Organizational Learning Adv. Cert.

Understand how technology influences the way that people learn as you explore and apply the theories of instructional design to corporate teaching and training.

Overview for Organizational Learning Adv. Cert.

The advanced certificate in organizational learning provides students with an in-depth understanding of how people learn. Courses cover the theories of instructional design, including the use of technology and its impact on curriculum design, and the development of courses for both classroom and online learning. The certificate is appropriate for chief knowledge officers, training directors, personnel new to the teaching field, and those who wish to embark on a career in teaching or training.

What is a graduate certificate?

A graduate certificate, also called an advanced certificate, is a selection of up to five graduate level courses in a particular area of study. It can serve as a stand-alone credential that provides expertise in a specific topic that enhances your professional knowledge base, or it can serve as the entry point to a master's degree. Some students complete an advanced certificate and apply those credit hours later toward a master's degree.

This program is no longer accepting new student applications.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Organizational Learning Adv. Cert.

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Organizational Learning, advanced certificate, typical course sequence

Course		Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
HRDE-710	Foundations in Human Resource Development This course introduces students to the concepts that are the foundation of HRD and how these concepts are applied in a real-world environment. Human resource development is a distinct and unique area of practice that focuses on aligning employee learning and development with the strategic direction of an organization. This course provides an orientation to the profession and explores historical perspectives, theoretical foundations, and the practice of HRD. (This course is restricted to student in the HRDE-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).	3
HRDE-720	Theories of Organizational Development As organizations undergo continual change, HR leaders play a pivotal role enabling their organizations to anticipate, plan, and profit from change. This course introduces the student to theories and practices of organization development and change leadership. Such leadership requires competencies of identifying and framing challenges, consulting with clients, researching solutions, creating, implementing, and evaluating action plans. Through study, practice, and application, students will gain knowledge and skills to foster change, innovation, and the adaptability of an organization. Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
HRDE-721	Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management This is an introductory graduate-level survey course for organizational learning and knowledge management. The course will provide a broad overview of the concepts, practices, and challenges associated with learning in organizational contexts. Principles, techniques, and structures used to create, capture, store, value, distribute, and leverage knowledge to enhance organizational performance in continuously changing environments will be examined. Topics covered include types and nature of knowledge, levels of organizational learning, communities of practice, social and technological systems for capturing, storing, and distributing knowledge, valuation of knowledge assets, innovation and creativity, barriers to organizational learning, and knowledge as a source of competitive advantage. (Prerequisites: HRDE-710 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
HRDE-722	Talent Development This course provides skills to develop, retain, and engage the best available talent required for current and future success. Students examine benchmark practices from all industry types to derive effective strategies for their own organizations, develop a human capital strategy development, and complete an integrated set of projects to implement selected components of the strategy. Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).	3
Total Semester Credit Hours		12

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

Offered	Admit Term(s)	Application Deadline	STEM Designated
Full‑time	Fall/Spring/Summer	Rolling	No

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Organizational Learning Adv. Cert. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Complete an online graduate application.
Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
Letters of recommendation are optional.
Entrance exam requirements: None
Writing samples are optional.
Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL	IELTS	PTE Academic
88	6.5	62

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Organizational Learning Advanced Certificate