Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Graduate Certificate

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) graduate certificate program at Rockhurst University offers students the opportunity to explore DEI concepts and social justice through coursework and applied projects. Students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to be an agents of positive change in a culturally pluralistic world and communicate with compassion in diverse environments.

Rockhurst's graduate certificate programs are centered on the idea of the Jesuit tradition of social justice. The program aims to promote a more inclusive workplace, educational and community settings by educating students on topics such as culture, identities, racial relations, discrimination prevention, intercultural competency and implicit bias, as well as promoting inclusivity and belonging.

This certificate helps leaders commit to a vision of social justice in their communities.

Note: An undergraduate DEI certificate is also available. 

DEI Graduate Certificate Program Goals

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

1. Actively engage in reflection upon their own cultures and identities
2. Identify and analyze their implicit biases
3. Explain historical, political, social and economic contexts that shape policies
4. Apply meaningful DEI knowledge and skills through project design
5. Incorporate knowledge to promote social justice within diverse, equitable and inclusive communities

Program Benefits

• Complete the graduate certificate program entirely online
• 12 credit hours of coursework completed within a year
• Small class sizes offer individualized attention from faculty
• Earn a complementary credential that can be used with an M.Ed., MBA, M.A. in Organizational Leadership, and Ed.D. degree

Course Work

DEI Graduate Certificate Course Work includes:

• Diversity, Equity, Access & Belonging for a More Inclusive World (3 credits)
• Ignatian Conversation Framework & Difficult Dialogue (3 credits)
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Belonging and Organizational Change (3 credits)
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Capstone (3 credits)

Enhance your Career and the Community

The DEI Graduate Certificate can help students excel in any organization such as business, non-profit organizations, education and healthcare professionals. DEI careers include:

• DEI Director/Specialist
• HR Manager
• Instructional Coach
• Higher Education Leader
• Educational Consultant

For questions and information related to the DEI Graduate Certificate, Rockhurst's graduate certificate programs, or the application process, please contact us.