MS IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Villanova’s Master of Science in Human Resource Development (MSHRD) is a generalist program that empowers students to specialize their learning while providing a comprehensive foundation across workforce planning, people analytics, employee relations and strategic HR leadership.
The MSHRD fosters the development of knowledge and skills that students can apply immediately, from ethics and emerging technology to employment law and organization development. Our courses provide a practical environment where students perform many of the business activities that practitioners regularly encounter.
WHY CHOOSE OUR MSHRD?
FLEXIBLE FORMAT
Elevate your career without sacrificing income; hybrid and virtual formats available, all classes held in the evening. You can change your course modality each term to fit your needs and schedule.
TRUSTED PROGRAM
Villanova’s MSHRD program is the longest-running graduate program for human resources in the United States.
SHRM/HRCI CERTIFIED
Earn SHRM and HRCI recertification credits with each course you complete.
EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from active practitioners and research faculty who are invested in your success.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Evidence-Based HR
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.
Leadership and Work Experiences
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.
Inclusive Work Environments
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.
Professional Relationships and Communication
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.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
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
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.

FOLLOW VILLANOVA HRD