Explore the communication skills crucial to human relationships in today's complex workplace and society
Human relations explores the relationships with or between people, particularly in a professional context. Students who choose this field are interested in the psychological and sociological foundations of human behavior. Human relations students learn how to analyze, understand and accept differing perspectives in order to create a more communicative, effective society. A degree in human relations can lead to careers in corporate business, education, government and more, as well as to graduate study in fields like psychology, social work, sociology and education.
The Communication Arts: Human Relations option lays the foundation for careers in human resources, social services, education and more by exploring how topics like gender, language and conflict affect how people communicate. HR students explore practical, theoretical and historical perspectives on the study of human relationships in professional and personal contexts. With so many of today’s employers emphasizing the value of communication skills, HR students are well positioned with the oral, written and collaborative skills that stand out on a resume. Hands-on learning is central to the program through an internship in HR, as well as through courses in verbal and nonverbal communication, identity, conflict, human resource management, social psychology, human development and more.
Students choosing the Communication Arts Human Relations option explore practical, theoretical, and historical perspectives on the study of human relationships in professional and personal contexts. With so many of today’s employers emphasizing the value of human communication skills in potential employees, the Human Relations Option offers students the knowledge and hands-on learning they need to develop their oral and written communication skills, as well as their ability to work in teams. Coursework covers topics such as verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, identity, conflict, human resource management, power, health, social psychology, human development, and counseling. An internship in the area of human relations is required.
Students must complete all of the Communication Arts major requirements and will work with their academic advisor to select courses that also satisfy option requirements.
The option in Human Relations consists of 24 credits as distributed below. Note that some courses may also be used to fulfill the requirements of the Communication Arts major. Courses applied to the option must be completed with a minimum grade of C- and overall GPA of 2.0. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credits, including the Human Relations Internship, at UNH Manchester.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the following courses: 1 | 16 | |
ANTH 411 | Global Perspectives on the Human Condition: An Introduction to Anthropology | |
BUS 455 | Management of Human Resources | |
CA 507 | Relational Violence | |
CA 508 | Conflict in Relational Communication | |
CA 520 | Special Topics in Applied Communication 2 | |
CA 538 | Gender | |
CA 539 | Communicating in Families | |
CA 542 | Social Media for Organizations and Business | |
CA 550 | Special Topics in Communication Organization, History, and Policy 2 | |
INTR 438 | A Socio-cultural Perspective on the Deaf Community | |
PSYC 401 | Introduction to Psychology | |
PSYC 552 | Social Psychology | |
PSYC 581 | Child Development | |
PSYC #582 | Adult Development and Aging | |
PSYC 762 | Counseling | |
PSYC 791 | Advanced Topics (Adult Development and Aging) | |
| Select one of the following courses: | 4 | |
CA 601 | Exploring Relationships | |
CA 612 | Narrative | |
CA #614 | Communication and Power | |
CA 795 | Independent Study 2 | |
CA 720 | Seminar 2 | |
| Select one of the following courses: | 4 | |
CA 501 | Internship/Communication in the Urban Community 2 | |
UMST 500 | Internship 2 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
| 1 | At least two courses must be above the 400 level. |
| 2 | Topic must be related to Human Relations. |
For more information, contact Jeff Klenotic, program coordinator, at (603) 641-4130 or jeffrey.klenotic@unh.edu, or contact the Office of Admissions, (603) 641-4150.
Our campus is in the heart of the region’s cultural, economic, entertainment and government activity — putting unlimited internship opportunities at your doorstep. We’ve partnered with local businesses to give you the real-world experience that sets you apart. Communication arts majors have interned at many high-profile organizations in the area, including:
Communication arts majors gain the interpersonal and communication skills that employers in all industries look for. With a highly flexible curriculum and the ability to personalize your studies, your communication arts degree will open doors to unlimited career and graduate education opportunities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects positive growth in many communications-related professions between 2012 and 2024. Make an impact with career possibilities in any industry, from media to healthcare, education, counseling and beyond.
| Job Title | Job Growth | Average Salary |
| Advertising, Promotions or Marketing | 9% | $124,850 |
| Market Research Analyst | 19% | $62,150 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner | 10% | $46,840 |
| Human Resource Specialist | 5% | $58,350 |
| Social or Community Service Manager | 10% | $64,530 |
Add breadth to your degree with a communication arts minor, giving you the interpersonal and communication skills that will set you apart to employers in any industry.
In partnership with the New Hampshire community colleges below, we've developed curriculum guides to show you which courses at your community college will transfer into UNH Manchester's communication arts program.
Click on a community college below to see transferable communication arts requirements.
Questions? Contact an Admission Counselor for help.