HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
The Villanova Graduate Program in Human Resource Development (HRD) empowers HR professionals to drive high performing, inclusive organizations and create meaningful work experiences with evidence-based HR strategy.
We prepare students to lead HR functionally and strategically by creating structured opportunities for practical application guided by active HR practitioners and research faculty.
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.
ATTEND AN INFO SESSION
You'll leave our info sessions with a clear understanding of how the Villanova Graduate Program in Human Resource Management 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.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
MS HRD: 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 nearly 50 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 Fall II
Application Due: October 1
Term start: October 19
Apply for 2027 Terms
Spring I Application Due: December 1
Spring II Application Due: February 1
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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