GRADUATE CERTIFICATES IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
The Villanova Graduate Program in HRD offers four Graduate Certificates you can earn independently or in conjunction with the MSHRD.
Each certificate requires 15 credits, all of which are directly transferable to the MSHRD, should you decide to complete the degree. Each certificate is tailored to important areas in the HR field so that students can become subject matter experts.
HRD certificate-only programs are designed for students with professional work experience.
For admission into a certificate-only program, students must have three years of direct HR experience, five years of professional organizational experience, or an eligible HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, GPHR).
Most students complete a graduate certificate in approximately 12-18 months while working full-time, though time to completion varies based on course load and scheduling preferences.
Students without this experience must earn a certificate in conjunction with the MSHRD.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
AI for HR: The Artificial Intelligence for Human Resources Certificate prepares people-focused professionals to navigate and coordinate an organization’s response to workplaces 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 like talent acquisition and employee upskilling.
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
Leadership Development and Culture: The Leadership Development and Culture Certificate prepares HR professionals to lead and sustain inclusive, high-performing cultures. Course content focuses on leadership development, culture transformation, and evidence-based practices to lead inclusive, effective workplaces across diverse organizational contexts.
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
HR Business Partner: The HR Business Partner Certificate provides students with a strong foundation in the major human resources functions which integrate to support the overall objectives of a business. Course content focuses on total rewards, employee relations, business acumen and executive partnership.
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
Organization Development: The Certificate in Organization Development prepares students to evaluate overall organizational effectiveness and lead planned change initiatives. Course content focuses on change management, workforce transformation, employee experience and talent strategy.
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
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.
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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