Human and Organizational Development

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2023-2024

School of Education

Program description

The Bachelor of Arts in Human and Organizational Development is an interdisciplinary program combining the workplace learning and development aspect of human resource development with the area of organizational development, a discipline designed to help organizations develop a system that helps people work better within an organizational context. The program focuses on providing students the knowledge and skills to plan and develop learning programs and interventions for adult learners in a variety of organizations, including corporations, non-profits, education, as well as healthcare, while also relying on their solutions-based skills. Students will learn to evaluate and assess training and development programs, as well as assess learner needs and adapt programs to meet those needs. They will also learn project management skills, which are much needed in organizations today. The program is based on experiential learning, where students not only learn through classroom discussions and theory, but also practical, hands-on projects in the courses taught, and with organizations, as well as an internship experience. The program also provides a multicultural look at learning and development globally through coursework and an optional study abroad program.

Our program also has electives in several areas, including Business. Students may choose electives which will award them with a minor in Human Resource Management or General Business. See your advisor for information on how to complete these minors.

Career opportunities

The field of Adult Learning and Human and Organizational Development has only strengthened over the past few years with the increasing number of employers realizing that employee learning and development is key to organizational sustainability. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the need for employees in the field of employee development and training is expected to be higher than the average growth in jobs overall. Graduates with the BA in Human and Organizational Development will be prepared to pursue entry level positions in corporations, non-profits, government, as well as higher education as training coordinators, training specialists, instructional design technologists, learning and development specialists, and associate training specialists.

Change of major requirements

Submit a change of major form and email soeadvising@vcu.edu to schedule a change of major appointment to discuss your degree plan and requirements. Students must have a 2.5+ GPA in order to declare a teaching-licensure granting major.

Bachelor-level job titles

Development Coordinator/Specialist
Development Trainee
Human Resource Development specialist/Coordinator
Instructional Design Specialist
Learning and Technology Specialist
Learning Specialist/Coordinator
Learning Strategist
Organizational Development Specialist
Trainer
Training and Development Coordinator

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Human and Organizational Development, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Plan of study in Bulletin

Human and Organizational Development, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Requirements

Highest level of math required

Quantitative Foundations requirement only

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Educational Leadership

Building/room location:

Oliver Hall Education

Phone:

(804) 828-8160

Email:

soeadvising@vcu.edu

https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/ba-human-org-dev/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
Consider informational interviews with professionals that do the work or enrolled in the graduate programs you are considering.
Use career exploration resources to conduct research on the types of jobs you may be interested in.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Explore peer leadership opportunities or Alternative Spring Break.
Join the local chapters of ATD and SHRM.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Join a professional organization like ATD, SHRM, or OD Network.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Consider a study abroad experience.
Research list of internship sites partnered with the School of Education.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Design a community-engaged research project.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Consider attending or presenting at The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, or VCU SoE sponsored research colloquiums.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
Apply to be a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
Attend a class in the M.Ed. in Adult Learning.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in the field and/or internship site supervisors.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Complete internship in Human and Organizational Development.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Join a professional organization related to your industry of interest and consider serving on a committee to build and practice career-related and leadership skills.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Complete your required internship with a university partner or self-selected internship site.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2023-2024

Human and Organizational Development

School of Education

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center. Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.	Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community. Consider applying to the Honors College. Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations. If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council. Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.	Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate. Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU. Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101. Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities. Consider informational interviews with professionals that do the work or enrolled in the graduate programs you are considering. Use career exploration resources to conduct research on the types of jobs you may be interested in.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Experience	Year 2	Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association. Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Explore peer leadership opportunities or Alternative Spring Break. Join the local chapters of ATD and SHRM.	Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty. Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization. Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job. Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.	Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Join a professional organization like ATD, SHRM, or OD Network.
Experience	Year 3	Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Consider a study abroad experience. Research list of internship sites partnered with the School of Education.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Design a community-engaged research project. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Consider attending or presenting at The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, or VCU SoE sponsored research colloquiums.	Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer. Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume. Apply to be a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram. Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor. Attend a class in the M.Ed. in Adult Learning.	Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Conduct informational interviews with professionals in the field and/or internship site supervisors.
Excel	Year 4	Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Complete internship in Human and Organizational Development.	Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.	Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations. Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation. Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.	Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools. Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Join a professional organization related to your industry of interest and consider serving on a committee to build and practice career-related and leadership skills.	Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Complete your required internship with a university partner or self-selected internship site.