MS IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

MSHRD student studying in the library

The Master of Science in Human Resource Development (MSHRD) degree is a generalist program that provides students with a comprehensive overview of the HR field. The courses provide a practical environment where students have the opportunity to perform many of the business activities that practitioners regularly encounter.

Students may choose to study the MSHRD in either an on-campus or online format, and you can choose your course modality each term based on your needs and schedule. At Villanova, we value learning together, that's why even our online courses are synchronous, meaning you will meet live virtually each week with your instructor and classmates.
 

PROGRAM DETAILS

The Master of Science in HRD is a 36 credit program, of which 28.5 credits are required courses. Students take an additional 7.5 credits in electives. Some students are eligible to have the 3 credits of prerequisite courses waived (see below). All 3-credit courses are 8 weeks, and 1.5-credit courses are 4 weeks. The current tuition rate is $940 per credit plus a general semester fee of $100, totaling approximately $34,000. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

View the Course Catalog for descriptions of courses.


Required Courses (28.5 credits)

  • HRD 8101: Introduction to HR and Organizational Dynamics*
  • HRD 8100: Evidence-Based HR Primer (1.5 credits)
  • HRD 8419: Foundations of Strategic HR
  • HRD 8003: Financial & Human Capital
  • HRD 8215: Employment Law
  • HRD 8210: Strategic Workforce Planning
  • PSY 8475: Learning and Development
  • PSY 8875: Organization Development
  • HRD 8006: People Analytics
  • HRD 8888: HRD Capstone: Leading HRD

*Students with three years of direct HR experience, or five years of professional organizational experience or an eligible HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, GPHR) are eligible to waive the Intro to HR and Organizational Dynamics course.


Elective Courses (7.5 credits)

The HRD Department offers both 1.5-credit and 3-credit elective courses to complete 7.5 credits of electives. Not all electives are currently available on campus 

3-Credit Electives

  • HRD 8212: Total Rewards - Compensation
  • HRD 8213: Total Rewards - Benefits
  • HRD 8421: Diversity in a Global Economy
  • PSY 8425: Organizational Behavior
  • HRD 8420: Strategic and Global HR Leadership
  • HRD 8499: Special Issues in HRD

1.5-Credit Electives (4-week courses)

  • HRD 8345: Relational Capital
  • HRD 8303: Ethics
  • HRD 8304: Emotional Intelligence
  • HRD 8305: Cult Comp, Equity and Social Justice
  • HRD 8306: Measuring Inclusion & Diversity Initiatives and Effectiveness
  • HRD 8307: Work, Family and Career Considerations
  • HRD 8899: Contemporary Special Topics in HR


Total Program: 36 credits

To utilize evidence-based HR expertise to support the organization’s strategic goals

  • Use evidence-based HR expertise to set the strategic direction of the HR function necessary for pursuing organizational goals and maintaining a satisfied and engaged workforce.
  • Establish practices and initiatives that allow the organization to meet its talent needs, enhance the capabilities of employees, promote positive relationships, develop a total rewards program and leverage HR functions.
  • Deploy evidence-based interventions to facilitate organizational change and development initiatives.
  • Manage organizational risks and threats to the safety of employees and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

To lead, empower, and support the growth of people through meaningful work experiences

  • Prepare HR professionals to foster enriched work environments, open communications, and to build and maintain professional relationships. 
  • Personalize leadership approaches to positively impact employees’ work experiences.
  • Empower emerging HR leaders to actively engage in complex situations to execute the business goals within an ethical environment.  of employees and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Understand how to facilitate organizations contributing to the well-being and betterment of their communities.

To integrate diversity and inclusion into HR practices and initiatives

  • Cultivate inclusive work environments regardless of employees’ culture, ethnicity, and personal background or lifestyle.
  • Enable HR professionals to develop a diversity-oriented mindset as a professional trait.
  • Create strategies that are adjusted to different cultural backgrounds and international environments.

To create a team-oriented mindset and the highest levels of professionalism

  • Create and maintain a network of professional contacts.
  • Build and maintain professional relationships.
  • Work as an effective member of a team.

To cultivate analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

  • Develop an ability to source, analyze, and understand the meaning of scientific research, organizational data, professional expertise and stakeholder perspectives.
  • Cultivate an ability to evaluate organizational data to accurately understand key drivers of business and HR strategy.
  • Assimilate the data in an organizational context to generate recommendations and effective solutions.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of Goals

Waivers

Students with three years of direct HR experience, or five years of professional organizational experience or an eligible HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, GPHR) are eligible to waive HRD 8101: Intro to HR and Organizational Dynamics course.

See application details and begin your application.

     

     

Ready for the Next Step?

Human Resource Development
St. Mary's Hall, Suite 119
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085 

Questions about your application? Email gradclasflex@villanova.edu.

    

The HRD Corner Blog

collage of HRD students, faculty and alumni

Visit the HRD Corner! We use this blog to share our thoughts on the world of HR, share alumni, student and faculty stories, and to keep you informed about our program and upcoming events throughout the year!

DEADLINES

New courses begin every eight weeks.

Fall I 2023

  • Application Due - July 26
  • Term Starts - Aug. 28

Fall II 2023

  • Application Due - Sept. 20
  • Term Starts - Oct. 23

Spring I 2024

  • Application Due - Dec. 10
  • Term Starts - Jan. 22

Spring II 2024

  • Application Due - Feb. 14
  • Term Starts - March 18

Summer I 2024

  • Application Due - April 10
  • Term Starts - May 13

Summer II 2024

  • Application Due - June 5
  • Term Starts - July 1

Fall I 2024

  • Application Due - July 24
  • Term Starts - Aug. 26

Fall II 2024

  • Application Due - Sept. 18
  • Term Starts - Oct. 21

Questions about your application? Email us!

Begin your application.

Register for a virtual information session.

 

     

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