HR Education Designed for Career Growth
We Know HR.
Advance your career in human resources with Villanova University's comprehensive programs, including bachelor's, master's, graduate certificates and professional education courses. From aspiring HR specialists to experienced HR professionals and executives, our flexible offerings—available online, on-campus, or hybrid formats—equip you with the skills to drive organizational success.
Why Should You Choose Villanova University?
A History of Success
Villanova University is home to one of the nation’s longest-standing graduate HR programs. For over 40 years, we’ve led the way in HR education—shaping the profession, advancing ideas and preparing thousands of professionals to lead and thrive in the workplace.
True Mentorship
Our instructors bring real-world experience into every course. These active practitioners offer meaningful guidance, support and mentorship, as you grow personally and professionally throughout your learning journey.
A Thriving Network
Whether online or on campus, you’ll gain access to a dynamic, connected community. Students become part of a powerful Villanova network—alumni, employers, faculty and peers—offering support, insight and meaningful professional connections that last.
Flexible Paths for Growth
No matter where you are in your career, what your HR goals may be, or how your personal life is structured, Villanova University has a flexible, high-quality program that fits your path to HR success. Explore your options below.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
61%
Increase in the number of Human Resources positions over the last 10 years
$136K
Average national salary for Human Resources Manager
#2
Villanova ranked #2 in the top 20 enrollments for the 2023 SHRM Learning System® course
According to Lightcast
Human Resources Bachelor's Degree
The Human Resource Management program is available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. This major provides a framework for applying human resource principles in a broad range of organizational settings.
The curriculum is aligned with the SHRM Curriculum Guidebook. Each course within the major contains at least one of the significant HR competencies and/or knowledge areas in the SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge (SHRM BoCK™).
Master of Science in Human Resource Development (MSHRD)
Earn a Master's of Science degree in Human Resource Development. The Villanova Graduate Program in Human Resource Development (HRD) is committed to its vision of developing global thought-leaders who drive high-performing, inclusive organizations and create meaningful work experiences.
This program is a great choice for professionals who want to learn from mentors who are experienced practitioners and have honed their skills in the human resources field.
Combined Bachelor + Master Programs
Villanova's Human Resource Development program offers students a way to obtain their Master of Science in HRD while pursuing their undergraduate bachelor's degree in Psychology or Human Resources through Interdisciplinary Studies.
This path is an excellent choice for students determined to earn their master’s degree in HRD before starting their HR career. By combining the bachelor's and master's coursework, students can also earn both degrees in less time than if they had completed them one after the other.
Graduate Certificate Programs
The MSHRD program offers four concentration certificates, which can be earned independently or as part of the master's program.
HR Business Partner: Build a strong foundation in the major human resources functions that support businesses.
HR Leadership: Designed for HR professionals who will assume organizational leadership roles.
Inclusion & Diversity Strategy: Prepare students to support and lead strategic inclusion and diversity efforts.
Organizational Development: Learn to evaluate organizational effectiveness and lead planned change initiatives.
Human Resources Certificate Program
Learn how to balance employee and employer vantage points to develop strategies and practices that enhance workforce management and employee relations, creating a highly engaged organizational culture.
Successful completion of this certificate will help prepare you to take the SHRM® Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) or SHRM® Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®) exam.
SHRM-CP/ SHRM-SCP Exam Prep
This course will help you on your human resources career path and prepare you to become a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) and/or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®).
Significant discounts are available to those who have completed or purchased the Human Resources Certificate Program. Online, hybrid and in-person options are available for this course.
What Our Students Are Saying
"When choosing a university for my graduate degree, Villanova immediately stood out as my #1 choice. Its reputation and challenging curriculum immediately appealed to me. As a full-time HR professional in a very demanding job, I also needed an extremely flexible program, so the online option was perfect for me. While I knew the curriculum was strong, what really impressed me was the professionalism of my professors and classmates. I'd recommend Villanova to anyone considering a master's degree."
-- Valoria Armstrong, MSHRD '17
"Everything that I took away from this course has made me a better HR professional. My professor always made herself available for questions or to discuss a topic in greater detail. She was such a wealth of knowledge and a good mentor in HR."
-- Madison Partak, SHRM Exam Prep Student
Where Can Our HR Programs Take You?
Villanova University’s HR education programs empower students and professionals to excel in the evolving world of human resources. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, advancing your expertise through a master’s in Human Resource Development or deepening your skill set with a graduate certificate focused on one specialized HR topic, Villanova provides the knowledge and practical experience needed to drive meaningful impact within organizations. These programs equip students with in-demand skills in HR business partnership, HR leadership, diversity and inclusion strategy and organizational development, ensuring they are prepared to lead in today’s dynamic workplace.
Graduates of Villanova’s HR programs find themselves well-positioned for a range of rewarding career opportunities, from HR leadership roles to specialized positions in talent management, employee relations and organizational development. For professionals seeking to validate their expertise, Villanova also offers a SHRM Exam prep course and an HR Certificate Program, helping individuals gain credentials that enhance credibility and career prospects. No matter where you are in your professional journey, our HR programs can help you get where you want to go.
Ready to Advance your HR Career?