Elevate Transformational Learning
Redefine the future of workplace learning, performance, and transformation. UW-Stout's 100% online Master of Science (M.S.) in Training & Talent Development (TTD) program is designed to help HR professionals, business training leaders, apprenticeship managers, and others lead organizational change and enhance workforce performance. At UW-Stout, you'll go beyond theory to develop the practices and strategies that 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.

100% Online: Complete Your Degree at Your Own Pace and Schedule.
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.
Shaping Leaders Through Core Management Competencies
Our program develops the skills to lead, excel, and drive change in the world of training and 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.
Fulfill Your Electives Earning a Professional Certificate
Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the Master of Science degree in Training & Talent Development.
Request Information
Industry-Experienced Faculty Instruction
At UW-Stout, building close relationships with our industry-experienced and academically accomplished faculty can play a key role in your career. Guided by a program alumnus and accomplished faculty with 40 years of combined industry experience, our program bridges academia with industry realities, aligning your education with professional demands. Learn more about your future instructors!
An Immersive Train-the-Trainer Apprenticeship
True excellence in training and talent development doesn’t come solely from classroom instruction—it’s cultivated through immersive, real-world experiences. A partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, this comprehensive apprenticeship is your stepping stone to becoming a recognized expert in the realm of training and talent development. Turn academic achievement into practical, industry-relevant proficiency; gain an edge with a nationally acknowledged credential; and shape the future of the workforce.
Student Success Stories
"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)
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
- Learning and Development Manager
- Organizational Change Manager
- Talent Development Manager
- Instructional Designer
- Technical Trainer
- Human Resource Development Coordinator
- Training Supervisor
- Manager Internal/External Consultant

Customized Tuition & Fees
UW-Stout degree programs using the all-inclusive customized instruction model are designed with the adult learner in mind. Other universities will present costs and value differently, so make sure you're comparing apples to apples. 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.
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
*The Collection Form Site requires an Application ID provided upon completion of the UW-System Application
Advisory Committee Members
Polly | Berendes | Emplify Health/ Gundersen Health | |
Debbie | Cottrell | ||
Michelle | Dingwall | Director of Development, Morrison Family College of Health/University Advancement | University of St. Thomas |
Dr. Kelly | Droege ('07) | Assistant Professor; Program Director | UW-Stout |
Brenda | Everson ('19) | Vice President of Human Resourses & Organizational Effectiveness | Midco |
Daniel | Freedman | Dean, STEMM | UW-Stout |
Hagen | Gunderson ('12) | Talent Manager, Food Merchandising Business Unit | Pactiv |
Dr. Kathryn | Hamilton | Professor; Chair, Psychology Department | UW-Stout |
Joseph | Kessel | Training Specialist | Olympus Surgical Technologies America |
Sarah | Kocken | Financial Aid | UW-Stout |
Lisa | Konkle | Acendas | |
Dr. Alicia | Stachowski | Psychology Professor | UW-Stout |
Julia | Tronnier ('09) | Senior Instructor | Excel Energy |
Emmy | VandenLangenberg ('13) | Human Resources Project & Transformation Analyst | ST Engineering North America |
Dr. Sara Lynne | Willett | Assistant Professor | UW-Stout |
Renee | Surdick | Associate Dean, CSTEMM | UW-Stout |