BA in Communications: Interpersonal Communication and Human Relations Emphasis

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Overview

Examine How To Improve Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships 

Even in today’s technology-rich economy, much of our success is still based in effective collaboration and communication between people. In nearly every field, human interaction occurs, whether it’s face-to-face or through digital means. This Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relations is designed to teach you how to navigate interactions and leverage specific interpersonal skills in order to facilitate productive communication.

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Why GCU

Earn Your BA in Communications From GCU

At GCU, Christian principals are integrated throughout the interpersonal communications courses to determine how we can base our interactions in a Christian worldview.

Take Interpersonal Communication Courses Online or on Campus

Study Online With Ultimate Flexibility 

For those who require a flexible schedule, this bachelor’s in communications is offered fully online so you can complete your courses anytime from virtually anywhere. You will have access to online learning resources and an interactive digital platform, which allows you to collaborate with your professors and peers throughout the program. 

Study Human Relationships and Interpersonal Communication on GCU’s Campus

If your learning style works best with in-person classroom interaction, this BA in Communications is also available through traditional or evening classes. In addition to taking courses on GCU’s campus, you will have access to campus life and student support services. Evening classes are offered once a week, one class at a time for additional flexibility and convenience. 

Coursework

BA in Communications Coursework

Classes in this BA degree go beyond the theoretical and allow you to enact communication concepts in professional and relational situations.

Throughout the program, you will be taught how to:

  • Analyze negative communication patterns within human relationships
  • Examine how individual behaviors express norms and values
  • Evaluate the effectiveness and ethics of verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors
  • Create effective communication behaviors in organizations, personal settings, and a variety of other interpersonal contexts
     

Develop Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills

You will be taught to utilize these skills in a variety of different contexts as well as how to train others in using these skills. Courses cover how to facilitate communication across different cultures and how to carry these skills over into online settings.

Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to develop interpersonal communication skills in the following key areas:

Nonverbal and verbal communication analysis

Relational communication

Leadership

Group communication

Speech communication

Social influence

Conflict negotiation

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With a BA in Communications

This BA in Communications covers a wide breadth of interpersonal communication and human relationship topics, helping to prepare students with the foundation for a career in a variety of industries. Graduates of this program may be qualified for jobs in fields such as:1

  • Communications research
  • Human resources
  • Public or social media relations
  • Sales

To position yourself for possible career advancement, you may choose to use your foundational skills to pursue a graduate degree or obtain licensure. 

Accreditation

Pursue Your Communications Studies at an Accredited University

GCU is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, providing quality in education since 1968. Our university meets the HLC’s high standards in areas such as integrity, governance, learning effectiveness, admissions, student services, stewardship and academic achievement.

FAQ

Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationship FAQs

If you are interested in pursuing a communications degree and would like to learn more about the focus in interpersonal and human relations, please read though our answers to these commonly asked questions. 

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Start Your Journey Today

Are you ready to get started on developing productive communications skills that you can use throughout your career and life? Complete the form on this page to connect with a university counselor. They can help answer your questions and start you on the admission process for the BA in Communications program.

Apply Now

1 Keiling, H. (2025, March 13). 15 Top Jobs for Graduates With Communications Degrees. Indeed. Retrieved June 4, 2025. 

2 High Country Behavioral Health. (2021, Jan. 18). The Importance of Social Relationships to Physical and Mental Health. Retrieved on Oct. 26, 2023. 

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