Overview

The School of Social Work offers two options for students interested in studying diversity: the Diversity Studies Minor and the Diversity Studies Certificate. The Diversity Studies Minor is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of the interactions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social and economic inequality, disability, aging and religion in defining identity and social relationships. This interdisciplinary program of study focuses on key concepts related to power, identity, difference, and the historical and structural forces that shape power and difference in social relationships. The goal of the minor is to arm students with knowledge, skills, and perspectives essential to civic participation, career development and promoting a just society. The Diversity Studies minor is relevant to careers involving diverse populations such as business, industry, education, social welfare, mental health, and health.
 

Students selecting this minor must:

• Complete the Diversity Studies Declaration Form and the pre-coursework assessment;
• Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA;
• Complete 18 hours of coursework as follows with a C or better in each course:
  • A 3-hour designated introductory course¹, and 
  • 15 hours of designated coursework chosen from 5 of 7 diversity content areas (1 course per content area):
    • Racial and Ethnic Relations,
    • Gender,
    • Sexuality,
    • Social and Economic Inequality,
    • Disability,
    • Aging, and
    • Religion.
• Students are required to complete a pre- and post- assessment at the start and end of their minor studies to measure their learning outcomes.

The Diversity Studies Certificate Program (DCP) is an interdisciplinary certificate that provides undergraduate students the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge, values, and skills in racial and ethnic relations, gender and sexuality, and social and economic inequality, to advance themselves as successful employees and leaders in our global world.  The certificate enhances a student’s general education, academic major and/or career preparation.
 

Students selecting the Diversity Certificate must:

• Complete the Diversity Studies Declaration Form and the pre-coursework assessment;
• Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA;
• Complete 12 hours of coursework as follows with a C or better in each course (1 course per area):

• A 3-hour designated introductory course, and
• 9 hours of designated coursework in 3 areas
  • Racial and Ethnic relations,
  • Social and Economic Inequality, and
  • Gender and Sexuality.

• In addition, students complete a co-curricular component by attending campus events that highlight diverse identities and cultures. 
• Students are required to complete a pre- and post- assessment at the start and end of their certificate studies to measure their learning outcomes.

¹The three hour introductory course may be substituted with DIVR 2350 if approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Social Work.