36
$550
Fall 1 2025 classes start on August 25, 2025
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.
With 36 credit hours that can be completed in as little as 12 months, 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.
Save Time. Save Money. Simplify Your Application.LSU Online now offers a FREE transcript service that helps you collect your transcripts at no cost—so you can focus on your future! Learn More ›
Students can complete the program’s required 36 credit hours in 12 months.
LSU’s professors are recognized as thought leaders in their fields, ensuring that the online experience is as rewarding as that of an on-campus classroom.
The program fully covers leadership development, applied research methods, human resource analytics, and more.
Not only does the degree prepare students to become HR leaders in multiple industries, but LSU’s expansive alumni network can help open doors to opportunities in those fields.
"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."
Dr. Tracey Rizzuto
Interim Director, School of Leadership and Human Resource Development
How the Master of Science in Leadership & Human Resource Development with a concentration in Workforce Development changed Faith Hooks life.
Total credit hours per program: 36 credit hours
Cost per credit hour: $550
Total cost with fees: $19,800
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.
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 |
*Please note: Students take 2 elective classes from those listed below.
| 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 |
Required Application Materials:
Regular Admission
Probationary Admission
An applicant is considered for probationary admission:
GRE/GMAT:
Credit for Prior Learning:
Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.
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.
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.
The passion and excellence that LSU stands for have earned the school a coveted "Tier One" spot in U.S. News & World Report's “Best Colleges.” As the state’s flagship university, LSU has been preparing students for rewarding careers for nearly 150 years. Today, LSU is equally proud of its strides to make education more accessible through innovative online degree programs that are every bit as rigorous as its on-campus programs.
Through the dedication of an exceptional faculty and staff, LSU is one of only 30 universities in the United States designated as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution. In addition, LSU is the only public top-tier university—and the only university in Louisiana—to receive the honor of being placed in the "very high research activity" category by the Carnegie Foundation.
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.
Take the first step forward by completing the form and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:
