nine college credits) of related coursework, combined with 2000 hours of paid on-the-job training, translates your academic achievements into practical, industry-relevant proficiency. Regular interactions with seasoned professionals in diverse sectors ensure that you're not just learning, but also contributing meaningfully to the development of the entire workforce. This comprehensive apprenticeship is your stepping stone to becoming a recognized expert in the realm of training and talent development. Dive into the dynamic world of hands-on training, gain an edge with a nationally acknowledged credential, and shape the future of the workforce. Elevate your potential, empower your career aspirations, and apply for our MS in Training and Talent Development program today.

Workforce Development Specialist Apprenticeship

Elevate your team's expertise with proven on-the-job training strategies.

Student Success Stories

M.S. Training & Talent Development from UW-Stout on Vimeo.

"Completing UW-Stout’s Training & Talent Development Master of Science graduate program has yielded deep impact on my career growth. Each professor possesses subject matter expertise and industry experience to inform relevant and modern practices, systems, theories and concepts. These learnings are easily and practically applied to designing organizational effectiveness and development strategies. The results of executing these strategies include: aligned talent and business growth plans; effective resource allocation; integrated talent architecture for acquisition training; engagement; learning & development; career progression; operational excellence; financial achievement; and the attainment of core human capital metrics. Stout’s program is excellent - I recommend for those looking to expand their academic, business and people acumen, along with industries wanting to recruit well-prepared HR practitioners."

~Brenda Everson ('20)

Tuition & Fees

Customized Tuition & Fees

UW-Stout degree programs using the customized instruction model are designed with the adult learner in mind. If you're comparing UW-Stout's online degree customized instruction (CI) tuition to our competitors, keep in mind:

Customized instruction tuition rate includes the textbook rental fee.
There are no additional or hidden university-based semester or technology fees.
Students in customized instruction programs pay the same rate of tuition regardless of where you live--Wisconsin, California, Texas, or in a foreign country.

More Value for Your Money

Customized Instruction also provides:

Program Director/Coordinator: Faculty with academic and industry expertise.
Student Services Advisor: One point of contact, providing dedicated support throughout your degree program.
Course Sequences & Matrices: Plan ahead with clear program outlines so you know what courses are offered when.
Stackable Courses & Programs: Many of our courses and certificates can be applied to our degree programs.
Flexibility: Courses are designed to offer the flexibility and convenience working professionals need to get ahead in their careers without sacrificing their current income and responsibilities.

Other universities will present costs and value differently, so make sure you're comparing apples to apples.

Admission Requirements

General UW-Stout Graduate School Application

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our Graduate School. Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program:

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Eligibility

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Training & Talent Development program, you must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Have earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Program-Specific Application Requirements

To successfully apply for the program, first complete the UW System Application and receive your Application ID. Then, use this ID to fill out the UW-Stout Graduate Studies Collection Form, where you will provide the following:

Resume
Professional Statement discussing short and long-term career goals

Access Collection Form Site*
*The Collection Form Site requires an Application ID provided upon completion of the UW-System Application

Program Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Members

Polly	Berendes	M.S. TRHRD Graduate Student/Operations Performance Improvement Consultant	ITDS Gunerson Health System/Bellin Health
Debbie	Cottell	Vice President of Operations	Cura Hospitality
David	Ding	Interim Associate Dean, CSTEMM	UW-Stout
Michelle	Dingwall	Director of Development Morrison Family College of Health/University Advancement	University of St. Thomas
Dr. Kelly	Droege	Assist. Professor; Program Director	UW-Stout
Dr. John	Dzissah	Department Chair, Operations & Management	UW-Stout
Brenda	Everson ('19)	VP of HR and Organizational Effectiveness - Biology	Midco
Daniel	Freedman	Dean, STEMM	UW-Stout
Hagen	Gunderson ('12)	Talent Manager for the Food Merchandising Business Unit	Pactiv
Dr. Kathryn	Hamilton	Professor/Chair, Psychology	UW-Stout
Joseph	Kessel	Training Specialist/Olympus Surgical Technologies America	UW-Stout
Dale	Kiesow ('12)	Senior Training & Engagement Specialist;	HCL (Health Care for Hospitals)
Sarah	Kocken	Financial Aid	UW-Stout
Lisa	Konkle	Talent & Development Manager	Palermo's Pizza
Lara	Lange	Adult Learner Support Specialist	UW-Stout
Dr. Alicia	Stachowski	Psychology Professor	UW-Stout
Norma	Stark	Administrative Assistant II	UW-Stout
Julia	Tronnier ('09)	Senior Instructor	Xcel Energy
Emmy	Vanden Langenberg ('13)	Mill Learning Leader	International Paper
Marty	Weninger	Teach, Learn and Tech Specialist	UW-Stout
Dr. Sara Lynne	Willett	Assistant Professor	UW-Stout

Training & Talent Development

All Training & Talent Development News

Wisconsin Apprenticeship partners with UW-Stout on new program Featured Image

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Applying to UW-Stout

Academic Programs & Courses

Dive Into Campus Life

Elevate Your Business

Our Polytechnic Advantage

Elevate Transformational Learning

In Partnership with the Association for Talent Development

Apply Now

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Student Success Stories

Shaping Leaders in Core Competencies

Career-Defining Curriculum

Program Overview

Fulfill Your Electives Earning a Professional Certificate

Learn from Experienced Experts

Dr. Kelly Droege

Dr. Sara Willett

Adult & Student Services Coordinator

Amanda Zastrow

Career Pathways Through Comprehensive Learning

An Immersive Train-the-Trainer Experience Awaits.

Workforce Development Specialist Apprenticeship

Student Success Stories

Customized Tuition & Fees

More Value for Your Money

General UW-Stout Graduate School Application

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Eligibility

Program-Specific Application Requirements

Advisory Committee Members

Training & Talent Development

Wisconsin Apprenticeship partners with UW-Stout on new program

DPI assistant director: More teachers of color needed

State education executive, an alumna, to be featured Feb. 26

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