The MA in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion offers graduate students and working professionals tools and techniques to better understand and navigate leadership opportunities within the context of social diversity and equity in the United States.
As an interdisciplinary program, the focus of the MA in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion is to:
- Build foundational knowledge of the history, theory, and practice of leadership with an emphasis on ethical decision making and understanding of the dynamics of power in doing the work of leadership
- Increase understanding of the meaning of social diversity and equity in the United States
- Apply this knowledge to real world situations such as workplace bias and fairness, teaching environments, youth sports and recreation activities, work with community nonprofit agencies, etc.
Academic objectives for the program combine those of the constituent graduate certificates, supplemented by an introduction to the culture of graduate education, offering graduate students and working professionals:
- Knowledge, tools, and strategies to enter into, understand, navigate through, and succeed in the culture of higher education
- Tools and techniques to better understand and navigate leadership opportunities within professional and community environments
- Knowledge and strategies to respond efficiently and effectively to the demands of a changing social, cultural, and political landscape while doing the work of leadership
- Resources necessary to supplement their degrees and professional positions with a stronger understanding and historical background of core domains relevant to social differences and their meanings
Admission to Graduate Studies
An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Application Deadlines
The MA program in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Applications and all required supplemental materials must be submitted by the deadlines listed on the program’s website to be considered for admission.
Application Materials
Applicants should upload the supporting application documents listed below to the online application.
- Copy of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Statement of purpose (no longer than two pages, single spaced)
- Research-based writing sample (at least five pages, double spaced)
- Three letters of recommendation
Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements.
Contact
Visit the MA in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion website for more information about the program and admissions requirements.
Students must complete a minimum of 30 graduate-level credit hours in approved courses with Leadership and Diversity and Inclusion content. Coursework is a combination of face-to-face and online classes.
Core Seminar (3)
LDST 705 Professionalization Seminar in Leadership Studies (3)
Equity and Social Diversity (12)
Four courses (3 credit hours each) totaling 12 graduate credit hours. Courses are categorized into three pathways:
- U.S. Race and Ethnicity
- Women, Gender, and Sexuality
- U.S. Social Differences
Students must develop a concentration in one pathway by taking at least 6 credit hours of coursework in any one of the three pathways. Courses must be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor.
At least 1 course (3 credit hours) must be taken in a pathway other than the concentration.
A current list of approved courses for each pathway is available on the program website. The Diversity and Inclusion course list continues to grow and is updated regularly.
Leadership Studies (12)
4 courses (3 credit hours each, all completed online) totaling 12 graduate credit hours:
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
LDST 710 | History and Theory of Leadership Studies | 3 |
LDST 720 | Leadership Ethics | 3 |
LDST 730 | Managing the Work of Leadership | 3 |
LDST 740 | Leadership and Power | 3 |
Capstone (3)
LDST 850 Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Capstone
This course is required of all admitted students in the final semester of their degree program and provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the interdisciplinary knowledge they have gained.
Final Exam
All MA students must pass a final oral exam and defense of their capstone project. Students are required to be physically present for the exam unless permission for distance examination has been granted.
Supplemental Coursework
LDST 700: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion
This course is required for all provisionally admitted students and is offered as an optional course to all admitted students.