MS IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
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.
Our program's balance of theory and practicum, along with faculty who are active in the industry, provides a focus on emerging trends in this evolving field to prepare our students for the dynamic human resources profession. Villanova HRD fosters development of knowledge and skills that can be applied to the rapidly changing field, from law and regulation to human behavior and business.
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.
Scholarship Available for Spring 2025!
The Villanova HRD program is excited to continue a new scholarship opportunity for incoming Spring 2025 students! A limited number of $1,000 scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and academic merit. Awards will be applied to Spring 2025 tuition bills in two $500 increments—the first for Spring I courses and the second for Spring II courses. Students must apply for the scholarship by December 10 and enroll in the Spring I term in order to receive their award. Please note that students applying to start for Fall II are eligible for this award, but if selected, it would not apply until Spring I. For more information, please contact Morgan Haller, Assistant Director of Admissions, via email or at 610-519-3815.
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 8330: 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 cultivate the highest levels of professionalism and create a team-oriented mindset
- Create and maintain a network of professional contacts.
- Build and maintain professional relationships.
- Work as an effective member of a team.
- Express ideas effectively in written and oral communication and tailor communication styles to different audiences.
To cultivate analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Develop an ability to source, analyze, understand and communicate 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
- One letter of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Goals
Waivers
Domestic 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.
Ready for the Next Step?
The HRD Corner Blog
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 II 2024
- Application Due - Oct. 1
- Term Starts - Oct. 21
Spring I 2025
- Application Due: Dec. 1
- Term Starts: Jan. 13
Spring II 2025
- Application Due: Feb. 1
- Term Starts: Mar. 10
Summer I 2025
- Application Due: Apr. 15
- Term Starts: May 12
Summer II 2025
- Application Due: June 1
- Term Starts: June 30
Fall I 2025
- Application with Funding Consideration Due: Mar. 1
- Application Due: Aug. 1
- Term Starts: Aug. 25
Fall II 2025
- Application Due: Oct. 1
- Term Starts: Oct. 20
Questions about your application? Email us!
Register for a virtual information session.
Important Notices for Distance Education Students
The following includes important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.