Human Relations, Master of Education

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Purpose Statement

The Master of Education in Human Relations is a theoretical, non-practitioner program to deepen students’ understanding of: human behavior, the learning process, and interpersonal communication skills. This theoretically oriented plan is appropriate if you are in the business world, the military, or education-and are seeking advanced preparation in facilitating an understanding of human behavior and the learning process. Specifically, the degree assists students to develop Master’s-level communication skills, critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, and an appreciation of and sensitivity to human diversity. Students examine research design and statistical methods within the psychological sciences and explore psychological theories, in lifespan development, personality, and educational psychology. They apply this knowledge to apply theoretical understandings to varying racial, ethnic and cultural contexts. Completion of this program leads to developing effective skills in consulting within the individual’s chosen profession.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Examine core research design and statistical methods and appropriately apply this information to examine test theory and identify the strengths and weaknesses of a range of tests used to measure human behavior
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills by examining the effects of the following on human behaviors:
  • Principles of growth and development within the lifespan of the individual (lifespan development)
  • Personality theory, motivation, frustration and conflict, and other aspects of personality (personality theory)
  • Principles of learning and development (educational psychology)
• In each of the three areas above (lifespan development, personality theory, and educational psychology), students will be able to:
  • Assess the contributions of major figures
  • Elucidate major theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry and illustrate their applications in associated fields of study
  • Articulate significant challenges and explore the current limits of these areas
  • Disaggregate, reformulate, and adapt principal ideas and methods to address common problems and issues
• Analyze the role of context, including racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in informing the interpretation of psychological theories applied to educational settings.
• Develop effective communication skills to:
  • Create sustained, coherent arguments, or explanations summarizing work
  • Create projects, papers, or exhibits reflecting the integration of knowledge acquired in their courses with knowledge and skills gleaned from their elective areas of study
• Develop effective skills in consulting with other professionals in their chosen field of study according to origin, assumption, goals, and strategies underlying several models of service delivery.
• Draw on the perspectives and methods of elective areas or the GCERT to assess the advantages and challenges of incorporating these perspectives into their work.