Workforce Learning & Development, B.S.

In today’s rapidly changing workforce environment, there is a growing need for professionals with the knowledge and skills to help organizations build a more skilled workforce.

Our program is designed for military personnel and mid-career individuals in fields such as engine repair, mechanics, plumbing and welding who would like to advance a career by joining the growing workforce development field. The program is also valuable for community college vocational tech and continuing ed instructors who would like to complete an undergraduate degree.

The workforce learning and development program will provide you with a variety of diverse learning opportunities and hands-on experiences. You will learn the principles of adult learning and best practices for engaging this unique cohort of students, effective course design, assessment strategies and a variety of instructional design methods.

The program is designed to be flexible to remain current with the changing landscape of the organizational workplace.

• UNCW maintains strong ties to the military through the Office of Military Affairs, and military training can be applied toward course credits.
• Strong articulation agreements with North Carolina community colleges help facilitate the transition of their students and graduates to UNCW.
• And, program participants from some industries can apply for up to 24 hours of course credits based on their prior technical work experience or occupational training.

Our curriculum aligns with the Association for Talent Development’s Capacity Model, which provides a framework to guide the talent development profession in what practitioners need to know and do to develop themselves, others and their organizations.

Courses are offered in instructional design, learning design, adult education, training and development and leadership studies.

A degree in workforce learning and development provides a pathway for mid-career individuals to leverage technical training to open the door to a new career as a talent development specialist.

Whether you work in the military, business and industry, government or a community college setting, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to conduct needs assessments, design training programs, develop content, and evaluate the impact of training programs – all skills sought after by a growing number of employers.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be admitted into the Workforce Learning and Development Online Accelerated Program:

1. Meet UNC system high school minimum course requirements (Applicants who are 21 years of age or older or who have completed 24 hours of transferable undergraduate credits are exempt from this requirement)
2. Have completed or enrolled in 24 transferable undergraduate credit hours.
3. Have a cumulative 2.4 college GPA.
4. Be eligible to return to the last institution attended.

Application

Apply to the Workforce Learning & Development program using the Online Accelerated Programs application:

• Step-by-Step Application Instructions
• Log in or create an account in the UNCW Application Portal.
• Start a new application by selecting the current application year and the Online Accelerated Programs application type.
• On the Application Information tab, select the Workforce Learning & Development (OAP) major. Please carefully select your desired start term on the application. After applying, any modifications to the start term can only be made by reapplying.
• Application fees are currently waived for the Workforce Learning & Development program. Your application fee will be automatically waived after your application is received.

If you have questions or need assistance with the application, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Apply Now

Transcripts and Materials

The Office of Admissions requires the following official transcripts:

• An official high school transcript showing your date of graduation or proof of a GED or Adult High School Diploma (not required for applicants who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking a second Bachelor's degree)
• An official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended
• An official military transcript (if applicable)

To be considered official, transcripts must come directly from the institution or be in a sealed envelope. Transcripts may be sent before application submission but must be received by the deadline for the application term.

Official transcripts can be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through an electronic transcript service, by email to admissions@uncw.edu, or mailed to:

University of North Carolina Wilmington
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
601 S College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403 – 5904

Deadlines

All applications and materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline specified for the application term:

• Spring 1 2025: December 14, 2024
• Spring 2 2025: February 15, 2025
• Summer 1 2025: April 19, 2025
• Summer 2 2025: June 7, 2025
• Fall 1 2025: August 2, 2025
• Fall 2 2025: September 27, 2025

View More Program Details

For more information, please contact Jennifer Cox at wld@uncw.edu or 910.962.2741