2026-2027
Human and Organizational Development
School of Education
Program description
The Bachelor of Arts in Human and Organizational Development is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on providing students the knowledge and skills to plan and develop learning programs and interventions in a variety of organizations, including corporations, non-profits, education, as well as healthcare, while also relying on their solutions-based skills. The degree is also offered as a fully online program.
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. All students complete a semester internship as part of their program requirements, and are able to complete additional REAL and experiential requirements as part of other courses in the program as well as an elective in consultation with their faculty program coordinator.
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 also provides a multicultural look at learning and development globally through coursework and an optional study abroad program.
Our program has a number of free/open electives in order to support the cross-disciplinary interests of each student. Students may choose electives towards a minor in areas such as instructional design and technology, human resource management or general business. Meet with your advisor for information on how to complete these minors.
Career opportunities
Join the growing field of Human and Organizational Development professionals! Organizations realize that employee training and development is critical to retention and excellence, and that is why the U.S. Department of Labor is seeing a job growth need in this are for years to come. 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 to declare this change of 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
Graduate and professional level job titles
- Chief People Officer
- Senior Organizational Trainer
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- Quantitative Foundations requirement only
Science required
- Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare
Transfer Maps
Contact information
Department name:
Department of Teaching and Learning
Building/room location:
Oliver Hall Education
Phone:
(804) 828-8160
Email:
soeadvising@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
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 DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
- Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
- Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
- Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
- Review the SoE General Education course options and SoE minors that align with your cross-disciplinary interests to maximize your free/open electives.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
- Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
- Consider applying to the Honors College.
- Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
- Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
- Attend a VCU cultural club that you connect with. All clubs are open to all students, so go out and learn and connect!
- Engage with a da Vinci Center or Shift Retail Lab experience to learn more about how to maximize grow and build your brand and community connections.
- Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
- Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
- Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
- Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
- Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
- Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
- Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
- If you are Federal Work Study Eligible, check out the opportunities to apply to roles in the School of Education to be an ambassador and learn critical presentation, project management, and customer service skills.
- 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.
- Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
- Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
- Mark your calendar to apply to School of Education scholarships each spring semester.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
- Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
- Connect with your faculty program coordinator to consider career pathways and how to utilize the VCU and School of Education alumni network for career exploration.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
- Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
- 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.
- Check out TED Talks Education and TED Programs and Initiatives that encourage learning, nurture community, and catalyze impact to build your cultural knowledge and competency.
- Consider joining a VCU Toastmasters meeting to build your network and learn critical public speaking, leadership and career skills.
- Join the local chapters of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
- Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
- Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
- 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.
- 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 at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
- Connect with your faculty program coordinator to consider career pathways and how to utilize the VCU and School of Education alumni network for career exploration.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
- Consider a study abroad experience.
- Research list of internship sites partnered with the School of Education.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
- Design a community-engaged research project.
- Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
- Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
- Consider applying to and enrolling in the undergraduate Certificate in Disability Studies, a 9 credit program to continue to expand your access and equity knowledge and skill sets.
- Consider attending or presenting at The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education or SoE sponsored research colloquia.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
- Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
- Update your ePortfolio.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
- 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.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
- 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 your required program internship with a university partner or self-selected internship site.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
- Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
- Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
- Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
- Participate in the School of Education's Race, Ethnicity, & Education Teach-In.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
- 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.
- Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
- 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.
- Join VCU’s LinkedIn professional and alumni pages to start informational interviews with alumni in the industry you are applying to jobs. Complete FREE LinkedIn Learning modules that are suggested by your informational interviews.
2026-2027
Human and Organizational Development
School of Education
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Experience | Year 2 |
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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