HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
More Time to Apply. More Support to Get Started.
Start your Master’s in HR Development in January. The application deadline is extended, and additional $5,000 scholarships are available to eligible students. Apply for admission and scholarship consideration by December 15.
At Villanova, Human Resource Development is both strategic and practical, connecting people, performance and organizational success.
In this program, you’ll focus on one central question: how do organizations create environments where people can do their best work?
Through applied coursework and real-world perspectives from faculty in the field, you’ll build the skills to guide talent, shape culture and lead change across today’s evolving workplaces.
Designed for working professionals, classes take place in the evening and are available 100% online or in a hybrid format. You will meet live virtually with your instructor and classmates every week for engaging discussions and hands-on group projects.
Each course has a designated format, allowing students to select the option that works best for their schedules. You can change your course modality each term to fit your needs and schedule.
Attend an Info Session
You'll leave our info sessions with a clear understanding of how Villanova's Master's in HR can advance your career, as well as options to tailor the curriculum and schedule to your goals. We’ll save plenty of time for Q&A so you can get all the information you need. Plus, all attendees receive a code to waive the $50 application fee.
VIRTUAL INFO SESSIONS
SPECIAL TOPIC SESSIONS
WHERE CAN AN MS IN HRD TAKE YOU?
*According to Villanova University's 2025 Graduate Student Outcomes Report, out of 40 responses.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
MSHRD: Master of Science in Human Resources Development
Time to completion: 2-4 years*
Credits: 36
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES: Artificial Intelligence for HR, Leadership Development and Culture, HR Business Partner and Organization Development
Time to completion: 12-18 months
Credits: 15
SHRM CERTIFICATION PREP: Noncredit courses offered by the College of Professional Studies to help you prepare for SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP examinations.
*Time to completion will differ for each student depending on their chosen workload.
WHY VILLANOVA HRD?
1.) You will learn with an institution HR professionals have trusted for 45+ years. Established in 1980, the Villanova HRD Program is the longest-running human resource graduate program in the country. Our connections with the HR community run deep.
2.) You will learn from both active practitioners working in the field and faculty conducting the research that organizations use today. Your professors are willing mentors with extensive experience in HR who are invested in your success.
3.) You can earn a concentrated graduate certificate in conjunction with the degree to specialize your learning, or on its own for focused upskilling. Prepare for leadership and specialist roles in AI-enabled HR, HR business partnership, organization development and culture transformation.
4.) You may pursue your certificate or degree in flexible eight- and four-week class formats that allow you to balance your academic, professional and personal life whether you’re working full-time or not. You can apply to begin in Fall, Spring or Summer, whenever is right for you. Funding is only available for students starting in the Fall.
5.) Our alumni network of over 3,000 HR professionals returns regularly to guide and inspire our students. Their titles range from HR Manager and HR Business Partner to Global Directors of Talent and CHROs, demonstrating how our programs can be specialized for a variety of goals and professional levels.
6.) We do not require the GRE and have an easy online admission process.
7.) All classes in the program are SHRM and HRCI certified: you can earn 30 recertification credits for a 3 credit class and 15 recertification credits for a 1.5 credit class.
DEADLINES
Apply for Spring I
Application Due: December 15, 2026
Term Start: January 11, 2027
Apply for Spring II
Application Due: February 1, 2027
Term Start: March 8, 2027
Questions about your application? Email us!
Human Resource Development
St. Mary's Hall, Suite 119
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
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.
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