Program Overview
The Master of Science in Human and Organization Performance Effectiveness prepares professionals to improve outcomes in complex organizations by aligning people, processes, and systems. Designed for working professionals, this human performance master’s degree focuses on evidence-based strategies that drive measurable improvement across business, health, education, nonprofit, and government environments. Students learn how to diagnose performance gaps, design targeted interventions, and evaluate results using data-informed decision-making.
Unlike programs that focus on individual skill development alone, this human performance master’s degree emphasizes whole-system thinking. Students examine how organizational culture, leadership, workflows, incentives, and learning systems interact to shape performance. Through applied coursework, learners gain the tools to improve both individual capability and organizational effectiveness, preparing them to lead sustainable change.
The curriculum blends theory with practice, drawing from fields such as organizational development, instructional design, systems thinking, and performance analytics. Students explore how human behavior, workplace design, and organizational structures influence outcomes—and how to intentionally design environments that support high performance. This approach makes the program valuable for professionals working in corporate, healthcare, military, nonprofit, and educational settings.
As a flexible and career-focused human performance degree, the program is delivered online to support professionals balancing work and graduate study. Courses are structured to encourage collaboration, applied projects, and real-world problem solving. Students regularly connect course concepts to their own organizations, ensuring immediate relevance and professional impact.
The human performance master’s degree is particularly well suited for individuals seeking advancement into leadership, consulting, training, quality improvement, or performance improvement roles. Graduates are prepared to analyze organizational challenges, implement strategic interventions, and measure effectiveness using performance metrics and data analysis. This applied focus distinguishes the program from more theoretical or narrowly focused graduate offerings.
This master’s in human performance is ideal for-profit, nonprofit, government, and military sectors, and is particularly relevant for functional areas in training and development, industrial relations, human resource management, performance management, and strategic management. Coursework is focused on aligning the professional development needs of employees with the broader goals of their respective organizations. Graduates of the program will be prepared to better meet the present and future demands of the workplace and workforce.
By integrating organizational strategy with human-centered design, the organizational performance master’s degree equips students to lead change initiatives that are both effective and ethical. Graduates understand how to balance organizational goals with employee well-being, making performance improvement sustainable over time.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Human & Organization Performance Effectiveness, MSKU School of Professional Studies
The Master’s in Human and Organization Performance Effectiveness is part of the School of Professional Studies, offering cutting-edge programs that develop sought-after skills.Master’s in Human and Organization Performance Effectiveness Learning Outcomes
Students completing the human performance master’s degree will be able to:
- Identify, evaluate, and address individual performance and training concerns in relation to organizational goals and performance.
- Analyze, synthesize, and implement theories of organizational systems, motivation, and change in order to successfully address individual and organizational performance.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic planning and performance metrics based on analysis of the organizational environment (internal and external) and contributions to society and organizational success.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate across organizations ideas using a variety of media (oral, written, visual) and writing formats (formal/informal, technical/academic) with an intentional focus on various audiences in order to influence decisions and strategies.
These outcomes reflect the program’s integration of organizational strategy, human behavior, and evaluation, ensuring graduates of the organizational performance master’s degree are prepared to lead data-informed improvement initiatives.
What Careers Are Possible with a Master’s in Human and Organization Performance Effectiveness?
Graduates of the human performance master’s degree are prepared for roles focused on improving organizational effectiveness and human performance across sectors. Career paths vary by industry and professional background, but common roles include:
- Human performance improvement specialist
- Organizational development consultant
- Training and development manager
- Performance analyst
- Continuous improvement or quality improvement manager
- Learning and development leader
- Operations or workforce effectiveness manager
According to workforce data from Lightcast, demand continues to grow for professionals who can analyze performance challenges, implement improvement strategies, and evaluate outcomes. The analytical and systems-based skills developed in this human performance degree align well with leadership and consulting roles that require cross-functional collaboration.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of the program is competitive, and financial aid options are available for eligible students. For information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the human performance master’s degree program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and provide official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- An applicant with a cumulative undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 may be considered for admission upon review of overall credentials.
- Resume/CV
- A statement of purpose outlining your goals and how these goals could be satisfied by studying human organizational performance, maximum of three pages
For more details, please visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the human performance master’s degree engage in applied learning experiences that connect coursework to professional practice. Courses emphasize case studies, collaborative projects, and applied assignments that allow students to address real challenges within their own organizations or industries.
The online format supports interaction through discussion boards, group projects, and faculty engagement, creating a strong learning community despite geographic distance. Students pursuing a master’s in human performance often bring diverse professional backgrounds, enriching discussions with perspectives from healthcare, education, business, military, and nonprofit sectors.
Faculty members bring practical experience in performance improvement, organizational development, and applied research. Their mentorship helps students translate theory into actionable strategies, reinforcing the applied nature of the human performance degree.
Master’s in Human and Organization Performance Effectiveness Sample Courses
Sample coursework in the human performance master’s degree may include:
- Foundations of Human and Organization Performance Effectiveness
- Organizational Systems, Culture, and Analysis
- Organizational Performance Management
- Organizational Change
These courses reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the master’s in human performance, blending theory, application, and evaluation. For a full list of courses, please visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Human and Organization Performance Effectiveness Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The application deadlines for each entry term are:
- Spring semester: Priority deadline is Nov. 15; final deadline is Jan. 1.
- Summer semester: Priority deadline is March 1; final deadline is May 15.
- Fall semester: Priority deadline is March 1; final deadline is Aug. 1.
Is the program fully online?
Yes. The HOPE program is designed for completion 100% online.
How long does the program take?
Many students complete the master’s within 18–24 months; actual timing depends on course load and transfer credits.