Earn an Online Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development: Workforce Development from LSU
Examine leadership principles and workforce development strategies that support organizational growth and effectiveness.
Explore human resource analytics, applied research methods, and performance leadership frameworks.
Apply advanced concepts to real-world workforce development challenges in diverse industries.
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Admissions
Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Apply by
May 11, 2026
Classes begin
May 25, 2026
Admission Requirements
Required Application Materials:
- Resume or C.V. with a complete and accurate chronological outline of all previous college-level education and full-time professional work experience
- Undergraduate transcript
- Post-baccalaureate transcript
- Graduate transcript
- Personal statement expressing your interest in the program. In 500 words or less introduce yourself to the faculty, describe your professional and academic goals, and explain how you think our MS program fits your interests and goals
Regular Admission
- Letters of Recommendation are NOT REQUIRED
- An applicant is eligible for regular admission if the applicant meets one of the following Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements:
- The applicant’s cumulative undergraduate GPA or last 60 credit hours from earned bachelor’s degree is at least 3.0.
- The applicant’s cumulative undergraduate GPA or last 60 credit hours from earned bachelor’s degree is between 2.75 to 2.99 and the applicant has earned a 3.0 or higher in at least nine hours of graduate-level coursework.
Probationary Admission
An applicant is considered for probationary admission:
- If their cumulative undergraduate GPA or last 60 credit hours from earned bachelor’s degree is 2.75 to 2.99.
- An applicant is who is eligible for probationary admission (based on GPA requirements above) is REQUIRED to submit two letters of recommendation.
GRE/GMAT:
- A GRE/GMAT score is not required for application. However, a GRE/GMAT score may be requested at the department's discretion.
Credit for Prior Learning:
- Graduate students may submit requests and may be eligible for credit for prior learning (CPL) provided the equivalent non-credit experience or training was completed within the last five years.
- Alternatively, graduate students may also be eligible for CPL if they have remained up to date with their certification through Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that the specific certifying organization mandates. (This is for graduate students only).
- Learn more about Credit for Prior Learning here.
Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.
Tuition
LSU programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, making it easier to plan for the cost of your degree. You may also be able to save more by transferring eligible credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 36 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $555
- Cost per credit hour
- $19,980
- Total cost with fees
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
Academics
Graduates will develop the skills necessary to approach workforce development strategically, analyze skill and competency needs in the workforce, and implement workforce development processes that enable organizations to develop employees in ways that meet the current and future challenges associated with global competition, talent development, changing technology, and other pressures.
Courses
The MS in LHRD with a concentration in Workforce Development requires 10 core courses and 2 electives (36 credits), which can be completed in as little as one year.
| Program Core | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LHRD 7271 Leading Learning in Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 7900 Applied Research Methods and Analysis |
3 |
LHRD 7005 Workforce Planning and Analysis |
3 |
LHRD 7110 Team & Group Dynamics |
3 |
LHRD 7571 Performance & Needs Analysis in Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 7577 Training and Development in Organizations |
3 |
LHRD 7602 Program Evaluation Design |
3 |
LHRD 7001 Principles of Workforce Development |
3 |
LHRD 7910 Human Resource Analytics |
3 |
LHRD 7171 Instructional Design for Human Resource Development |
3 |
Total Core Hours |
30 |
| Elective Options | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LHRD 7700 Introduction to Leadership Development |
3 |
LHRD 7200 Philosophy of Organization Science in LHRD |
3 |
LHRD 7305 Cultural Competency |
3 |
LHRD 7002 Perspectives on Leadership and Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 7025 Advanced Adult Learning Theory and Practice |
3 |
LHRD 7575 Managing Change in Organizational Systems |
3 |
Total Elective Hours |
6 |
What Will I Learn?
LSU’s Master of Science in Leadership & Human Resource Development and the concentration in Workforce Development prepares students to improve effectiveness at a range of professional organizations. Graduates often excel in senior HR leadership and consulting roles. The programs enable students to feel confident in their ability to identify and analyze workplace conflicts and develop solutions, help organizations achieve their business and leadership goals, and use evidence-based practice to help companies make lasting, organizational changes. Additionally, online classes and a curriculum that can be completed in 12 months provide invaluable flexibility to working professionals.
Why Choose This Program?
The MS LHRD with a Workforce Development concentration diversifies the career potential of the LHRD professional by preparing them to forecast and plan for macro labor force changes that may eventually shape and influence individual organizational environments.
Testimonials
An example of how macro-level influences shape micro-level workplace dynamics can be seen in what current businesses are experiencing in relation to the "great resignation." Repercussions of pay structures (particularly among the traditionally low wage-earning class of essential workers) combined with the complicated post-covid demands for increased workflex arrangements has placed strain on workers, and in some organizations has led to higher rates of turnover. These are broad workforce trends that have a glaring effect on how business staff and train (and hope to retain) workers in organizations. The MS LHRD w/ WFD concentration not only trains professionals to assess and manage the personnel needs within their workplaces, but to also identify, analyze, and plan for how patterns like the "great resignation" will shape the business dynamics of their organizations' workforces in the future.
Careers
LSU’s online Master in Leadership & Human Resource Development with Workforce Development concentration approaches workforce development as a holistic human resource strategy whose purpose is to develop people to meet the needs of for-profit, not-for-profit, and governmental organizations in Louisiana and the region.
Career Opportunities
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Employee Recruitment and Staffing Specialist
- Training and Development Specialist
- Human Resource Manager
- Leadership Development Consultant
- Learning & Development Specialist
