Master of Science in Human Resource Development Curriculum
Curriculum | Course Descriptions | Textbooks | Send Info | Apply
Master of Science in Human Resource Development
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Total: | 30 |
| Introduction to Human Resources | 3 |
| Organizational Change Management | 3 |
| Human Resource Metrics and Statistical Research | 3 |
| Benefits | 3 |
| Organizational Training | 3 |
| Compensation | 3 |
| Employment Law | 3 |
| Human Resource Technology Solutions | 3 |
| Financial Management for Profit | 3 |
| Workforce Planning | 3 |
| Comprehensive Exam | N/A |
Students in Villanova University’s online HR master’s program must complete 10 required classes for a total of 30 credit hours. Those who enroll in consecutive terms can earn their degree in less than two years. At Villanova’s discretion, a maximum of six credit hours may be transferred from another accredited university.
Beyond completing the 10 required courses, all degree candidates must also pass either the SHRM Assurance of Learning assessment or the PHR/SPHR certification exam. You do not have to wait until the end of your degree program to take any of these tests, so plan ahead and schedule accordingly.
- SHRM Assurance of Learning Assessment – Students who may not be eligible for the PHR/SPHR/GPHR certification exams or choose not to pursue certification should elect this option. Graduate students in HR degree programs are eligible to take the exam beginning one year before graduation and ending one year after graduation. Passing this exam demonstrates that the student has acquired the knowledge required for an HR position and provides a means of differentiating themselves in the job marketplace.
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR®), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) or Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR®) Certification Exam – Those who already hold PHR, SPHR or GPHR certification may submit a copy of their certificate to bypass this final requirement. The certification exam can be taken at any time before, during or after a student’s enrollment in Villanova’s online graduate courses. Students seeking PHR or SPHR exam preparation may wish to register for Villanova’s Human Resource Management course, which is available as a standalone certificate class or as part of a three-course master certificate program. This 12-week online course prepares students for the PHR or SPHR certification exam through streaming video lectures and valuable study materials, including a complete set of the SHRM Learning System® textbooks plus a full year of online access to practice exams, case studies and more. Human Resource Management is a non-credit course and does not count toward the 30 credit hours required for graduation. However, students who take the course will receive a handsomely framed certificate of achievement upon completion. In addition to fulfilling the comprehensive exam requirement, PHR or SPHR certification is a valuable addition to your résumé – it will distinguish you as a leader in the HR industry and can help advance your career and increase your salary. For more information on exam preparation, refer to the Human Resource Management certificate course page. For details on the certification exams, visit www.HRCI.org/certification.
