Social Difference, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Certificate

The events of 2020 have underscored the critical importance of addressing systemic racism, as well as sexism and other forms of prejudice, in every sector. Education clearly holds an important role in this endeavor. Students need to learn about the history that underpins these structural inequities, to develop the critical and analytical tools to evaluate these systems, and to gain an understanding of how to implement these tools and strategies in their own professional work and their communities. This certificate is designed to meet these urgent needs. 

Students will learn how to do the following:

• contextualize and develop critical awareness of difference and bias in diverse professional environments
• grapple with difference and systemic biases that reify historical relationships to power, agency, and various forms of capital in society
• discuss race, class, sexuality, gender and the complex intersections of social difference using social justice frameworks that (1) encourage thoughtful engagement with diversity in specific organizations/communities and (2) explore paths for critical change in society at large
• engage with social difference using qualitative and quantitative analytical practices across, within, and beyond disciplines
• think critically about the ways technologies can—and often do—reinscribe historical inequities
• develop reflective practices that can inform individual and collective action

Curriculum

Certificate students who complete four of the online courses listed below earn a Certificate in Social Difference, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Those students are then eligible to pursue an Advanced Certificate by taking two additional courses.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Social Difference, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Advanced Certificate

The events of 2020 have underscored the critical importance of addressing systemic racism, as well as sexism and other forms of prejudice, in every sector. Education clearly holds an important role in this endeavor. Students need to learn about the history that underpins these structural inequities, to develop the critical and analytical tools to evaluate these systems, and to gain an understanding of how to implement these tools and strategies in their own professional work and their communities. This certificate is designed to meet these urgent needs. 

Students will learn how to do the following:

• contextualize and develop critical awareness of difference and bias in diverse professional environments
• grapple with difference and systemic biases that reify historical relationships to power, agency, and various forms of capital in society
• discuss race, class, sexuality, gender and the complex intersections of social difference using social justice frameworks that (1) encourage thoughtful engagement with diversity in specific organizations/communities and (2) explore paths for critical change in society at large
• engage with social difference using qualitative and quantitative analytical practices across, within, and beyond disciplines
• think critically about the ways technologies can—and often do—reinscribe historical inequities
• develop reflective practices that can inform individual and collective action

Curriculum

Students who have already completed the Certificate in Social Difference, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion must complete any two of the below courses to receive an Advanced Certificate in Social Difference, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.