GRADUATE CERTIFICATES IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
The Villanova Graduate Program in HRD offers four concentration certificates, which can be earned independently or in conjunction with the master's program.
Each certificate requires 15 credits, all of which are directly transferable to the MSHRD, if students should decide to complete the MS degree. Each certificate is tailored to important areas in the HR field so that students can become experts. Additionally, the certificate options can be used within the master's degree to develop a specialization and to tailor the students' education to their interests and career goals.
HRD certificate-only programs are designed for students with professional work experience.
To be admitted into a HRD certificate-only program, students must have 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).
Students without this experience can earn a certificate in conjunction with the MSHRD.
See course descriptions in the Course Catalog.
CERTIFICATES
The Artificial Intelligence for Human Resources Certificate prepares HR and people-focused professionals to navigate, facilitate, and coordinate an organization’s response to the rapidly changing workplace shaped by artificial intelligence. Students build AI literacy and strategic HR capabilities, enabling them to responsibly apply human-centered, evidence-based approaches to AI-enabled HR practices.
Curriculum
See below for the breakdown of the 15 credits that must be completed to earn the Artificial Intelligence for Human Resources Certificate.
Required Courses
- HRD 8100: Evidence-Based HR Primer
- HRD 8301: Artificial Intelligence for HR Primer
- HRD 8210: Strategic Workforce Planning
- HRD 8006: People Analytics
- HRD 8422: Workforce Technology
- HRD 8332: Leading Ethics and Governance
- HRD 8331: Agentic AI
Admission Requirements
Students must have either three years of direct HR experience, five years of professional organizational experience, or an eligible HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, GPHR).
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Goals
The Leadership Development and Culture Certificate prepares HR professionals to lead and sustain inclusive, high-performing cultures, aligning directly with evolving expectations of HR practitioners and organizational leaders. The certificate focuses on leadership development, organizational culture, and evidence-based practices that enable students to guide change, apply ethical leadership, and lead inclusive, effective workplaces across diverse organizational contexts.
Curriculum
See below for the breakdown of the 15 credits that must be completed to earn the Leadership Development and Culture Certificate.
Required Courses
- HRD 8419: Foundations of Strategic Human Resources
- PSY 8875: Organization Development
- HRD 8421: Leading Inclusive Cultures
- HRD 8308: Leadership Assessment and Development
Elective Courses (Students choose 4.5 credits)
- HRD 8304: Emotional Intelligence
- HRD 8307: Work, Family and Career Considerations
- HRD 8345: Relational Capital
- HRD 8309: Negotiating in Business and Life
- HRD 8332: Leading Ethics and Governance
Admission Requirements
Students must have either three years of direct HR experience, five years of professional organizational experience or an eligible HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, GPHR).
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Goals
The HR Business Partner Certificate will provide students with a strong foundation in the major human resources functions which integrate to support the overall objectives of the business. All courses taken in the certificate are directly transferable to the MSHRD, if students should decide to complete the MS degree.
Curriculum
The HR Business Partner certificate is comprised of 15 credits. See below for the breakdown of credits that must be completed.
Required Courses
- HRD 8419: Foundations of Strategic HR
- HRD 8003: Financial and Human Capital
- HRD 8215: Employment Law
- HRD 8212: Total Rewards: Compensation
- HRD 8213: Total Rewards: Benefits
Admission Requirements
Students must have 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).
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Goals
The Certificate in Organization Development will prepare students to evaluate overall organization effectiveness and lead planned change initiatives in their organization resulting in positive organization change. All courses taken in the certificate are directly transferable to the MSHRD, if students should decide to complete the MS degree.
Curriculum
The Organization Leadership certificate is comprised of 15 credits. See below for the breakdown of credits that must be completed.
Required Courses
- PSY 8875: Organization Development
- HRD 8210: Strategic Workforce Planning
- PSY 8475: Learning & Development
- HRD 8421: Diversity in a Global Economy
- PSY 8425: Organizational Behavior
Admission Requirements
Students must have 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).
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of Goals
Creating Diverse, Inclusive Work Environments
Learn about how the Graduate Programs in HRD at Villanova educate HR leaders on the importance of practicing evidence-based HR, making work meaningful, driving high performing teams and creating inclusive environments.
Beyond the rigorous curriculum, Villanova offered ample extracurricular opportunities that broadened my HR perspective and enriched my network. The program’s vibrant professional community continues to shape my growth long after graduation. I deeply valued how Villanova balanced academic excellence with real-world flexibility, allowing me to grow as an HR professional without compromising my work commitments."
Alec Michael Tare, SHRM-CP, MS '22
HR Adviser (Generalist) at Invesco LTD.
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.