MS IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
The Master of Science in Human Resource Development (MSHRD) is a generalist program that provides students with a comprehensive overview of the HR field. Courses provide a practical environment where students can 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, empowers students to keep pace with emerging trends in the dynamic human resources profession. Villanova HRD fosters development of knowledge and skills that can be applied to this rapidly changing field, from law and regulation to human behavior and business.
Students may choose to study the MSHRD in either an on-campus and online format or 100% online, 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.
WHY CHOOSE OUR MSHRD?
FLEXIBLE FORMAT
Choose to study the MSHRD in an online and on-campus or 100% online format
TRUSTED PROGRAM
Join one of the longest-running graduate human resource programs in the country
SHRM/HRCI CERTIFIED
Earn recertification credits with SHRM and HRCI-certified classes
EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from active practitioners and research faculty that are invested in your success
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Utilize evidence-based HR expertise to support the organization’s strategic goals.
Acquire, maintain, and continuously develop expert knowledge of theoretical, practical, and legal aspects of human resource management and development.
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.
Lead, empower, and support the growth of people through meaningful work experiences.
Personalize leadership approaches to positively impact employees’ work experiences.
Empower HR leaders to act with integrity as ethical agents in complex organizational situations.
Understand how to facilitate organizations contributing to the well-being and betterment of their communities.
Integrate diversity and inclusion into HR practices and initiatives.
Cultivate inclusive work environments regardless of employees’ culture, ethnicity, and personal background or lifestyle.
Create strategies that are adjusted to different needs, backgrounds, and environments.
Cultivate the highest levels of professionalism and create a team-oriented mindset.
Prepare HR professionals to foster enriched work environments, open communications, and to 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.
Develop 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 environmental influences and organizational data to accurately understand key drivers of business and HR strategy and generate recommendations and effective solutions.
My research at Villanova helped establish me as a subject matter expert in my field. It opened doors for me to consult with senior leadership teams at my organization, using evidence-based insights to optimize our recruitment processes enterprise-wide. That level of real-world impact, rooted in my Villanova education, is something I’m incredibly proud of. For anyone considering the HRD program, I can confidently say that Villanova provides not just an education, but a community that fosters growth, innovation, and career-defining opportunities."
Kelly Morgan, MS '24
Senior Campus Manager, University Relations at Lockheed Martin
Human Resource Development
St. Mary's Hall, Suite 119
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
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!
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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