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Talent Development

The Master of Science in Talent Development at Eastern Illinois University is a fully online program designed for working professionals who want to lead learning, training, and organizational development initiatives. Students develop the skills to analyze, design, implement, manage, and evaluate talent development programs that improve employee performance and organizational success.

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Talent Development

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
Fully Online
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Managers, Training, Specialists
Talent Development students at EIU

Why Study Talent Development at EIU?

  • 100% online program designed specifically for working professionals seeking advancement in talent development and organizational learning.
  • Curriculum developed with input from industry experts and the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Chicago Chapter.
  • Build expertise in training, performance improvement, instructional design, organizational development, and talent management.
  • Learn from faculty with extensive academic and professional consulting experience in talent development.
  • Prepare for leadership careers that improve employee performance and organizational success.
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Analyze real organizational performance and learning needs to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Design and develop talent development initiatives that align with organizational goals and performance outcomes.
  • Apply instructional design and facilitation techniques through hands-on learning projects.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness and return on investment of learning and development programs.
  • Consult with stakeholders and develop practical solutions to workforce and organizational challenges.
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Talent Development students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Master of Science in Talent Development at Eastern Illinois University is a fully online program designed for working professionals who want to develop expertise in learning and development, training, performance improvement, and organizational effectiveness.

View in Catalog
$69,772
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Human Resources Managers
  • Training & Development Managers
  • Human Resources Specialists

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly · Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Enterprising

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,147 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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15% of lifetime limit

$15,147 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Kelly Best
Graduate Coordinator - M.S. in Talent Development and Assistant Professor for the School of Technology
kjbest@eiu.edu
1014 Klehm Hall
217-581-5762
Dr. Kelly Best Message Dr. Best

Message Dr. Best

or email kjbest@eiu.edu directly
Gabe Grant
Professor and Chairperson
gjgrant@eiu.edu
1030 Klehm Hall
217-581-5762
Gabe Grant Message Gabe

Message Gabe

or email gjgrant@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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