Overview

The MS in HRD is based on generalist preparation,emphasizing strategic planning, organizational development, statistics,business development and organizational training. The program is ideal for students pursuing jobs in corporate human resource departments or in human resource consulting organizations.

• Total Credits Required: 33* Can be reduced to 30 credits with the following approved waivers:
  • HRD 8010 Internship in HR can be waived with sufficient prior HR experieince. Consult with advisor for more information.
    
  • HRD 8319 Introduction to Human Resources can be waived with sufficient pior HR experience, however a student must take another elective course in its place.
    
• Average Time for Completion: 1 1⁄2 -2 years full-time;
  3-4 years part-time.
• Maximum Time Allowed for Completion: 6 years
• Approved electives (up to 6 credits) can be completed from other degree programs in the Colleges of Arts & Sciences. Must consult advisor before registering.
  

Comprehensive Examination Options:

The Dean of Graduate Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences requires that all graduate programs either require a thesis or administer a comprehensive exam as a capstone for each program.

The HRD program offers students two comprehensive examination options for meeting this requirement. One must be taken and passed in order to graduate.

PHR/SPHR/GPHR or the Assurance of Learning Assessment (AOLA)*

The standardized Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam; Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and the Assurance of Learning Assessment (AOLA) was  developed by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and administered by ASI. Those students who present evidence of having passed either the PHR/SPHR or the AOLA exam will be considered to have passed the comprehensive examination required for the MS degree in Human Resource Development (HRD).

*HRDUA students must complete this option. The Villanova Written Comprehensive Exam option is only available to on-campus students.

Villanova University's Office of Continuing Studies: PHR Prep Course: 

•  A non-credit course to prepare for the exam
• For more information, visit the Certificate in Human Resources Management site.
  
  

Please provide a copy of passing scores and certificate:

• Email: gradhrdoffice@villanova.edu
• Fax: (610) 519-5826

Villanova Comprehensive Exam

• Held twice a year (fall and spring semester)
  
• Two-day examination, 3 hours each day
  
• Essay format
  • Day 1 Topics: Financial Management and Metrics
    • There are no formulas, no calculations, questions are scenario-centric
    • Financial Management Example: providing the rationale for a budget cost and determining how you would communicate this estimate in order to gain support for this.
    • Metrics Example: what is the role and value of statistics in HR< how would you explain this value to others in your company.
  • Day 2 Topic: HRD
    • These questions cut across the HRD curriculum.
      
    • Example: Your company has merged with another company that have different compensation philosophies. One is a compensation leader while the other is a laggard. How would you reconcile these differences and communicate them to the employees.
  • Study Tips:
    • Know the fundamentals of financial management, metrics, and general HRD curriculum topics and be able to apply them to a situation.