Online Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development from LSU
Examine leadership theories and organizational strategies used to guide teams and improve workplace performance.
Develop practical skills in training, talent development, and human resource management.
Explore workforce development strategies that support employee growth and organizational effectiveness.
Accredited,
Top-Ranked
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Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
Apply by
May 11, 2026
Classes begin
May 25, 2026
I have no college credits
First Time Freshman
- 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core
- LSU is a test-optional institution which means applicants will have the choice to select if they wish to have their ACT or SAT scores considered for admission. Click here to learn more!
I have some college credits
Transfer Student General Admission Requirements
- 30* or more transferable (academic, non-remedial) credit hours from a regionally-accredited college or university
- 2.5 academic GPA on all transferable college work attempted
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level English course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level Math course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
*Students who will not have 30 transferable credit hours by the time they plan to enroll at LSU can still be considered for admission if they meet all remaining transfer requirements.
To see about transfer credits please check out the TIGER TRANSFER TABLES.
Re-Entry Student Admission Requirements
- Students interested in applying for re-entry to LSU must have a 2.0 GPA on all LSU coursework and must meet the requirements for their prospective senior college.
- Students who have attempted 30 or more hours at another institution must also have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all college work attempted. For your senior college specific requirements please check out the Re-Entry Student Requirements per College.
If you feel like you do not meet any of the above qualifications please reach out to your Enrollment Coach team member as there are different evaluation pathways for non-traditional students to take.
Undergraduate students who are reviewed and admitted by meeting LSU A&M general admissions requirements but do not meet the admittance requirements to a senior college have two admissions options:
- Option 1
Students can start with The University College Center for Freshman Year (UCFY). This academic unit is designed for new freshmen and some transfer and re-entry students. Their mission is to prepare incoming students for success at LSU and to help define their academic and career goals. Students typically exit the UCFY at the conclusion of the freshman year and enter one of the degree-granting senior colleges at LSU. - Option 2
Students can start with The Center for Advising and Counseling (UCAC). This administrative unit serves as the academic home for students who have attempted 30-plus hours of college credit and who do not yet meet the admission requirements for one of the University’s degree-granting senior colleges.
For a list of specific senior college requirements please visit the LSU A&M Undergraduate Admission page.
Tuition
LSU's online programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $445
- Cost per credit hour
- $13,350
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $53,400
- Total cost with fees
The final cost of this program will be determined once all transfer credits are evaluated. For the BS in Leadership and Human Resource Development program, you are able to transfer up to 75% of previous credits. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if and how any prior college credits earned will apply toward your LSU degree.
*For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
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 of the Online Bachelors of Science in Leadership And Human Resource Development program develop the knowledge and skills to help organizations develop their people to meet the challenge of change.
SHRM Academically Aligned
A SHRM-CP aligned Human Resource Development (HRD) degree offers students a uniquely advantageous position in the HR profession. While traditional Human Resource Management programs often focus on administrative functions like compliance, payroll, and staffing, HRD emphasizes the strategic development of people and organizations through training, leadership, and organizational change.
This degree equips students with a systems-thinking approach and skills in learning and performance improvement—key capabilities in today’s dynamic workplaces.
The SHRM-CP alignment complements this broader, development-focused education by anchoring it in the core competencies and knowledge areas recognized by the HR profession’s leading organization. Notably, there are only six universities in the United States that offer undergraduate HRD programs aligned with the SHRM-CP, and LSU is proud to be one of them. This rare combination not only prepares students to design and lead talent development and change initiatives but also qualifies them to pursue the SHRM-CP credential, signaling to employers that they are both forward-thinking HRD professionals and grounded in industry-validated HRM standards.
The SHRM-CP is a widely respected certification that signals to employers that the candidate has a validated understanding of HR knowledge and competencies.
According to SHRM’s 2022 Certification Survey Report, a substantial 92% of HR professionals reported that earning a SHRM certification helped them in their careers. Furthermore, 67% stated they were considered more seriously for new roles after becoming certified, and 72% said the certification made them more effective in their current roles.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that although HR certifications are not mandatory for most roles, they can enhance advancement opportunities, particularly for those looking to move into senior or specialized positions.
Courses
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LHRD 2000 Ethical & Legal Issues in Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 2723 Introduction to Leadership Development |
3 |
LHRD 3071 Principles of Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 3171 Instructional Design for Training |
3 |
LHRD 3271 Leading Learning in Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 3331 Strategic Career Development/Planning |
3 |
LHRD 3571 Needs Analysis in Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 3723 Leadership Concepts and Principles |
3 |
LHRD 4025 Principles of Adult Education |
3 |
LHRD 4068 Project Management & Team Leadership |
3 |
LHRD 4464 Worker Stress & Health |
3 |
LHRD 4568 Teams & Groups in Organizations |
3 |
LHRD 4569 Applied Leadership |
3 |
LHRD 4573 Managing the Human Resource Development Function |
3 |
LHRD 4581 Adv Organizational Psychology & Work Behavior |
3 |
LHRD 4585 Consulting in Organizations |
3 |
LHRD 4603 Evaluation in Human Resource Development |
3 |
LHRD 4723 Adv Leadership Development |
3 |
LHRD 4804 Professional Development Capstone |
3 |
LHRD 4870 Engagement in Global Learning Environment |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
60 |
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
CMST 2061 Communications for Business and the Professions |
3 |
ECON 2030 Economic Principles |
3 |
ENGL 1001 English Composition |
3 |
ENGL 2000 English Composition |
3 |
MATH 1021 College Algebra |
3 |
MATH 1029 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics |
3 |
PSYC 2000 Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
MGT 3200 Principles of Management |
3 |
INTL 2000 Contemporary Global Issues |
3 |
ISDS 1100 Introduction to Management Information Systems |
3 |
General Education Art |
|
MUS 1751 Music Appreciation |
3 |
General Education Humanities |
|
ENGL 2029 Drama |
3 |
ENGL 2025 Fiction |
3 |
WGS 2500 Introduction to Women’s & Gender Studies |
3 |
General Education Natural Science |
|
ENVS 1126 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (Life Science) |
3 |
ENVS 2126 Environmental and Anthropogenic Impacts of Microbes (Life Science) |
3 |
GEOG 2050 Physical Geography The Atmosphere (Physical Science) |
3 |
| Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Elective 1 |
3 |
Elective 2 |
3 |
Elective 3 |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
9 |
Careers
Career Opportunities
- Training and Development Specialist
- Compensation, Benefits and Job Analysis Specialist
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Talent Acquisition Manager
- Corporate Recruiter
Testimonials
Industry articles from USA Today, Time Magazine, Monster, and Forbes point to the importance of leadership and soft skills in the workforce, as well a shortage of these fundamental skills from recent college graduates. The LSU program provides graduates with a high level of emotional intelligence to meet these concerns. Our graduates exit the program as professional and dynamic leaders with a real-world understanding of human resource development."
