Why Study Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Students pursuing this concentration will be exposed to course material on the perceptual, institutional, and social processes that impact the ways people interact and make decisions in organizations. The interdisciplinary curriculum promotes a scientific approach to optimizing organizational outcomes by equipping leaders with the skills to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive climate. These skills serve students who strive to make organizations more supportive and engaging places to work.
Students with an undergraduate degree from any discipline are invited to apply for admission. Students interested in learning more about practical research methods for leaders, diversity in the workplace, organizational power dynamics, and leadership theory will be well-prepared to complete the program. Professionals who might be served by the program include, but are not limited to, individuals working in or aspiring to work in commerce, information technology, human resources, mass media, military and other government organizations, social services, health care, non-profit organizations, and education.
This program is unique in that its curriculum applies to numerous work settings. Organizations and the media have popularized a renewed focus on efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this program can help equip leaders at all levels to be more informed on effective strategies for managing efforts intended to improve work and life for individuals. In order to best serve the needs of our students, APSU offers the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program in a fully online format. Students enjoy small class sizes and opportunities to stack graduate certificates into their degree without any additional coursework. Graduate certificates are available to highlight specific, narrow, skillsets for students on their transcripts and resumes. Certificate topics include: Community and Organizational Leadership, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace, Grant Writing, Leading Organizational Change, and Project Management. Opportunities for faculty-student collaboration on research projects are available via independent study.
Interdisciplinary faculty draw on decades of diverse experience and training in leadership, sociology, and industrial-organizational psychology. All full-time and part-time faculty members have completed terminal degrees in related fields.
Admission Requirements
For information related to admission requirements or to view the courses within each program, please visit the graduate bulletin.
What Will I Learn
Students who complete the Master of Science in Leadership with a concentration in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be able to:
- Evaluate diverse perspectives for decision-making
- Identify the relationship between in-group processes and power in organizations
- Recognize and critically evaluate macro and micro level biases
- Articulate how social position influences privileges and oppression faced by individuals
