Workforce Learning and Talent Development, B.S.

Train the Workforce. Design What’s Next.

Turn experience into more with an online workforce learning and development program, designed for working adults ready to complete their degree and move into training, leadership or talent development roles. You’ll gain practical, career-focused skills in instructional design, facilitation, workforce training and organizational leadership, all aligned with the ATD’s Talent Development Capability Model.

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Program of Interest*
$375
In-State Cost-Per-Credit
100%
Online, Asynchronous
3.5 Years
Estimated Time to Completion
24
Credits for Prior Work
Overview

Earn Your Workforce Learning and Talent Development Degree Online

UNCW’s online Bachelor of Science in Workforce Learning and Talent Development is built for working adults who are ready to finish their degree and advance into or change careers to training, leadership or talent development roles. You’ll build practical skills in instructional design, facilitation and workforce training while learning how to develop people, improve performance and support organizational goals.

Our Workforce Learning and Development Students

Go From Operator to Leader

Delivered in a flexible format with 7-week courses, the online Bachelor of Science in Workforce Learning and Talent Development program is designed for working professionals such as community college instructors, military personnel and skilled workers who want to advance or change careers into training and development roles. You’ll build practical, in-demand skills in instructional design, facilitation, project management, communication and organizational leadership, then apply them directly to real-world projects connected to your current role or career goals.

This program connects learning directly to the workplace. Courses are aligned with the Association for Talent Development’s Talent Capability Model, so you build skills employers expect from learning and development professionals. You can also apply up to 24 credits from prior work experience, military training or professional development to reduce time to completion. You’ll graduate prepared to design training programs, lead learning initiatives and support workforce development in a range of industries.

Skills You'll Gain

  • Instructional design & curriculum development
  • Training facilitation & delivery
  • Adult learning theory & andragogy
  • Emotional intelligence & communication
  • Talent & performance development
  • Project & program management
  • Organizational leadership & coaching
  • Workforce needs analysis & evaluation

Turn Experience into Credits

Move forward faster with credits for qualified previous work experience, professional development and military training.

Build In-Demand Skills

Develop the skills organizations need to train and grow their workforce in detailed, industry-aligned courses.   

Learn By Doing

Project-based curriculum and scaffolding assignments equip 
you with real-world deliverables 
you can use on the job. 

Stay on Track to Finish

Clear, structured course design reduces friction and guesswork, 
with a flexible format designed for working adults. 

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Career Outlook

Develop Others with a Workforce Learning and Development Degree

The B.S. in Workforce Learning and Talent Development prepares you for roles where learning drives performance. Aligned to the ATD Talent Development Capability Model, the curriculum ties every course to job-relevant competencies in training design, facilitation, leadership and performance improvement. Courses are built using Quality Matters standards and provide a strong foundation for pursuing ATD certifications after graduation.

Graduating from a learning and development degree program means you’ll be particularly aligned for career paths in human resources, corporate training, education and the military. Explore career options and their national salaries below.1, 2

Training and Development Manager
Annual Median Salary: $127,090
Project Management Specialist
Annual Median Salary: $100,750
Talent Management Manager
Annual Median Salary: $92,432
Human Resources Specialist
Annual Median Salary: $72,910
Instructional Designer
Annual Median Salary: $72,653
LMS Administrator
Annual Median Salary: $71,765
Vocational College Instructor
Annual Median Salary: $68,300
Corporate Trainer
Annual Median Salary: $65,870
Training Coordinator
Annual Median Salary: $60,487

3,800 New Jobs

for training and development managers are projected each year over the decade.1

6% Job Growth

from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.1

944,300 Positions

for human resources specialists recorded nationally in 20241 

11% Job Growth

for training and development specialists from 2024 to 2034.1

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1. U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2026
2. Payscale, 2026

Curriculum & Courses

Curriculum Built for Real-World Application

The B.S. in Workforce Learning and Talent Development is a 120-credit undergraduate degree offered through the Watson College of Education. It includes 66 credits in the major, 39 General Education credits and 15 credits of General Electives. Students must enter the program with 24 credits with the opportunity to receive credits for prior work experience.

Curriculum Overview & Degree Requirements

The workforce learning and development degree program is built to connect what you learn directly to the work you do. Grounded in the ATD Talent Development Capability Model, the curriculum focuses on practical application with a project-based approach that mirrors real workplace challenges. You’ll develop training and development solutions you can use in your current role or apply in new opportunities.

Coursework is structured to build over time. Scaffolded assignments lead to a final project where you create a complete training or talent development solution tailored to your industry or professional goals. You’ll build core “train the trainer” skills used across industries, strengthening your ability to design training programs, lead development initiatives and evaluate learning experiences.

Learn from faculty who are experienced practitioners bringing real-world insight into every course. WLD courses are also designed using Quality Matters standards with a goal of full alignment by 2028 ensuring a consistent high-quality online learning experience. Students enter the program with a minimum of 24 credits, either as transfer credits or credit for prior work experience and professional training. Talk to an admissions representative to learn more.

Degree Breakdown

General Education 39 Credits
WLTD Core 36 Credits
WLTD Electives 30 Credits
General Electives 15 Credits

Sample Courses

The online B.S. in Workforce Learning and Talent Development degree program’s courses are built on the ATD Talent Development Capability Model and designed using Quality Matters standards to deliver practical skills you can apply right away.

This course is designed to provide a foundation in effective written and oral communication techniques for workforce training and development professionals that introduces associated theories and practical applications of those theories such as formation of job aides, resumes, e-mail, social media, memoranda, letters, applying for grants, proposals, and reports. Nonverbal and intercultural communications are emphasized.

Accreditation

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, call 404.679.4500, or visit sacscoc.org.

Accreditation
Admissions & Transfer

General Admissions & Transfer Credit Criteria

UNCW opens its doors based on potential, not background. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or ability. Flight Path programs are designed for students who have previously attended college and are ready to finish what they started.

Applicants to UNCW Flight Path programs must meet the university’s standard admissions and transfer requirements. The overview below reflects current UNCW policies and is intended as a high-level guide; official requirements and final determinations are governed by UNCW. For full details and program-specific requirements, visit the main UNCW transfer admissions page.

24+ Transfer Credits

At least 24 transferable credit hours from the last or current institution attended.

2.4 Minimum GPA

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4 in all attempted coursework.

Grade of C or Better

A grade of C (2.0) or higher in coursework is required to be considered for transfer.

Good Academic Standing

Applicants must be in good academic standing at their current or most recent institution.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities previously attended.

A Completed Application

Submission of UNCW’s online application for admission, including all required materials.

Transfer Credit Notes

  • UNCW accepts all transferable coursework with grades of C (2.0) or higher from regionally accredited institutions.
  • There is a maximum of 90 transfer credits accepted.
  • Students must meet UNCW’s residency requirement for credits earned at UNCW.

Program-Specific Requirements

Applicants may be able to waive the 24 transfer credit requirement, depending on previous academic standing and prior work experience. Talk to an admissions representative to learn more about this option.

Don’t have 24 transfer credits?

If you don’t yet have 24 transferable college credits, your professional experience may help you get there! The Workforce Learning and Talent Development program allows eligible work experience and professional training to be reviewed for academic credit, recognizing the knowledge and skills you’ve already developed in the workplace. Connect with our team to explore how your background may apply.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Snapshot

UNCW’s Flight Path programs are built around a simple premise: you should know what your degree is going to cost before you commit to it. Pricing is straightforward, financial surprises are not part of the deal, and the path from first credit to diploma is designed to be as direct as possible.

  • In-state tuition: $375 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state tuition: $450 per credit hour
  • Technology fee: $26.01 per credit hour

Tuition is subject to change. 

View Full Tuition Details

Financial Aid Overview

Most Flight Path students qualify for some form of financial assistance. Federal aid, grants, scholarships and loan programs may all be on the table depending on your situation — and our team can help you figure out what applies to yours before you ever fill out an application.

  • Federal financial aid available for eligible students
  • NC state grants and scholarships may apply
  • UNCW institutional grants for qualifying students
  • Military and veteran benefits may be applicable
Explore Financial Aid Options

Meet Your Faculty

Amanda Young

Amanda Young

Ph.D.
Lecturer – Watson College of Education

Dr. Amanda Young brings a unique blend of higher education and industry experience to her teaching, with a professional background in learning and development,...

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Sheri Conklin

Sheri Conklin

Ed.D.
Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education – Watson College of Education

Dr. Sheri Conklin is an Associate Professor in Instructional Technology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). She earned her Ed.D. in Educational...

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Symphony D. Oxendine

Symphony D. Oxendine

Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Professional Programs, Research and Faculty Affairs – Watson College of Education

Dr. Symphony Oxendine is Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Professional Programs, Research and Faculty Affairs in the Watson College of Education at the University...

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Tracy A. Linderholm

Tracy A. Linderholm

Ph.D.
Dean – Watson College of Education

Dr. Tracy Linderholm brings over 24 years of experience as an educator, administrator and leader. Most recently, she served as Associate Dean of the...

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Zakaria Jouaibi

Zakaria Jouaibi

Ph.D.
Lecturer – Watson College of Education

Dr. Zakaria Jouaibi earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction and Media Technology with a specialization in Teaching and Learning from Indiana State University in 2015. He...

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Watson College of Education

Built on Industry-Recognized Standards

UNCW’s Bachelor of Science in Workforce Learning and Talent Development is grounded in the Talent Development Capability Model from the Association for Talent Development. This framework defines the real-world knowledge, skills and abilities used by today’s learning and development professionals. Every course in the online workforce learning and development program is intentionally aligned to these capabilities, so what you learn reflects what employers expect from effective talent development practitioners in the field. Similarly, the courses are designed using the standards from Quality Matters. This nationally recognized benchmark focuses on clear course structure, strong instructional design and meaningful engagement. For you, that means a more intuitive learning experience and coursework that is built to support real understanding.

Not Sure This Program Is Right for You?

The right degree is the one that actually moves your career forward. If you're weighing your options, our enrollment advisors can walk you through everything available — including other Flight Path programs — until you land on the fit that makes sense for where you're headed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The program requires 120 total credits, with a minimum of 24 credits to enroll, either as transfer credits or credit for prior work experience. Most students complete it in approximately 3.5 years, though your timeline will depend on the credits you bring in and the pace you choose. Talk to an admissions representative to learn more.

Ask your questions.

Set your course with someone who knows the way.

This short form takes less than three minutes to fill out, and once you submit it, an admissions representative will reach out to answer any questions you have. No lines or gimmicks. It’s a straightforward conversation focused on your goals and experience.


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