Brady Chapman, a recruitment manager for Random House, is earning his M.S. in Human Resources Development at McDaniel College in order to move ahead in his job. He’s not alone – employment, recruitment and placement specialists are some of the fastest growing careers in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“If you know you want to be in HR, this is the program for you,” Chapman says. “It gets into the nitty-gritty of Human Resources.”

McDaniel College’s two-year Master of Science program teaches theory and practices of HR development. The program follows a cohort model, in which students take 12 classes together, one at a time. Each class lasts six weeks. Because they’re held Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, they don’t interfere with professionals’ work schedules.

“The program is very work friendly,” Chapman says. “Most people who are looking for a graduate program are working full time. This program’s schedule allows you to work full time and attend class.”

Graduates gain the skills and the confidence to take their careers to the next level, says Linda Barkdoll, program coordinator.

“Being in the program has encouraged students to apply for job promotions,” she says. “Not only does it affirm their career direction, but students say they’re able to apply lessons they’re learning to their jobs. It really tips the scales.”

The graduate school is accepting applications all summer for the next class, which begins at the end of August. To learn more, click here: http://www.mcdaniel.edu/graduate/degrees/hrd/hrd_home.shtml.