Who should the three letters of recommendation come from?
The three letters of recommendation should come from either individuals who are well acquainted with the applicant’s academic performance or individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity (i.e. a supervisor or professional colleague).

View general FAQs for Graduate Students

Please remember that it is your responsibility to monitor the status of your letters of recommendation and the accompanying forms. To ensure that all three letters are received by the application deadline for the semester in which you are applying for, the letters of recommendation and forms should be sent directly to the HRD Graduate Programs Office in Huebner Hall.

Where is the HRD Graduate Program located?
The HRD Program is located on the American College campus in Huebner Hall.

270 South Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Coming from the West (Taking 476):

1. Travel east on Lancaster Avenue/Route 30.  You will pass Villanova University's Main Campus on your left side.
2. Continue on Lancaster Avenue until County Line Road.  Turn right onto County Line Road.  (McDonald's will be on your left side).
3. On County Line Road, you will pass the Bryn Mawr Hospital on your left.  Soon after, turn right onto S. Bryn Mawr Avenue.  (Wawa will be on the corner of County Line Road and S. Bryn Mawr Avenue).
4. From S. Bryn Mawr Avenue, turn right onto the American College Campus. 

Coming from the East (Taking Lancaster Avenue/Route 30):

1. From Lancaster Avenue, turn left onto S. Bryn Mawr Avenue
2. From S. Bryn Mawr Avenue, turn right onto the American College Campus. 

Does the program accept GRE scores from a few years ago?
GRE scores last for a total of 5 years. For more information visit www.ets.org/gre.

May I speak with a current student?
Our graduate assistants are current students in the program. Please feel free to call Monday through Friday (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) so that they can answer any questions. The number is 610.519.4582.

I would like to register for my next class, but I don't have a registration pin. Is that something that my advisor provides or should I contact the Registrar?
The policy is as follows: Each semester the student is to meet with the assigned advisor to review the student's progress and decide on the next courses in which the student will enroll.

• Dr. Richard Andrulis - students  A-H 
• Dr. David Bush  - students  I-P
• Dr. Ginamarie Ligon - students  Q-Z

The student should have printed out the curriculum checklist with the relevant offerings for the next term in preparation for the meeting with their advisor. At the end of the advisory meeting, the student will be allowed to register either via paper or through Novasis online, depending on their status as a student.

Some students may find actual registration to be denied if:

1. the student is a special student who has not complied with university regulations [i.e. has not taken the GRE, has not obtained 3 letters of recommendation, or has not fulfilled the transcript requirement]
2. has an outstanding balance for the University
3. has grades that are below 3.00 cumulative GPA.

Which courses are best suited for my level of experience in Human Resources?
Based upon a study conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM, 2006), several key competencies are required of human resource professionals at different stages in their careers. For example, in the early stages of their careers, HR professionals need to develop interpersonal communication skills, while in the senior time frame of their careers, HR professionals need competencies in strategic thinking and planning.

In order to assist our students in planning their academic careers at Villanova University, we have conducted an internal study to determine which courses target these competencies. As such, the following table delineates a tentative course list of frequently-offered elective classes at Villanova University in terms of which are best suited to different experience levels in human resources. Please note that this delineation is intended to serve as a guidepost for how individuals shape their curriculum, and is in no way a list of "required" or "prohibited" courses for students. Students are encouraged to review this table and then make decisions with their advisors based on personal career goals and educational interest.

How do I access Novasis online?
Please enter the secure Novasis area on the Novasis website.

Where do I get my computer system user ID and password?
Visit the TechZONE web site for more information or stop by 101 Vasey Hall.  The Help Desk is available at 610.519.7777.

How do I access Webct online?
To visit the Webct Learning System site, please click here and log in using your webmail user ID and password.

How do I know if I can waive the internship?
One must submit a letter to his/her advisor requesting the waiver, along with a copy his/her resume that accurately reflects the individual's work experience in the HR field.

How many one-credit seminars can be taken for credit towards the elective requirements?
Students may take up to six one-credit seminars to replace two three-credit elective requirements.

How can I learn more about preparing for the PHR/SPHR certification exam?
Please log onto www.hrci.org if you have questions regarding the PHR/SPHR exam.  If you are interested in taking a PHR/SPHR preparatory course through Villanova University, please visit the Villanova Continuing Studies website for additional information.

How should I dress for class?
Please attend class in business casual attire or the attire required at your place of work, whichever is more formal. If you are still unsure, ask Dr. Bush or Dr. Andrulis.

As a student, how can I get involved in professional HR organizations?
It is beneficial for all HRD students to join Villanova's chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM. For more information about our chapter please visit our chapter website.

Students are also strongly encouraged to attend meetings, possibly become members of and volunteer at events held by other local HR-related societies. These include the Philadelphia Regional SHRM Chapter, the Greater Valley Forge Human Resource Association, the Chester County Human Resource Association and the Southeastern Psychological Association.

Students can also visit Villanova's SHRM chapter webpage which contains several HR-related links.

During registration, what do I do if a class I want is full?
When a course is closed it is the responsibility of the student to contact the professor requesting that the student be placed on a wait list for that course.  If the course is required, the professor may add you to the class. This is a reasonable request for a graduating student.

What about tuition reimbursement for the Pre-Master's certificate from our employers?
Students enrolled in the pre-masters certificate program are urged to check with their employer regarding reimbursement of tuition and fees. Some employers do not reimburse for these programs. If your employer is one of these we urge you to take the GRE exams and fulfill any other requirements and apply for full matriculated status.

For additional FAQ's please visit the Office of Graduate Studies FAQ site or the Office of University Admission for Graduate Students FAQ site.