Graduate Certificate: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Leaders

The strength of America has always been our mixed ancestry. But due to personal and institutional biases, organizations can struggle to achieve diversity. This DEI certificate program provides managers with tools to help create diverse workplaces.

Create supportive, engaging, inclusive workplaces.

Today, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace isn’t just a compliance or HR issue — it’s the key to a vibrant, creative organization. The UMass Global DEI certificate program challenges and equips students with the knowledge and tools to make organizations more supportive and engaging, ensuring all voices are represented. Through four online courses designed for working adults, students earning their DEI certification will understand the psychological, perceptual, and institutional processes that impact our interactions and the makeup of organizations.

  • Skills to Build Inclusive Work Cultures
    Students learn about equity, social justice, inclusive leadership practices, emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and the importance of fostering and leading diverse workplaces.
  • 100% Online Coursework
    Our diversity, equity, and inclusion certificate coursework is fully online, allowing you the flexibility to keep working while building the skills you need to drive change and make an immediate impact at your organization.
  • Apply DEI Certificate Courses to Graduate Degrees
    The four courses that make up this DEI Certificate may be applied toward the completion of multiple graduate degrees in the School of Business and Professional Studies.

Next Session

Spring I (Jan 6, 2025)

Estimated Tuition

Ways to Learn

Online

Imagine Your Future In Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Leaders

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    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for this graduate certificate program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GRAD CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Program Curriculum

    • Code Course Name Credits
      Specific Requirements

       

      OLCU 650 Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Leaders

      3

      OLCU 651 Racial Literacy and Social Justice: Theory and Practice for Leaders

      3

      OLCU 652
      Examining Social Inequality, Privilege and, Equity

      3

      OLCU 653  Creating an Inclusive Climate: Advocacy Strategies for Leaders

      3

      Total Credits

      12

    WSCUC

    University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For more background about diversity, equity, and inclusion, here are some frequently asked questions.
    • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a framework that promotes fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background. It recognizes that people have diverse experiences and perspectives and strives to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

      Here are explanations of the three pieces that make up “DEI”:

      • Diversity: This refers to the presence of a variety of people within a group or organization, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and socioeconomic status.
      • Equity: Equity means ensuring that everyone has fair and equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. It involves addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that resources and support are distributed fairly.
      • Inclusion: Inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their differences. It involves making sure that all individuals feel welcome, respected, and valued.

      In essence, DEI aims to create a more just and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


    • While you may hear some politicians grandstand about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the push to create workplaces and organizations that mirror American society is necessary for any organization to compete in today’s economy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is crucial to an organization's success for several reasons:

      1. Enhanced Innovation and Creativity: Diverse teams bring together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. This can lead to more innovative solutions, increased creativity, and better decision-making.
      2. Improved Talent Acquisition and Retention: Organizations that prioritize DEI are more likely to attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds. This can help them build a stronger workforce and gain a competitive advantage.
      3. Increased Customer Satisfaction: A diverse and inclusive workplace can lead to better understanding of customers from different backgrounds. This can help organizations tailor their products and services to meet the needs of a wider customer base.
      4. Enhanced Reputation: Organizations that demonstrate a commitment to DEI can improve their reputation and brand image, leading to increased trust and customer loyalty.
      5. Improved Employee Morale and Productivity: When employees feel valued, respected, and included, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. This can lead to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and improved overall performance.
      6. Ethical and Social Responsibility: DEI is essential for creating a more just and equitable society. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, organizations can contribute to positive social change and fulfill their ethical responsibilities.

      In short, DEI is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity for organizations that want to thrive in the global economy.

    • Promoting and implementing DEI involves buy-in from all levels of the organization. You can break this down into five key areas:

      • Leadership commitment: Set a clear vision, lead by example, and hold employees accountable. This needs to start from the top, not just HR or the DEI department.
      • Training: Provide comprehensive and ongoing training. This includes training that educates employees about DEI concepts such as unconscious bias and effective communication.
      • Inclusive policies and practices: Develop and implement inclusive policies and practices. These include equal opportunity employment, harassment prevention, and family friendly initiatives.
      • Inclusive culture: Foster a culture of belonging, open communication, and celebration of diversity. Promote an organizational culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
      • Measurement and monitoring: Track DEI metrics, conduct regular assessments, and make adjustments as needed. Look at data such as employee demographics, turnover rates, and employee satisfaction, as it will show if you are making progress on DEI as an organization. 

      By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

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