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Future students
Visit the College of Education's future students page to get helpful links for both undergraduate and graduate students.Programs of study
For a complete listing of all programs of study, please visit the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Programs of Study page.Human Relations, Master of Education
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.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
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.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Personal Statement or Essay
Master's Requirements
This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
- Required Core Courses: 24 units
- Select Electives: 6 units
Take the following 30 units:
- OR
Select six (or more) units that comprise a graduate certificate offered through Northern Arizona University. Note: most certificate programs require 12 -15 credit hours. Certificate programs include:
- Assistive Technology
- Ethnic Studies
- Positive Behavior Support
- Public Management
- Women's and Gender Studies
Additional Information
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
The M.Ed. in Human Relations (HR) enhances your ability to work effectively with others at your job, in your classroom, and in your communities. You will explore theories and develop practical skills related to human behavior, interpersonal communication, leadership, and learning processes. The HR program will offer diverse perspectives and provide the opportunity to work alongside faculty and peers from a wide range of backgrounds, improving your communication skills and your understanding of human differences.
This 30-credit, online program attracts students from many professions, but particularly among those working or pursuing careers in business and management, education, public service, and the non-profit sector. We offer a core curriculum and the opportunity to tailor the degree to your professional needs through elective and graduate certificate options.
In alignment with the College of Education’s mission, we strive to prepare compassionate and competent professionals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make positive differences in the world, and who are committed to building empathetic, inclusive, and just environments.
What is Human Relations? Accordion Closed
Human Relations is the study of relations with or between people, with a particular interest in how people relate with others in workplace settings. The study of human relations utilizes practical applications of psychological concepts to understand our own behaviors and the behaviors of others with the intent of engaging in positive interactions in personal and professional spaces.
Scarbrough, S. (2023). Psychology of human relations. Open Oregon Educational Resources.
https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/psychologyofhumanrelations/
What can I do with a degree in Human Relations? Accordion Closed
Is the Human Relations M.Ed. program right for me? Accordion Closed
- If you wish to pursue a career as a school counselor, check out our School Counseling M.Ed.
- If you wish to pursue a career as a school psychologist, check out our School Psychology, Ed.S.
- If you wish to pursue a career as a mental health counselor, check out our Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
When should I apply? Accordion Closed
The HR program accepts applications any time. Once admitted to the program, you can contact your academic advisor or the program coordinator to get started.
Click here to begin your application now!
What are the application requirements? Do I need to take the GRE? Accordion Closed
Applying to the Human Relations M.Ed. program requires that you complete the NAU graduate online application, submit transcripts from your collegiate coursework, and write a brief essay. It is generally expected that you have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher during your undergraduate coursework at a regionally accredited institution.
You will not need to submit GRE scores to apply to the HR program.
Click here to begin your application now!
Is there a thesis/capstone requirement for the HR program? Accordion Closed
No. The M.Ed. in Human Relations is a course-based degree that does not require a thesis or capstone. Keep in mind, however, that you have the option to apply to graduate certificate programs to fulfill elective requirements for the HR program and that some of these certificate programs may have additional requirements.
Speak with your academic advisor or the program coordinator if you have questions about graduate certificate opportunities.
Human Relations M.Ed. Coursework & Program of Study Accordion Closed
The Master of Education in Human Relations (HR) program is designed to be accessible and flexible to meet the needs of working professionals and our geographically diverse students. As such, the HR degree is a 30-credit, online program, with many of the course offerings available both online and on the Flagstaff Campus. All required coursework is available online. HR students will complete eight core courses (24 units) centered on human behavior, interpersonal communication, and learning.
These core courses are:- EPS 525: Introduction to Statistics
- *This course serves as a prerequisite to EPS 664
- EPS 550: Foundations of Inquiry and Practice in Human Relations
- *This course should be taken during the first semester/year of your HR program
- EPS 580: Human Development
- EPS 591: Personality Adjustment
- EPS 596: Development Perspectives of Human Diversity
- EPS 605: Educational Psychology Applied to Learning
- EPS 664: Tests and Measurement
- *Students must complete EPS 525 prior to enrolling in this course
- EPS 671: Consultation in the Helping Professions
- *This course should be taken during the final semester/year of your HR program
The HR program also provides flexibility through elective and graduate certificate options. To meet the electives requirement for this degree, students have the following three options:
1. Complete two courses (6 units) from these recommended offerings:- CCHE 580: The Community College
- EDR 610: Introduction to Research -
- EPS 590: Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
- EPS 595: Self-Management Techniques
- EPS 602: The Impact of College on Students
- EPS 606: Applied Behavior Management
- EPS 610: Child Psychology
- EPS 611: Adolescent Psychology
- EPS 620: Vocational Counseling and Career Development
2. Complete two masters-level courses (6 units) of your choosing that target your unique learning and professional goals. This option requires approval prior to enrolling in elective courses. See your academic advisor or program coordinator for more information.
3. Complete a graduate certificate approved by NAU’s Graduate College. Graduate certificates offer specialized disciplinary knowledge that can set you apart and elevate your career. Admission to a certificate program requires a separate application to the Graduate College. This application can be submitted before or during your program, but you must be admitted to the certificate program prior to enrolling in its courses. Note that certificate programs typically require 12 – 15 credit hours, extending your program of study from 30 units to 36 – 42 units.
A full list of graduate certificates approved by NAU can be found here.
Faculty Accordion Closed
Student Testimonials Accordion Closed
The best part of learning is seeing how novel ideas influence how you show up in the world. Being a financial aid administrator, I began the Human Relations program uncertain how concepts of lifespan development, identity exploration and integration, and other human learning theories would affect how – in any practical sense – I showed in work, or life, for that matter. Engaging in these topics challenged me to consider how and why we behave in different social landscapes. As I approach the first anniversary of my master's completion, I see how contributive this program was in understanding how remarkably similar yet beautifully distinct the human experience is person-to-person. NAU’s HR program is for students seeking to build authentic connections, navigate difficult conversations, or analyze the nature of self in relation to others.
Shane Metcalf, graduated 2023
I have loved this program since the first class I took Fall 2023 to start pursuing my Master's of Education in Human Relations. As an Enrollment Counselor Manager for the University of Arizona, it has continued to enhance essential skills needed to lead a team. Each class I am gaining more knowledge about communication, conflict resolution, effective team management and creating inclusive environments. By developing strong communication strategies and leadership abilities, I can create impactful initiatives that improve staff engagement, ultimately leading to a cohesive and productive work environment.
Paige Prather, graduating 2026
My Name is Marcel Perez and I had the pleasure of being a part of the Human Relations program from 2020-2022. This program has taught me so much about interacting with other individuals in many different circumstances, which I do on a day-to-day basis as a police officer in the valley. I give credit to this program for a lot of my accomplishments that I have accomplished thus far in my law enforcement career. This program will set you up for success in whichever career field you are in or will pursue.
Marcel Perez, graduated 2022
After obtaining a position as an Assistant Director with NAU, I was looking for an advanced degree that would help me become a better manager, leader, and coach. Human Relations was that degree for me. It helped me build myself as a professional, improving my communication, empathy, critical thinking, and management style. It allowed me to explore leadership from a people’s perspective and cultivate a sense of caring and community with the people I work with. The content was engaging and the discussions in each course applied to issues or situations I was dealing with first-hand. I would recommend this degree to anyone interested in being a change-maker in the world of organizational leadership or organizational psychology.
Brian Dales, graduated 2024
The Human Relations degree broadened my perspectives on human behavior, communication skills, human diversity and so much more. The program combined both research and theory, showcasing the importance of empathy towards others, while also helping me effectively examine research and statistical methods for data informed decision making. I completed the program fully online and felt engaged with my peers and faculty, while also being able to incorporate what I was learning into my full-time career. I am so thankful that I chose this program and find myself using the knowledge/skills on a daily basis both in my personal and professional life.
Lexi Bornstein, graduated 2022
Program Costs Accordion Closed
Tuition costs are updated routinely by the university and posted here. University fees for technology, health, recreation, etc. vary by campus.