Higher Education
Higher Education Community
Welcome to ATD's higher education community where students, faculty in talent development-related programs, and talent development professionals working at colleges and universities collaborate to develop a stronger workforce. Whether you’re a student, professor, dean, practitioner, or education leader, ATD has resources for you.
Click each card below to learn more.
Students
Through content, scholarships, and services, ATD provides opportunities geared toward students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in talent development-related fields.
Faculty
ATD is focused on the growth and support of the higher education community and offers many opportunities for college and university faculty.
Talent Development Professionals in Higher Ed
A community of talent development professionals developing staff in colleges and universities worldwide.
L&D Degree Directory
Are you or someone you know searching for an academic degree program in the talent development field? Explore the L&D Degree Directory today!
For colleges/universities: If you'd like to get listed in the Degree Directory, learn more here.
ATD Student Scholarships
Each year students in a doctoral, graduate, or undergraduate program are encouraged to apply for six available ATD John Coné Student Membership Scholarships and one ATD International Conference & Exposition registration scholarship. Applicants should be current students at the time of submitting the application. There is one online application for all scholarships for a total of seven possible scholarships. Applications for 2026 are now open! Deadline to apply is December 1, 2025.
ATD Dissertation Award
The ATD Dissertation Award is given to foster and disseminate research in the practice of developing talent in organizations. It will be presented to the person who has submitted the best doctoral dissertation for which a degree has been granted between August 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Now accepting applications! Deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. Learn More
Student Membership and Eligibility Requirements
Student Professional Member Rate: $129
Student Professional Plus Member Rates: $299
ATD student members receive full membership benefits at a fraction of the regular membership rate! The ATD student member rate is for students who are either:
enrolled in the equivalent of at least half-time at an accredited university or college OR
active ATD chapter student members.
These are also the eligibility requirements for student conference registration. Read more about Member Benefits or download our membership brochure.
Higher Ed Resources
Download the ATD higher education brochure.
2023 State of the Industry Report Now Available
The State of the Industry report is ATD’s definitive review of talent development trends. The 2023 State of the Industry report was based on data from hundreds of organizations representing a diverse range of industries, sizes, and locations. ATD members receive a downloadable copy of the report as a complimentary member benefit. You can also access the State of the Industry through the ATD Publications app.
ATD Student Scholarships
Each year students in a doctoral, graduate, or undergraduate program are encouraged to apply for six available ATD John Coné Student Membership Scholarships and one ATD International Conference & Exposition registration scholarship. Applicants should be current students at the time of submitting the application. There is one online application for all scholarships for a total of seven possible scholarships.
The application for 2025 scholarships is now open! The deadline to apply is November 29, 2024.
Apply Today
ATD Dissertation Award
The ATD Dissertation Award is given to foster and disseminate research in the practice of developing talent in organizations. It will be presented to the person who has submitted the best doctoral dissertation for which a degree has been granted between August 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. The submission window for 2025 recognition is now open. The deadline to apply is November 29, 2024.
Learn More
The Talent Development Capability Model
ATD’s Talent Development Capability Model defines the skills and knowledge required for talent development professionals to be successful now and in the future. It captures changes driven by digital, mobile, and social technology; demographic shifts; globalization; and economic forces.
Faculty: How are your students defining the latest capabilities needed for success in the talent development industry? ATD offers resources for aligning your curriculum to the Talent Development Capability Model.
Opportunities
Do you have expertise in a particular topic unique to academic leaders, faculty, or talent development professionals in higher education? Is there a topic or area of research you would like to share with practitioners? Here are some ways to share your thoughts with fellow community members:
Share and post content for the higher education community.
Comment and start a discussion around a blog post.
Propose a topic for a TD magazine article.
Join us at the annual ATD International Conference & Exposition.
Serve as an application reviewer for the ATD student scholarship or Dissertation Award.
Send your ideas: Have you found a good blog or other resource you think our community should share? Send me your ideas, requests, and opinions on how you think ATD can improve our community. I would love to hear from you!
Contact Us
Questions? Contact Erin Strider, Manager, ATD Higher Education Community.