The education studies and human relations major in the College of Education is a multidisciplinary program that enhances broad liberal arts and sciences education for students by providing strong academic preparation, including skills in critical thinking and interpersonal communication.
Students who plan to earn the major pursue their academic interests with a variety of courses from across the College of Education's four academic departments to further career goals or prepare for future graduate study. They may choose to select among all the course offerings for the education studies and human relations major or select one of two subprograms.
The education studies subprogram is for students interested in pursuing careers in education policy, assessment and evaluation, education programming and management, learning technologies, organizational learning, school district support roles, as well as competitive preparation for future graduate study in educational measurement, education policy, educational psychology, higher education, learning sciences, and student affairs.
The human relations subprogram is for students who are interested in careers in helping fields that rely on interpersonal communication and personal problem solving (e.g., addiction, case management), as well as competitive preparation for future graduate study in professional counseling, health service psychology, couple and family therapy, community leadership, and related fields.
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in education studies and human relations requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 30 s.h. of work for the major. Students must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00 in all college coursework and in all UI coursework. All courses must be taken on a graded basis unless a course is only offered as nongraded.
Students in their first year at the University of Iowa who have earned less than 30 s.h. are advised through the university's Academic Advising Center. Those with more than 30 s.h. are advised through the Academic Advising Office in the College of Education.
The major can be paired with other majors, minors, and certificates. At most, only 3 s.h. of education studies and human relations courses may be counted toward another major, minor, or certificate.
The major consists of a 15 s.h. core curriculum plus an additional 15 s.h. chosen from the list of approved elective courses in a student's declared program of study. Students may choose education studies and human relations as their major; or one of the two subprograms within the major, either education studies or human relations. Students are required to earn a minimum of 18 s.h. in education studies and human relations coursework at the University of Iowa.
The BA with a major in education studies and human relations requires the following coursework.
General Education Requirement
Education studies and human relations courses that are also listed as options for the general education requirement may be counted in only one requirement; either education studies and human relations or general education.
Communication and Literacy
- Diversity and Inclusion: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Interpretation of Literature: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Rhetoric: a minimum of 4 s.h.
- World Languages: required credit varies by language.
Sustainability
Students complete the sustainability requirement by choosing an approved College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core course that integrates sustainability (with no additional semester hours) with a course from the Natural, Quantitative, and Social Sciences category or the Culture, Society, and the Arts category.
Natural, Quantitative, and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences: a minimum of 7 s.h.; must include one lab.
- Quantitative or Formal Reasoning: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Social Sciences: a minimum of 3 s.h.
Culture, Society, and the Arts
- Historical Perspectives: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- International and Global Issues: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts: a minimum of 3 s.h.
- Values and Culture: a minimum of 3 s.h.
Core Courses
All students must complete the following.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| CSED:4199 | Counseling for Related Professions | 3 |
| EDTL:2015 | Teaching as a Human Endeavor | 3 |
| EPLS:3000 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| PSQF:1075 | Educational Psychology and Measurement | 3 |
Diversity/Multiculturalism Course
All students must complete the following.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| CSED:4197 | Citizenship in a Multicultural Society | 3 |
| EPLS:1240 | Finding Your Path in Higher Education | 3 |
| EPLS:4180 | Human Relations for the Classroom Teacher | 3 |
| PSQF:3104 | Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Psychology | 3 |
Electives
For the remaining 15 s.h. required for the major, students choose from the following list of courses, depending on their choice of subprogram or the major without a subprogram, to build a multidisciplinary slate of skills that enhances their future careers or graduate work. While students may choose any of these courses to earn the major without a subprogram, those who pursue the education studies subprogram or the human relations subprogram select courses relevant to their area.
Concentration Areas
Whether students pursue education studies and human relations or one of its subprograms, guidelines for informal concentration areas may provide a useful resource in choosing electives that are meaningful, useful, and a cohesive program of study. Guidelines for informal concentration areas are offered as a course selection aid to be used in consultation with an academic advisor and are not listed on a student's transcript or diploma. These informal concentration areas are meant to be fluid over time to best reflect trends and issues in the field of education and helping professions. Further, students may create their own concentration focus that will meet their own career trajectory. The guidelines for informal concentration areas are located on the College of Education website.
- Education Studies and Human Relations Electives
- Education Studies Subprogram Electives
- Human Relations Subprogram Electives
Education Studies and Human Relations Electives
Students in the education studies and human relations program must select 15 s.h., including at least two different College of Education areas (CSED, EDTL, EPLS, PSQF), from the following.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSED:2081 | Making a Vocational-Educational Choice | 2-3 |
| CSED:4110 | Psychology of Food and Mood | 3 |
| CSED:4130 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| CSED:4131 | Loss, Death, and Bereavement | 3 |
| CSED:4141 | Helping Skills for Community Settings | 3 |
| CSED:4173 | Trauma Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:4176 | Child Abuse: Assessment, Intervention, and Advocacy | 3 |
| CSED:4180 | Topical Seminar for Helping Professionals (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| CSED:4195 | Ethics in Human Relations and Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:4197 | Citizenship in a Multicultural Society (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EDTL:2122 | Creativity, Imagination, Play, and Human Development through the Arts | 3 |
| EDTL:3002 | Teaching and Learning Technologies | 2-3 |
| EDTL:3187 | Early Literacy Instruction for Young Children | 3 |
| EDTL:3382 | Language and Learning | 2-3 |
| EDTL:3393 | Reading and Teaching Adolescent Literature | 3 |
| EDTL:3715 | Experiential Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDTL:4093 | Teaching and Learning for a Global Perspective | 3 |
| EDTL:4096 | Topics in Teaching and Learning (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| EDTL:4355 | Approaches to Teaching Writing | 3 |
| EDTL:4630 | Psychology of Music | 2-3 |
| EDTL:4900 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| EPLS:1240 | Finding Your Path in Higher Education (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EPLS:2098 | The Student Affairs Profession | 3 |
| EPLS:3240 | Undergraduate Topics in Education (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| EPLS:4180 | Human Relations for the Classroom Teacher (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EPLS:4200 | Diversity and Inclusion in Athletics | 3 |
| PSQF:2115 | Introduction to Counseling Psychology | 3 |
| PSQF:2116 | Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| PSQF:3104 | Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Psychology (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| PSQF:3333 | Special Topics in Psychological and Quantitative Foundations (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| PSQF:3700 | Introduction to Understanding Trauma and Resilience | 3 |
| PSQF:4106 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSQF:4133 | The Adolescent and Young Adult | 3 |
| PSQF:4134 | Parent-Teacher Communication | 1-3 |
| PSQF:4136 | Home/School/Community Partnerships | 3 |
| PSQF:4143 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| PSQF:4145 | Marriage and Family Interaction | 3 |
| PSQF:4162 | Introduction to Couple and Family Therapy | 3 |
| PSQF:4281 | Cognitive Principles for How People Learn | 3 |
| PSQF:4760 | Participatory Learning and Media: Creating, Remixing, Making, and Education | 3 |
| PSQF:4910 | Theories of Family Development | 3 |
Education Studies Subprogram Electives
Students in the education studies subprogram must select 15 s.h., including at least two different College of Education areas (CSED, EDTL, EPLS, PSQF), from the following.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSED:4197 | Citizenship in a Multicultural Society (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EDTL:2122 | Creativity, Imagination, Play, and Human Development through the Arts | 3 |
| EDTL:3002 | Teaching and Learning Technologies | 2-3 |
| EDTL:3187 | Early Literacy Instruction for Young Children | 3 |
| EDTL:3382 | Language and Learning | 2-3 |
| EDTL:3393 | Reading and Teaching Adolescent Literature | 3 |
| EDTL:3715 | Experiential Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDTL:4093 | Teaching and Learning for a Global Perspective | 3 |
| EDTL:4096 | Topics in Teaching and Learning (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| EDTL:4355 | Approaches to Teaching Writing | 3 |
| EDTL:4630 | Psychology of Music | 2-3 |
| EDTL:4900 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| EPLS:1240 | Finding Your Path in Higher Education (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EPLS:2098 | The Student Affairs Profession | 3 |
| EPLS:3240 | Undergraduate Topics in Education (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| EPLS:4180 | Human Relations for the Classroom Teacher (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EPLS:4200 | Diversity and Inclusion in Athletics | 3 |
| PSQF:3104 | Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Psychology (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| PSQF:3333 | Special Topics in Psychological and Quantitative Foundations (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| PSQF:3700 | Introduction to Understanding Trauma and Resilience | 3 |
| PSQF:4106 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSQF:4133 | The Adolescent and Young Adult | 3 |
| PSQF:4143 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| PSQF:4281 | Cognitive Principles for How People Learn | 3 |
| PSQF:4760 | Participatory Learning and Media: Creating, Remixing, Making, and Education | 3 |
Human Relations Subprogram Electives
Students in the human relations subprogram must select 15 s.h., including at least two different College of Education areas (CSED, EDTL, EPLS, PSQF), from the following.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSED:2081 | Making a Vocational-Educational Choice | 2-3 |
| CSED:4110 | Psychology of Food and Mood | 3 |
| CSED:4130 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| CSED:4131 | Loss, Death, and Bereavement | 3 |
| CSED:4141 | Helping Skills for Community Settings | 3 |
| CSED:4173 | Trauma Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CSED:4176 | Child Abuse: Assessment, Intervention, and Advocacy | 3 |
| CSED:4180 | Topical Seminar for Helping Professionals (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| CSED:4195 | Ethics in Human Relations and Counseling | 3 |
| CSED:4197 | Citizenship in a Multicultural Society (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EDTL:4096 | Topics in Teaching and Learning (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| EPLS:3240 | Undergraduate Topics in Education (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| EPLS:4180 | Human Relations for the Classroom Teacher (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| PSQF:2115 | Introduction to Counseling Psychology | 3 |
| PSQF:2116 | Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| PSQF:3104 | Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Psychology (if not taken as diversity/multicultural course) | 3 |
| PSQF:3333 | Special Topics in Psychological and Quantitative Foundations (depending on topic; consult advisor) | 3 |
| PSQF:3700 | Introduction to Understanding Trauma and Resilience | 3 |
| PSQF:4106 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSQF:4133 | The Adolescent and Young Adult | 3 |
| PSQF:4134 | Parent-Teacher Communication | 1-3 |
| PSQF:4136 | Home/School/Community Partnerships | 3 |
| PSQF:4143 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| PSQF:4145 | Marriage and Family Interaction | 3 |
| PSQF:4162 | Introduction to Couple and Family Therapy | 3 |
| PSQF:4910 | Theories of Family Development | 3 |
Academic Standards and Probation
Students are expected to meet academic standards set by the college and to demonstrate reasonable progress toward a degree. If they do not meet all grade-point average conditions, then students are placed on academic probation. Students usually are allowed only one session to return to good academic standing. While on probation, students engage in a number of activities to support their future success including meeting with an academic advisor. Students on academic probation who withdraw registration after the deadline for dropping courses may be dismissed.
Direct Admissions Policy
Direct admission is designed for first-year students applying to the University of Iowa for the fall semester. Applicants who present an ACT composite score of 21 or higher and a final high school grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 are eligible for direct admission into the education studies and human relations major. First-year students who do not meet the requirements for admission to the major may declare the education studies and human relations interest in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and later apply for regular admission to the major.
Regular Admissions Policy
Regular admission is available to students who have completed a minimum of 12 s.h. of graded coursework at the University of Iowa and who have a UI cumulative GPA of at least 2.50.
Transfer Admissions Policy
Transfer admission is available to students who have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 on a minimum of 24 s.h. earned after high school graduation of acceptable graded credit.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Education Studies and Human Relations, BA
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| Current University of Iowa students who have completed a minimum of 12 s.h. of graded coursework at the University of Iowa and who have a UI cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 are eligible for regular admission. Consult the College of Education's website for more information. | ||
| GE CLAS Core: Sustainability a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
The Interpretation of Literature or Rhetoric |
3 - 4 |
| GE CLAS Core: Diversity and Inclusion b | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages First Level Proficiency c | 4 - 5 | |
| CSI:1600 | Success at Iowa | 2 |
| Hours | 12-14 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSQF:1075 | Educational Psychology and Measurement | 3 |
| ENGL:1200 or RHET:1030 |
The Interpretation of Literature or Rhetoric |
3 - 4 |
| GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences without Lab b | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Second Level Proficiency c | 4 - 5 | |
| Hours | 13-15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EPLS:3000 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| GE CLAS Core: Historical Perspectives b | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences with Lab b | 4 | |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Third Level Proficiency c | 4 - 5 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDTL:2015 | Teaching as a Human Endeavor | 3 |
| GE CLAS Core: International and Global Issues b | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Quantitative or Formal Reasoning b | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency c | 4 - 5 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major: diversity/multiculturalism course e, f | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts b | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Social Sciences b | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSED:4199 | Counseling for Related Professions | 3 |
| Major: Elective course f, g | 3 | |
| GE CLAS Core: Values and Culture | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major: Elective course f, g | 3 | |
| Major: Elective course f, g | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major: Elective course f, g | 3 | |
| Major: Elective course f, g | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Elective course d | 3 | |
| Degree Application: Degree Application: apply on MyUI before deadline (typically in February for spring, September for fall) h | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 115-121 | |
- a
- Sustainability must be completed by choosing a course that has been approved for Sustainability AND for one of these General Education areas: Natural Sciences; Quantitative and Formal Reasoning; Social Sciences; Historical Perspectives; International and Global Issues; Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts; or Values and Culture.
- b
- GE CLAS Core courses may be completed in any order unless used as a prerequisite for another course. Students should consult with an advisor about the best sequencing of courses.
- c
- Students who have completed four years of a single language in high school have satisfied the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement. Enrollment in world languages courses requires a placement exam, unless enrolling in a first-semester-level course.
- d
- Students may use elective courses to earn credit towards the total s.h. required for graduation or to complete a double major, minors, or certificates.
- e
- See General Catalog for list of approved courses.
- f
- A course used for the GE CLAS Core cannot also be used to count toward major requirements.
- g
- Students must select major electives to total 15 s.h., including at least two different College of Education areas (CSED, EDTL, EPLS, PSQF). Subprograms or informal concentration areas may guide the selection of major electives. See General Catalog for list of approved courses and more information about subprograms and concentration areas.
- h
- Please see Academic Calendar, Office of the Registrar website for current degree application deadlines. Students should apply for a degree for the session in which all requirements will be met. For any questions on appropriate timing, contact your academic advisor or Graduation Services.