Cohort Model

"You become very comfortable with the people in the cohort and enjoy a relationship much like what you share with co-workers. It makes it much easier to discuss sensitive issues. We have built a lot of trust in each other."
-Tricia Nolin, Human Resources Specialist
York International Corporation

The program in Human Resources Development is offered using a cohort model. Scholars and experts in the field of HRD teach a group called a cohort of 20 to 25 students with a variety of career goals and experiences. Each cohort (begins in September and sometimes in February) takes the sequence of required courses together. Classes meet Wednesdays, 7-10 pm, and on Saturdays, 9 am – 12 noon for a 6-week period.

This innovative approach to graduate education allows for cooperative learning throughout the program and facilitates the development of teamwork, interpersonal skills, and important professional networks.

Practicum (Field Experience)
Students in the HRD program are required to complete a three-credit practicum near the end of their program of study. This practicum, is designed to provide further development, integration, and application of human resources development skills in either a current job situation or a placement arranged by the program coordinator. Students complete a professional project that is in keeping with their personal and professional goals. Students receive supervision and guidance on this project from a field-based practitioner and a faculty supervisor.

Portfolio (Summative Assessment)
Portfolio assessment is a qualitative, systematic, comprehensive, and realistic assessment of a student's professional growth and accomplishment. Against a backdrop of core competencies identified by professionals in the field of HRD, students work in the HRD program at McDaniel College to develop skills needed to meet individual career goals.

The student's portfolio stands as a record of the student's development through the program. It includes a collection of the student's best work and skill sets. In addition, the portfolio provides students with the opportunity to reflect on the content of the program, the procedures being learned and practiced, and their own personal and professional development.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program find employment as specialists in the following Human Resources areas:

• Organizational development
• Training
• Instructional design
• Staffing and recruiting
• Career development
• Executive development
• Compensation and benefits