User:Kentmartin1/OUDepartmentofHumanRelations

University of Oklahoma Department of Human Relations is a program dedicated to the study of Human Relations for individuals interested in transforming people, leading organizations, and changing communities. Created in 1970 by Dr. George Henderson, the Department of Human Relations in the College of Arts and Sciences at O.U. offers Bachelors and Master of Human Relations degrees that provide students with marketable skills in a multidisciplinary field of study and professional practice. The Human Relations Graduate program promotes social justice, enhanced social relationships, human diversity, advocacy, inclusiveness and critical thinking. The curriculum for the program offers a balance of foundational theory and research, as well as, essential skills through participation in real world settings. Students may plan studies that focus on organizational studies, counseling, and social justice and change. A specific emphasis within the general curriculum may be individually designed to fit a student’s professional and personal goals. Career development is often enhanced by careful selection of specific elective courses from Human Relations and other departments to create a personalized emphasis such as management, group processes, affirmative action, education, consulting, interpersonal relations, chemical dependency and human resource development.


Human Relations students typically have interests in cultural studies, counseling psychology, human behavior, social-political issues, education, problem solving, humanities, social studies, program development and progressive thinking.

The Master of Human Relations degree helps graduates prepare for or advance in professions such as: Civil Service, Corrections, Counseling and Other Helping Professions, Diversity and Inclusion Development, Equal Opportunity, Justice, and Human Rights, Family or Social Services, Human Resource Development, Non-Profit, Private, and Public Organizations, Organizational Development and Leadership.

Master of Human Relations OU–Norman and OU-Tulsa Campuses The graduate program in Human Relations is designed as an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human relationships. The University of Oklahoma’s Master of Human Relations program provides a quality education for adult professionals interested in transforming people, leading organizations, and changing communities. One of the most significant developments of the technological age is the increased importance of human relations in nearly every type of setting.

Today’s successful workers must possess more than knowledge of their fields and technological efficiency. They must also have strong interpersonal and intergroup skills and motivation to understand others. The Master of Human Relations program provides those skills and more, preparing students to make a positive difference where they live and work.

Three Areas of Emphasis: The Master of Human Relations degree is a 36 credit-hour program with emphases in organizational studies, counseling, and social justice and change. Students may enroll in a combination of weekend, evening, and on-line formats.

  • Organizational Studies Emphasis – focuses on leadership, organizational behavior, diversity in organizations, and addresses work-life balance and social responsibility.
  • Counseling Emphasis – provides the knowledge and skills to counsel people in settings such as family service centers, private and public mental health practices, and schools.
  • Social Justice and Change Emphasis – teaches analysis of social problems, application of change theory, and how to design and evaluate solutions for change.

Faculty and Affiliations The University of Oklahoma human Relations faculty members bring diverse academic backgrounds, distinctive experiences, and wide ranging research and teaching expertise to the program. They engage students in issues stemming from the complexities of a diverse society – helping them develop their cognitive, analytical, evaluative and expressive abilities. The Center of Applied Research for Non-Profit Organizations at OU-Tulsa is affiliated with the Department of Human Relations. The center provides experiential learning opportunities for students seeking knowledge about program evaluation and assessment of community service3 agencies. The Center for Studies in Democracy and Culture at OU-Tulsa, also affiliated with the Department of Human Relations, focuses on increasing interest in global issues among OU students and faculty through its speaker and seminar programs.