Earn an Online Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development from LSU
Examine leadership theory, organizational development, and human resource practices in modern workplaces.
Explore applied research methods and human resource analytics to support data-informed decision-making.
Apply leadership and development principles to real-world organizational and workforce challenges.
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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
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.
Courses
| Program Core | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LHRD 7002 Perspectives on Leadership and Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 7200 Philosophy of Organization Science in LHRD |
3 |
LHRD 7900 Applied Research Methods and Analysis |
3 |
LHRD 7602 Program Evaluation & Design |
3 |
LHRD 7577 Training and Development in Organizations |
3 |
LHRD 7700 Introduction to Leadership Development |
3 |
LHRD 7571 Performance & Needs Analysis in Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 7575 Managing Change in Organizational Systems |
3 |
LHRD 7910 Human Resource Analytics |
3 |
LHRD 7025 Advanced Adult Learning Theory and Practice |
3 |
LHRD 7110 Team & Group Dynamics |
3 |
LHRD 7305 Cultural Competency |
3 |
Total Credit Hours |
36 |
What Will I Learn?
LSU’s Master of Science in Leadership & Human Resource 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?
Change is the new normal for all types of organizations. For-profit Fortune 500 companies, state and national government organizations, nonprofit community organizations, and civil society organizations are all increasingly challenged to respond to changes in social values and adapt to dynamic social, ecological, economic, technological factors. As a result, there is a large and growing demand for professionals who can facilitate and lead positive change.
Our program leading to an MS degree in Leadership & Human Resource Development (LHRD) is an applied program designed to develop in students the leadership, planning, analytical, problem solving, and change management capabilities that today's globalized organizations need to be successful. The knowledge and skills graduates acquire enable them to:
- Develop and leverage an organization's human capital resources
- Collaborate with leaders, managers, and employees to identify and analyze performance issues
- Develop and implement strategies to address high priority performance issues
- Create enabling environments to maximize the potential for change
- Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of strategies and interventions
- Use cutting-edge, evidence-based practice to foster change
- Help organizations realize their strategic goals and objectives
Concentrations
This program offers two unique concentrations.
Master in Leadership and Human Resource Development
Delivered by one of the country’s leading human resources master’s programs, the Master in Leadership and Human Resource Development is designed for people who want to advance their HR career, lead change, and develop people and organizations.
Master in Leadership and Human Resource Development: Workforce Development
The Master of Science in LHRD with a concentration in Workforce Development provides the same fundamental knowledge and skills for understanding human resource development challenges, training and development needs, and change management approaches offered in the MS LHRD degree program, but supplements this knowledge with expertise in identifying, analyzing, and planning for broader workforce development trends that affect employee-employer dynamics in the workplace.
Careers
Our graduates are successful Organizational Development specialists, Chief Learning Officers, Human Resource Directors, Human Resource Development consultants, HR Specialists, and Training Directors. They work in the health sector, education, manufacturing and business, IT, community development and non-profit organizations, international development, and hospitality and tourism.
Career Opportunities
- Training and Development Specialist
- Chief Learning Officers
- Human Resource Directors
- Human Resource Development consultants
- HR Specialists
- Training Directors
