Online Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development

Total credit hours per program: 36 credit hours

Cost per credit hour: $550

Total cost with fees: $19,800

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
• Two letters of recommendation
• 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

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements:

Regular Admission

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.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE):

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is highly recommended, but not mandatory, for applicants. 

GRE Waiver:

Applicants to the MS program may have the GRE requirement waived if they meet the GPA requirement for regular admission, demonstrate at least three years full-time work experience, AND provide a GRE Waiver Essay. The essay must be 1,000 words or less and use specific examples from your professional work experience to demonstrate:

• Your motivation to succeed as a professional.
• Your ability to persevere in the face of demanding professional challenges.
• Your intellectual ability to master challenging and difficult subject matter.

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)

Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.

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

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 or Graduate Certificate 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.

• Training and Development Specialist
• Chief Learning Officers
• Human Resource Directors
• Human Resource Development consultants
• HR Specialists
• Training Directors

Question:  Will my degree say LSU Online?

Answer: No, upon program completion you will receive the same diploma as your on-campus peers.

Question: Do I ever need to appear at the LSU campus for LSU Online programs?

Answer: No, you do not. LSU Online programs are 100% online and require no on-campus appearance. Check with your program for any activities or events that may be available to you should you be in the Baton Rouge area.

Question: How do I find out who my advisor and/or class instructor is?

Answer: Your advisor will be assigned by your department. Feel free to contact your department for specifics as to who your instructor will be for a class. Generally, Moodle (the class delivery system) displays class information at least 10 to 14 days before the class begins. Instructions for Moodle are covered in the LSU Online Orientation.

Question: Is financial aid available for online students?

Answer: Yes, students in an LSU Online graduate program may be eligible for financial aid. For more information email your questions to lsuonlinefinaid@lsu.edu.

Question: Do I have to pay the full tuition upfront?

Answer: No, you pay as you go for each course you’re registered in for the term.