2021-2022

Human Relations, Master of Education

Department of Educational Psychology

College of Education

Beginning in Fall 2021, the Master of Education in Human Relations will not be available at the following campuses: NAU-North Valley and Pima Community College, West.

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.

  • 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.

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.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • 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 Graduate College.

    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.

    • Personal Statement or Essay
Master's Requirements

    • 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

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.