The focus of the graduate certificate in Studies in Equity and Social Diversity in the U.S. is to (1) increase understanding of the meaning of social diversity and equity (DE) in the United States and (2) consider the application of this knowledge to real world situations such as workplace bias and fairness, teaching environments, youth sports and recreation activities, work with and for community nonprofit agencies, and more. Through interdisciplinary coursework, the main objective is to offer graduate students and working professionals the necessary tools to supplement their degrees and professional positions with a stronger understanding and historical background of core domains relevant to social differences and their meanings. These domains include but are not limited to intersectional identities of race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, disabilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. Select courses will be offered with multiple partners across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and School of Education.

Admission to Graduate Studies

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy. 

• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.  

• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required. 

Graduate Admission

Any applicant seeking to pursue a graduate certificate in Studies in Equity and Social Diversity in the U.S. must submit the application for graduate study. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

New Applicants

Applicants who are not already enrolled in a KU graduate program must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Applicants should include the following materials in their application to the certificate program.

• A statement of purpose outlining their interest in the Studies in Equity and Social Diversity in the U.S. graduate certificate
• Copy of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Current KU Graduate Students

Applicants already in a KU graduate program must be in good standing with their home department to be eligible for admission the certificate program. Current KU graduate students should include the following materials in their online application:

• A statement of purpose outlining their interest in the Studies in Equity and Social Diversity in the U.S. graduate certificate
• A letter of support from their faculty advisor or the Director of Graduate Studies in their home academic unit

Contact

Visit the Institute for Leadership Studies website for more detailed information about the application process.

Graduate certificate coursework focuses on the experiences of U.S. racial/ethnic minorities (e.g. African American/Black, Native American/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, Latinx) and on U.S. marginalized populations (e.g. gender, gender expression, sexuality, disabilities). Courses for this certificate are categorized into three areas. 

Students must develop a plan of study in consultation with and approved by a faculty advisor. At least 50% of coursework counted towards the certificate must be 700 level or above. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
6 credit hours in one of the areas below		6
3 credit hours in a second area		3
3 credit hours of electives from any area		3
Total Hours		12

Elective area options:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
U.S. Race & Ethnicity
AAAS 511	The Civil Rights Movement
AAAS 811	The Civil Rights Movement
AMS 550	Research Seminar in: _____
AMS 650	Jazz and American Culture
AMS 694	Directed Readings
C&T 807	Multicultural Education
ELPS 830	Foundations of Multicultural Education
THR 914	Theories of Race and Performance
Women, Gender, & Sexuality
WGSS 521	Women and Violence
WGSS 562	Gender and Politics
WGSS 563	Gender, Sexuality and the Law
WGSS 565	Gender, Culture, and Migration
WGSS 583	Love, Sex, and Globalization
WGSS 600	Feminist Contemporary Political Theory
WGSS 701	Seminar in: _____
WGSS 800	History of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
WGSS 801	Feminist Theory
WGSS 802	Feminist Methodologies
U.S. Social Differences
AAAS 811	The Civil Rights Movement
AMS 510	History of American Women--Colonial Times to 1870
AMS 511	History of American Women--1870 to Present
AMS 650	Jazz and American Culture
AMS 694	Directed Readings
AMS 696	Studies in: _____
AMS 802	Theorizing America
C&T 807	Multicultural Education
ELPS 830	Foundations of Multicultural Education

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• produce effective written and/or oral communication for and with diverse audiences across varied contexts.
• develop an understanding of the historical background and core domains relevant to social diversity and equity in the United States.
• develop and apply knowledge and approaches (e.g. skills, competencies, strategies, styles, etc.) to respond efficiently and effectively to the demands of a changing social, cultural, and political landscape while doing the work of leadership.