Workforce Education and Development
Workforce Education and Development
Welcome to the Workforce Education and Development program at the Pennsylvania State University. We appreciate your interest in our program. It is one of the oldest academic programs offered by Penn State.
Penn State's Workforce Education and Development (WFED) Program offers interdisciplinary education through various undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate programs, designed to prepare individuals for diverse careers in the workforce education and development field. Graduates of the program commonly pursue positions in Career and Technical Education (CTE), Employee Training and Development, Organization Development, and Human Resource Development across various institutions, agencies, and organizations.
The program has received consistently high rankings by U.S. News & World Report, being named one of the top three vocational education programs in the United States. In recent years, the program has been ranked No. 1 or No. 2 several times. In 2014, the program introduced a new online Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Organization Development and Change (OD&C). These accolades and additions demonstrate the continued growth and dedication to excellence in the Workforce Education and Development program at Penn State.
Program Mission
The mission of Penn State’s Workforce Education and Development (WFED) program is to promote excellence, opportunity, and leadership among professionals in the field of workforce education and development, including professionals employed in secondary and postsecondary education institutions, social services, employee organizations, and private sector businesses.
Faculty in the program strive to attain a cost-effective academic program recognized nationally as among the best in scholarship, leadership, and professional preparation.
Our program offers diverse certificate and degree programs in undergraduate and graduate levels:
Undergraduate Level
- Undergraduate Certificate Programs
- Associate of Science in WFED
- Bachelor of Science in WFED
Graduate Level
- Graduate Certificate Programs in OD&C
- Master of Science (M.S.) in WFED: Two emphasis in Talent Development and International TVET
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in WFED: Three emphasis in CTE Leadership, School-to-Work, and CTE Teacher Certificate
- Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in OD&C
- Ph.D. in WFED: Three Emphasis in HRD/OD, School-to-Work, and CTE leadership
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Refer to the College of Education's scholarships and financial aid information that is available to support the twenty-first-century workforce in transforming our economy for the future of work!
Undergraduate Level
Explore the exciting opportunities available through the Workforce Education and Development (WFED) program at Penn State. Our courses are designed to empower you with essential skills and knowledge that will enhance your academic journey and prepare you for a successful career.
Course List
WFED 197G: Career Planning and Life Design (GenEd - GHW)
WFED 310: Supervisory Leadership
WFED 405: Project Management for Professionals
WFED 410: Leadership Competencies for Professionals
WFED 424: Facilitating Career Development
WFED 451: Lean-Sigma for Professionals
WFED 471: Training in Business and Industry
For more information, [click here].
Contact Information
For inquiries about WFED courses or the Supervisory Leadership Certificate Program, please contact:
Undergraduate Programs and Certification:
Workforce Education and Development offers a variety of pathways to earn an undergraduate degree with an emphasis in Career and Technical Education (CTE) or Workplace Learning and Performance (WLP).
The CTE emphasis offers an undergraduate degree through a large off-campus degree and non-degree program leading to two types of certifications:
- Pennsylvania CTE Teacher Certification;
- Co-Op Certification.
The WLP emphasis offers flexible programs enabling working professionals to take courses and earn credits in a variety of ways including earning professional certificates, an associate degree, and a baccalaureate degree.
Any questions about Career and Technical Certification, Cooperative Education Certification and Undergraduate WFED studies should be directed to:
Mark D. Threeton
Professor of Education
411E Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-5361
Note. See Workplace Learning and Performance (WLP) Certificate Programs for more information.
Bachelor of Science in WFED
Penn State's Workforce Education and Development program offers certificate programs as well as undergraduate degree programs leading to an Associate in Workforce Education and Development, emphasis in Workplace Learning and Performance (60 credits) and a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development, emphasis in Workplace Learning and Performance (124 credits).
Students interested in these programs leading to the bachelor's degree in Workforce Education and Development should be employed, or wish to be employed, as faculty members, trainers, administrators, or researchers in settings emphasizing education for work in private sector firms, schools, occupational home economics, cooperative education, youth apprenticeship, or employment and training.
For additional information, please contact:
Mark D. Threeton
Professor of Education
411E Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-5361
Graduate Degree Programs
Master of Science in WFED - University Park
The Master of Science in Workforce Education and Development degree programs is a 30-credit, (possibly) one-year, cohort-based program, and it is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance the capabilities of employees, teams, and organizations in corporate, governmental, nonprofit, or educational settings. We offer two emphasis areas:
Talent Development
Students will gain core competencies in career development, training, organization development, needs assessment, research methods, and ethical leadership—all framed to produce tangible improvements in performance and engagement. Whether you aim to elevate a global enterprise or support a local business, this program provides a rigorous, flexible, and applied educational experience that fosters holistic development and change.
Who Should Apply?
HR, L&D, and Talent Management Professionals
Career Changers
Government and Nonprofit Leaders
Educators and Trainers
International Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
Students will gain competencies in career development, workforce training, curriculum design, needs assessment, research, and ethical workforce education leadership, and history and trends of workforce development worldwide. Whether you are a U.S. domestic student aiming for a career in international workforce development or an international student looking to advance TVET in your home country, this program provides a rigorous, flexible, and globally relevant education.
Who Should Apply?
Career seekers in global workforce development, TVET policy, or international training programs.
International professionals in workforce education, vocational training, or human resource development.
For more information including the program course requirements, [click here].
See the reflect for the International TVET and Talent Development.
Contact: Dr. Hyung Joon Yoon, Professor-In-Charge, [email protected]
Application Deadlines: April 15 (International students), June 30 (domestic students)
Program Start: Fall 2025
Master of Education in WFED - University Park
The Master of Education in Workforce Education and Development degree programs is a 36-credit program. It is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance the capabilities of CTE teachers, CTE coordinators, CTE administrators, consultants, practitioners, or researchers in governmental, nonprofit, or educational settings. We offer three emphasis areas:
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Certification
This emphasis prepares students for teaching positions in career and technical centers and school districts. This emphasis involves fulfillment of the requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Career Technical Instructional I and II certification.
School-to-Work
This emphasis prepares students for positions in career and technical centers and school districts that involve curriculum development, cooperative education, career exploration, and related positions. This emphasis may involve meeting the Pennsylvania Department of Education eligibility guidelines for cooperative education certification for employment as a cooperative education coordinator. The decision to pursue cooperative education certification should be based on prior education, work experience, and program and employment goals. Students interested in employment as cooperative education coordinators must obtain cooperative education certification.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Leadership Secondary (PDE Certification)
This emphasis prepares students for leadership positions in secondary education as directors of career and technical education. These positions may be in career and technical centers or in school districts. (Students must meet Pennsylvania Department of Education eligibility guidelines for the career and technical education director certification). Students enrolled in this emphasis and electing to pursue the Director of Career and Technical Education option must meet the certification requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
For more information including the program course requirements, [click here].
Susan Berzonsky (University Park)
Learning and Performance Systems department
Academic Program Coordinator
301 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-0095
[email protected]
Master of Professional Studies - World Campus
The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Organization Development and Change is an online degree aimed toward professionals in fields such as talent management, corporate development and performance improvement in government, nonprofit organizations and industry. The program is designed with an international focus, ensuring that students are exposed to global issues and the way change is occurring around the world and will emphasize the importance of technology when it comes to facilitating change.
Students in the Organization Development and Change program will have the opportunity to build portfolios, collections of work samples that they have accumulated throughout their programs that they can share with prospective employers. More details on classes can be found on our course list.
The M.P.S. in Organization Development and Change is a degree offering of the Workforce Education and Development program in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems in the Penn State College of Education. It is offered as an online degree program through the Penn State World Campus.
For more information on the program and faculty, please contact the OD&C program staff assistant:
Whitney DeShong (World Campus)
Learning and Performance Systems department
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-0473
Fax: (814) 865-0128
[email protected]
PennStateODC
Ph.D. in WFED- University Park
Our WFED program offers a graduate degree program leading to degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Students interested in this program should be employed in or aspire to be employed as faculty, trainers, administrators, or researchers in education-for-work settings such as business, industry, health fields, occupational home economics, cooperative education, youth apprenticeship, or employment and training.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program consists of 21 credits of core course requirements, 18 credits of research course requirements, and 18-33 credits of emphasis-specific requirements. Students may choose from three different emphases: human resource development/organization development, school-to-work, and secondary career and technical education leadership.
Human Resource Development/Organization Development
This emphasis prepares students to lead and consult in areas of employee training, performance improvement, and organizational change. Through coursework in leadership, project management, evaluation, and organization development (OD) strategies such as appreciative inquiry, consultation, and evaluation, students gain both theoretical and applied knowledge. The program culminates in an internship or field-based project to apply HRD/OD practices in real-world settings.
School-to-Work
Focusing on the transition from education to employment, this emphasis is designed for professionals interested in work-based learning programs such as cooperative education. Students explore curriculum design, vocational guidance, and the operational aspects of school-to-work initiatives in domestic and international workforce development settings. Practical experience is gained through a practicum or internship, and students take approved electives outside the department to tailor their specialization.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Leadership
This emphasis develops leadership capacity in the administration and supervision of career and technical education programs in domestic and international workforce development settings. It covers topics such as workforce management, curriculum development, fiscal planning, school law, and administrative services. Students engage in field-based administrative internships and are prepared for roles in secondary and postsecondary education, as well as state-level policy and program administration.
For more information, including program course requirements for each emphasis, faculty members, graduate assistantship opportunities, and application process, please [click here].
Susan Berzonsky (University Park)
Learning and Performance Systems department
Academic Program Coordinator
301 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-0095
[email protected]
Graduate Certificate Programs in Organization Development and Change
OD&C Analytics Graduate Certificate - University Park
Offered as a Residential course for University Park only, can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to analyze data to make informed decisions in organization development and change initiatives. This critical skill set can help you stand out in a number of industries in today's highly competitive and ever-changing business climate.
Curriculum:
In this 9-credit program by selecting any 3 course from the following: WFED 540; 543; 582; and 585. You can build a strong knowledge base in the use of analytics tools and approaches as they relate specifically to organization development and change initiatives. The curriculum will focus on approaches to evaluating organization development and consulting services; assessing and feeding data in organization development; and using labor supply models to evaluate investments.
Additionally, you can apply the credits you earn for this certificate toward a Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and Change.
- WFED 540 Data Analysis in Workforce Education and Development
- WFED 543 Evaluation of Investments in Workforce Education and Development
- WFED 582 Assessing Data: Organizational Diagnosis
- WFED 585 Appraising Organization Change and Development Consulting
For more information, please contact:
Whitney DeShong
Learning and Performance Systems department
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-0473
Fax: (814) 865-0128
[email protected] PennStateODC
OD&C: Consulting Skills Graduate Certificate - University Park & World Campus
To become effective OD consultants and OD practitioners hands-on experience is necessary. After completing the certificate program, students will have skills and competencies that can be applied to help the organizations they serve continuously improve and maximize potential as OD consultants and OD practitioners. All candidates are required to take the 12-credits of prescribed courses related to consulting skills for organization development and change.
Curriculum:
- WFED 572 Foundations in Organization Development and Change
- WFED 582 Assessing Data: Organizational Diagnosis*
- WFED 881 Marketing Organization Development*
- WFED 884 Appreciative Inquiry*
- *WFED 865 Implementing Training and Development is an approved substitution for one of the starred courses listed above.
For more information, please contact:
Whitney DeShong
Learning and Performance Systems department
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-0473
Fax: (814) 865-0128
[email protected] PennStateODC
OD&C: Essentials Graduate Certificate - University Park & World Campus
The primary goal of the certificate programs is to provide essential knowledge skills in organization development and change, facilitation of groups and teams, appreciative inquiry, and process consultation. The certificate program focuses on exposing students to global issues and the way change occurs around and within organizations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of knowledge and skills when it comes to facilitating change initiatives from a humanistic perspective.
Curriculum:
- WFED 572 Foundations in Organization Development and Change
- WFED 578 Process Consultation in Organization Development
- WFED 880 Facilitating Groups and Teams
- WFED 884 Appreciative Inquiry
For more information, please contact:
Whitney DeShong
Learning and Performance Systems department
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-0473
Fax: (814) 865-0128
[email protected] PennStateODC
OD&C: Occupational Safety and Health Graduate Certificate - University Park
Accidents within the workforce and educational environments are metaphorically similar to a line of falling dominos. As one incident occurs, it has the ability to trigger a harmful chain reaction. Therefore this 9-credit Organization Development and Change, Occupational Safety and Health Certificate Program is designed to assist workforce development professionals in building the skills and abilities to create and support workplaces and educational environments free of occupational safety and health hazards. Emphasis is placed on leadership development to promote detection, analysis, and correction of unsafe workplace conditions and procedures
Curriculum:
- WFED 411 Occupational Safety and Health for Workforce Education and Development Professionals
- WFED 573 Needs Assessment for Workforce Development Professionals
- WFED 806 Program and Facilities Management for Workforce Development Professionals
For more information, please contact:
Whitney DeShong
Learning and Performance Systems department
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-0473
Fax: (814) 865-0128
[email protected] PennStateODC
OD&C: Operational Excellence Graduate Certificate - University Park & World Campus
This certificate program teaches students how to change corporate culture from a continuous process improvement perspective. Recognizing that organizations either get better or worse, the focus of this certificate is on the tools and methodologies for making positive organizational impact. Emphasis is placed on the application of essential continuous improvement methodologies including lean and six sigma concepts to improve processes in any industry. A focus is also placed on the concepts and skills needed to complete project initiatives on time and within budget.
Curriculum:
Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs.
- WFED 405 Project Management for Professionals
- WFED 451 Lean-Sigma for Professionals
- WFED 572 Foundations in Organization Development and Change
- WFED 880 Facilitating Groups and Teams
For more information, please contact:
Whitney DeShong
Learning and Performance Systems department
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-0473
Fax: (814) 865-0128
[email protected] PennStateODC
Professional Development
Professional Personnel Development Center (PPDC)
The Center provides teacher preparation, online resources, and in-service programs that prepare Pennsylvanians to meet professional standards as career and technical educators. Through these programs, participants may earn state teacher certification and become eligible to teach technical career programs in career and technical schools in Pennsylvania.
Check out what our Professional Personnel Development Center can do to upskill and reskill you and your workforce.
For more information, please contact:
Wilda Hackman
Administrative Support Assistant III
Professional Personnel Development Center
The Pennsylvania State University
409J Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-0805
FAX: 814-863-7532
[email protected]
Additional Information
The WFED/OD&C - PDN website provides a location for program students, faculty, staff, and alumni to facilitate and conduct ongoing networking and professional development activities.
Doctoral Program Admission Deadlines
Doctoral students are accepted for Fall admission. The following are the deadlines:
- January 29th – those students who want to be considered for funding, please submit the Graduate Assistantship Application.
- April 15th – deadline for international students. This deadline is due to the time-frame needed for Global Programs to process the International Visa Documentation. The process cannot begin until you have accepted your offer of admission/paid your acceptance fees. Therefore, international students must apply by the April 15th deadline for processing purposes.
- June 30th – This deadline is for students who do not wish to be considered for funding.
Applicants must have successfully completed a master's degree from an accredited institution, having earned at least a 3.0 grade point average. All students are expected to exhibit:
- Academic competency,
- Effectiveness in interpersonal relations,
- Written, and oral communications.
Prerequisites
Students should be able to document a minimum of two years full-time employment in the workplace. Relevant examples include the following:
- career and technical education,
- vocational guidance,
- industrial training,
- military technical training,
- safety education or technical education,
- or, related experience acceptable to the faculty.
Step 1: Graduate School Application
Complete the online Penn State Graduate School application. Be sure to pay the application fee as outlined on the Graduate School application form.
When completing the online Graduate School application, you will be asked to answer a series of questions or provide written statements regarding the following information:
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Letters of recommendation from two people who are best qualified to evaluate your ability to succeed in graduate study. The Graduate School application will ask you to submit the names of references along with their email addresses. Your reference will receive an email directing them to the site to upload a reference letter. You will be notified via email when they have submitted their letter, however you will not be able to view the letter.
- A statement of personal career history and objectives for the future and how the Ph.D. degree will help you accomplish your goals.
- A written statement of your research interests including how this corresponds with WFED faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work with and why.
- A description of your scholarly or applied research studies or reports that involved data collection and analysis.
- A description of other activities in which you plan to be engaged during your Ph.D. study other than taking classes to accomplish your career goals.
- A scholarly writing sample related to Workforce Education and Development, which utilizes the APA 7th Edition Publication Manual.
- An analytical response to a case study facilitated by the program faculty.
Step 2: Workforce Education Development Program Material
As part of the online application process, applicants are required to electronically upload a copy of an official transcripts/documents from all post-secondary institutions attended. Upon online acceptance of a program recommendation for admission, applicants will be notified that official/original transcripts/documents must be sent from the originating institutions for review by the Graduate School, in order to finalize an admission decision.
Transcripts/documents must be in the official language of the institution(s) attended, but if that language is not English, an official English translation must also be sent. The Graduate School will review all official documents to finalize the offer of admission. An offer of admission will be revoked if official/original documents are not received by the Graduate School within specified deadlines, or if official/original documents differ from the copies uploaded by the applicant prior to the offer of admission. For applicants whose degree conferral is in progress at the time of uploading copies, the deadline specified for receipt of official/original documents will allow for the passage of the reported date of degree conferral, and that conferral must be confirmed on the official/original documents received by the Graduate School, in order for the offer of admission to be finalized.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System),with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test. Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon first enrollment and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Submit official scores using Penn State's Institution Code: 2660. To find out more about the TOEFL Exam visit the TOEFL website. International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a baccalaureate or a master's degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Wales.
Students taking the TOEFL should use school code 2660 to send scores to Penn State.
History and Rankings
The Workforce Education and Development program originated in 1920 in the School of Engineering and was called the Department of Industrial Education. On June 11, 1923, the Department of Industrial Education moved from the School of Engineering to join three other academic units - Agricultural Education, Education and Psychology, and Home Economics Education - to form the School of Education, now the College of Education.
In 1925, new graduate programs in Vocational Industrial Education were inaugurated. The first Master's degree in Industrial Education were conferred in August, 1929. In 1939, the first doctoral degree in Industrial Education were conferred upon Edward C. Estabrooke and George H. Parks. These programs now lead to degrees of Master's of Arts, Master's of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.
In 1944, the Department of Industrial Education was officially designated as the agency for the State Department of Education for the administration of Occupational Competency Examinations to qualified applicants in central Pennsylvania.
In 1963, the designation Department of Industrial Education was changed to the Department of Vocational Education. In 1977, the Department of Industrial Education changed its name to the Department of Vocational-Industrial Education.
In 1994, Dr. Kenneth C. Gray, Professor-in-Charge of Vocational Industrial Education, conducted a contest among the graduate students resulting in a name change from Vocational Industrial Education to Workforce Education and Development. The Workforce Education and Development program at Penn State has been recognized consistently by U.S. News & World Report as being among the top three vocational education programs in the United States.
In 2014, Dr. William J. Rothwell, SPHR, RIDC, CPLP Fellow Professor, announced a new online Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Organization Development and Change (OD&C).
Rankings of Penn State's Workforce Education and Development program by U.S. News & World Report
2018 - Ranked No. 2
2017 - Ranked No. 2
2016 - Ranked No. 1
2015 - Ranked No. 1
2014 - Ranked No. 1
2013 - Ranked No. 2
2012 - Ranked No. 1
2009 - Ranked No. 3
2008 - Ranked No. 2
2007 - Ranked No. 2
2006 - Ranked No. 1
2005 - Ranked No. 2
2004 - Ranked No. 3
2003 - Ranked No. 3
2002 - Ranked No. 2
2001 - Ranked No. 2
2000 - Ranked No. 2
1999 - Ranked No. 3
1998 - Ranked No. 3
1997 - Ranked No. 3