BA in Communications: Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships Emphasis

Q: Why is interpersonal communication important?

In nearly every field and position, you will need to work with or communicate with other people. Developing interpersonal communication skills can help you to effectively work in teams, provide constructive leadership, build relationships, problem solve, boost emotional intelligence, handle conflict resolution, enhance active listening skills, and build trust.

Q: What is the importance of human relationships?

Inherently, humans are social beings and our relationships can be complex and fulfilling. When our relationships are healthy, they can provide us with a sense of purpose, support, connection and, possibly, better health.2 Having effective communication and interpersonal skills may help you to build and nurture your relationships with others.2

Q: What are examples of interpersonal communication skills?

Some of the key skills that are taught in the interpersonal communication courses include nonverbal and verbal communication, relational and group communication, leadership and speech communication, conflict negotiation and social influence.

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

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.

Other Communication Emphasis

Broadcasting and New Media

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.

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

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.

Why is interpersonal communication important?

What is the importance of human relationships?

What are examples of interpersonal communication skills?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major52 credits

Open Elective Credits28-34 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

13-16 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

3-4 Total Credits

Competency

10-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Required General Education Courses

ENG-105

4 Total Credits

MAT-144

4 Total Credits

COM-210

4 Total Credits

SOC-102

4 Total Credits

HIS-144

4 Total Credits

SPA-104

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course builds a foundation in the language development skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course textbook is supported by an extensive workbook and online lab which allows students to hear Spanish spoken by native speakers. Students practice their spoken Spanish through face-to-face activities or by recorded wave files. Additionally students are prompted to growth in global awareness through participation in cultural events in their communities, reviewing movies set in Hispanic cultural settings, and reading books in English by Hispanic authors about Hispanic culture.

Core Courses

COM-100

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the field of communication with emphasis on the history of communication study, relevant communication theories guiding current research, the contexts in which communication occurs, and issues faced by students of communication. The course focuses on introducing students to various communication models as well as theories and skills in interpersonal communication, small group communication, mass communication, intercultural communication, and public communication.

COM-222

4 Total Credits

COM-263

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on improving communication among people with different racial, ethnic, cultural, and minority backgrounds. Students explore verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors in a variety of communication media and contexts. Communication styles, rituals, and traditions are explored through an examination of mass media, family structure, religion, politics, education, social life, art, and literature.

COM-312

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce the concepts and theories relevant to understanding conflict communication and the negotiation process. In this course, students are introduced to various elements of conflict and negotiation communication across a variety of contexts including interpersonal, organizational, and international. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze power dynamics in relationships, identify conflict styles and tactics, and apply intervention techniques in contexts that are relevant to their future relationships and careers.

COM-333

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the study of ethics as it applies in the communication field. As aspiring communication professionals, students need to learn how to engage in communication that is not only appropriate but also responsive to sound ethical principles. In this course, students learn about major ethical theories and explore how these theories are applied in workplace communication, interpersonal relationships, mass media, and intercultural communication contexts.

COM-355

4 Total Credits

SOC-320

4 Total Credits

COM-362

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course introduces students to the relationship between argumentation and advocacy as well as the role of worldviews in shaping the arguments surrounding relevant social issues. This course presents the concepts and skills related to the study of argumentation. Students are introduced to the principles and elements of argumentation in everyday communication across contexts, as well as the skills necessary in constructing and evaluating written and oral arguments.

COM-451

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course focuses on the communication processes in personal relationships such as romantic relationships, family relationships, and friendships. Through quantitative and qualitative methods and other theoretical perspectives, students in this class examine the expression and interpretation of messages in everyday personal interactions as well as significant relational events. Students also explore communication processes involved in developing, maintaining, and dissolving relationships, how communication impacts partners and their relationships, and how to improve relational quality or individual well-being through communication.

COM-453

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, students explore the dark side communication behaviors that lead to relational dissolution and the communication behaviors that can facilitate relational repair or restoration. Students explore the impact of deception, betrayal, and aggression in more depth and research the process elements of forgiveness and reconciliation in order that they might be a redeeming influence in their personal relationships.

COM-455

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, students explore the unique impact that nonverbal communication has in creating and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Building upon knowledge of interpersonal communication gained in previous courses, students in this course dive deeper into how nonverbal choices influence intimacy, self-disclosure, relational satisfaction and maintenance, conflict resolution, and a range of other interpersonal topics of current research in order to become more effective communicators in their close personal relationships. Prerequisite: COM-100.

COM-457

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, students learn what it takes to build healthy relationships in the workplace. Students investigate the role of motivation, emotional intelligence, diversity, and ethical behavior in promoting effectiveness at work. The class focuses on “people” skills and utilizing these skills in an increasingly team-based and customer-oriented workplace. Content provides opportunities to become more effective in discerning, ethical, flexible, and perceptive behaviors while working with people. Special attention is given to the challenges students will face in interpersonal communication at work and the opportunities that a workplace environment offers in building social virtuosity.

COM-490

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course includes a culminating reflection and collection of integral works from students' time in the major. Students engage in research specific to their career or graduate school goals and develop a project that displays what they have learned while in the program. Students are exposed to practitioners in the communication field. Students are taught how to effectively communicate their research and develop other skills that support a successful transition into the workforce or graduate school. Prerequisite: COM-333, COM-355.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Admission

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

Keiling, H. (2025, March 13). 15 Top Jobs for Graduates With Communications Degrees. Indeed. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
High Country Behavioral Health. (2021, Jan. 18). The Importance of Social Relationships to Physical and Mental Health. Retrieved on Oct. 26, 2023.

BA in Communications: Interpersonal Communication and Human Relations Emphasis

Examine How To Improve Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships

Earn Your BA in Communications From GCU

Take Interpersonal Communication Courses Online or on Campus

BA in Communications Coursework

Develop Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Career Paths for Graduates With a BA in Communications

Pursue Your Communications Studies at an Accredited University

Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationship FAQs

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Required General Education Courses

Core Courses