Leading the Way in Human Resource Development

Although influenced by foundational disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and education developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, Human Resource Development (HRD) emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the mid-20th century, significantly evolving in recent decades. Only in recent decades has HRD matured and gained recognition as an important field among professionals. In today’s dynamic, people-centered workplaces, HRD plays a critical role and deserves thoughtful evaluation and consistent academic standards. 

Dr. Edward Gibbons, from LSU’s Department of Leadership and Human Resource Development, recently conducted an analysis of undergraduate HRD programs across the country. His research revealed significant variability in curricula and emphasized the need for a more cohesive and structured approach to undergraduate HRD education. 

LSU is helping to lead that effort. The Online Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development (LHRD) stands out as a model of excellence in the field, offering  a strong foundational knowledge of HRD theory, history, and practice, ensuring students understand and appreciate the conceptual underpinnings critical to effective HRD practice in alignment with industry demands. Students gain in-demand skills in data-driven analysis, strategic planning, and performance improvement, preparing them to become strategic partners in organizational success. 

Human Resource Development Matters 

At its core, HRD is about helping people grow and enhance their skills and potential to drive individual and organizational success. This field includes training, career development, leadership development, and organizational change - making it a vital area of study in today’s evolving workforce. 

With hybrid work, distributed teams, and rapid technological shifts, the need for professionals who can lead, develop, and support people is more pressing than ever. HRD equips individuals to lead purposefully, foster engagement, and build adaptable, high-performing organizations. 

LSU’s online LHRD program prepares learners to meet these challenges head-on, offering a flexible, workforce-aligned path to leadership and impact. 

Skills that Lead

Through LSU’s LHRD program, students gain critical competencies across the full HRD spectrum. The curriculum develops leadership, instructional design, and data-driven decision-making skills to prepare students for tomorrow’s workplace, starting in today’s classroom. 

By combining theory with applied learning, LSU ensures students are well-educated and fully prepared for the real world after graduation. The curriculum is shaped by employer expectations and future-of-work trends, keeping graduates competitive across industries. 

LSU is Setting the Standard

As Dr. Gibbons’ research shows, many undergraduate HRD programs emphasize only one or two focus areas of the field, leaving major gaps in what should be a comprehensive curriculum.  LSU stands apart by strategically emphasizing leadership development, organizational change, and evaluation strategies, addressing critical areas often less robustly represented in many HRD undergraduate curricula. 

Courses are designed in collaboration with industry experts and include hands-on learning opportunities. LSU's curriculum integrates leadership development, HRD fundamentals, and practical skills to produce adaptable, strategic leaders who can meet tomorrow’s challenges today. 

With explicit alignment to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards, LSU ensures that graduates possess competencies highly valued by employers, enhancing their professional readiness and adaptability. 

A Future-Focused Degree 

LSU’s LHRD program is built for the realities of today’s workforce. LSU provides strong coverage in instructional design, evaluation, and organizational change, which are the key areas of focus highlighted by Dr. Gibbons’s study and which are all widely considered essential for success in workforce agility. 

Unlike many institutions, LSU embeds career development and diversity-focused learning directly into its core courses, reflecting the growing importance of lifelong learning and inclusive employee engagement. This ensures a future-focused degree from a university that’s setting the national standard for undergraduate HRD education. 

Why LSU Online? 

LSU Online bridges education and career to provide students with skills that translate directly to roles in HR, organizational consulting, learning and development, and more. The LHRD program offers flexible online learning designed for working adults while providing a curriculum informed by real-world demands and regional workforce needs. With instruction from industry-experienced faculty and access to success coaches for personalized support, LSU Online gives you the credibility and support to advance your education and skillset on your terms and on your schedule. 

With decades of experience in workforce education, LSU Online is a trusted partner for professionals and organizations seeking to build stronger teams and develop capable, forward-thinking leaders. 

Lead with LHRD Today

In the modern workplace, high-quality Human Resource Development education is more essential than ever. It’s not just about learning processes, but also building professionals who can lead change, empower people, and deliver strategic impact. 

LSU’s online BS in Leadership and Human Resource Development leads that charge. With its comprehensive, future-focused curriculum and commitment to workforce relevance, LSU is setting a new national benchmark for undergraduate HRD education. 

Ready to take the next step? Learn more or apply today to LSU’s BS in Leadership and Human Resource Development and start building a career that helps people and organizations thrive.