The major provides an academic base for students pursuing careers involving interpersonal relationships and emphasizes the human side of professional organizations. Human relations is an academic program grounded in organizational behavior that embraces the theory to practice perspective. Program content integrates an interdisciplinary approach providing a broad-based curriculum based in analytical, conceptual and behavioral studies drawing from the social sciences and organizational theory. Examples of instructional activities utilized within the major that serve to complement the traditional lecture format include group discussions, student debates, panel presentations, individual and group research projects, service learning, civic engagement, external organizational consultation, practica and internships, off-campus observations and interviews, case study analysis and presentation. Unique to the major in human relations is that these nontraditional approaches strengthen student learning while simultaneously demonstrating the very outcomes valued within the curriculum. With emphasis on a pedagogical approach that is both theoretical and experiential in nature, academic focus is on contemporary knowledge related to the optimization of human interaction for increased performance within the work environment.
The Department of Human Relations, Sociology and Nonprofit Studies offers the B.A. degree in Human Relations. To graduate from High Point University with this degree, students must complete the following:
Major Requirements | 40 credits |
University Core Requirements | 50 credits |
Electives | 38 credits |
TOTAL |
128 credits |
Two courses from the following:
Name: Mikayla Browne
Hometown: Concord, North Carolina
Major: Browne will graduate on May 5 with a B.A. in Human Relations and a minor in Marketing.
Post-graduation plans: As the Human Resources Assistant, Browne will provide human resources support to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Browne’s role is critical in executing Amazon’s people initiatives, providing great internal customer support and driving human resources functional excellence and process improvement.
How HPU helped you get there: “While at HPU, I had the opportunity to do two amazing internships and learn first-hand what it is like working in the human resources and marketing fields. I am thankful that I utilized Career & Professional Development to find internship opportunities, improve my resume and learn to become a better interviewee. HPU has also helped me build a professional network, and allowed me to meet a diverse group of people who have helped me get where I am today.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “All of my human relations professors have mentored me and helped me achieve success. Thank you to the whole human relations department for pushing me to expand my skill set, and learn as much as I could during my time at HPU.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “When I decided to change majors sophomore year, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. My advisor thought I would be interested in human relations, so I took my first human relations class and fell in love.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Networking is important. When searching for a career, it really is all about who you know. Meet as many people as you can, and go to every career fair. Hand out your resume and chat with the companies there. Making connections with people is so important and can really help you down the road.”
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Commencement will be here before we know it, and many High Point University seniors are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. View more extraordinary seniors from the Class of 2018 here.