Talent Development
Program Mission: The goal of the online Master of Science in Talent Development is for graduates to be able to successfully apply the skills needed to perform within the talent development occupation. This goal requires understanding of complex talent development concepts and ideas – for the ability to successfully analyze, design, facilitate, manage, and evaluate various talent development enterprises. To meet this overarching goal, students will be prepared to achieve the following performance objectives, each of which is supported by one or more key courses:
Analyze the talent development needs from organizational to performance to learning perspectives;
Design and develop effective talent development initiatives that meet performance goals and objectives and are data driven;
Implement and facilitate talent development initiatives utilizing proper organization and methods;
Manage talent development initiatives, projects, and systems;
Analyze, evaluate and measure the overall success of talent development initiatives;
Consult with various talent development stakeholders.
Admission Requirements: To be admitted to this program, an applicant must meet the general admission requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition, applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. All applicants must submit a statement of personal goals and two recommendation forms from persons familiar with the applicant's academic training and potential for success in graduate school to the Talent Development program coordinator. Applicants who have not completed a baccalaureate degree program related to Talent Development will be expected to satisfy undergraduate deficiency course requirements in addition to their graduate course requirements. The program coordinator will identify any undergraduate deficits at the time the admission decision is made.
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Degree Requirements
Degree Requirements: Degree requirements include those outlined for a master's degree by the Graduate School (see "Requirements for a Master's Degree).
To earn a Master of Science in Talent Development, the student must:
Successfully complete all ATD core courses (27 hrs) and approved electives (6 hrs) for a total of 33 hrs, while maintaining a 3.00 GPA; Obtain approval of a Project Supervisor for the Capstone Project; Present the Final Capstone Project to an approved audience.
Core Courses
27-30 Credit Hours
(Required in 1st semester if no equivalent). A request for an equivalent course must be approved prior to enrollment in the 1st semester.
Electives
3-6 Credit hours
Other elective courses may be permitted but must be approved by the program coordinator in advance.
Capstone
Students must complete a final capstone project before graduation. The final capstone project will enable the student to demonstrate their overall level of knowledge and skills in the field of talent development. Because this program is geared towards working professionals, a capstone project focuses on the application of the concepts learned in the program. The intent of the capstone project is for students to apply in detail all of the concepts learned in their program in order to fully develop and implement talent development initiatives. The final capstone project must focus on a researchable problem, new creative work, or innovative area of application (i.e. strategic employee development, performance improvement).
Accelerated Program
Admission to the accelerated MS in Talent Development requires that a student have completed a minimum of 60 hours of undergraduate course credit and have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25. In addition, applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 hours in the undergraduate major of Organizational Development or the minors of Organizational Leadership and/or Talent Development.
To apply for the accelerated MS in Talent Development, applicants meeting the above requirements must submit two letters of reference, a resume and a statement of purpose essay, which should include academic background, related work experience, personal and professional goals, and reasons to pursue graduate study in Talent Development to the Graduate Coordinator and must also complete the Graduate School's Accelerated Program Application.
Shared Coursework
Share Credit Course Options: Students may select from the following courses for a total of 9 credit hours of shared credit.
Information sourced from the 2025-2026 EIU Graduate Catalog.