Diversity Studies Certificate Program
Program Overview
The diversity studies certificate is an interdisciplinary certificate program that is available to all Ohio University undergraduate students. It is intended to complement and enhance a student's general education, academic major and/or career preparation. We live in a world that is becoming more and more complex; at the same time, it is becoming smaller. We have more access to others whose identities and cultures are different than our own. Given the unique historical circumstances of the United States, a well-rounded education should facilitate an understanding of the historical, political, sociological and legal contexts within the United States and how these various contexts impact our contemporary issues of diversity.
Undergraduate students who earn the diversity studies certificate will:
- Develop oneself to be culturally informed, competent and respectful towards all diverse peoples,
- Prepare for living and working in a diverse local and global society,
- Enhance their academic baccalaureate degree both personally and professionally, and
- Develop as participatory and empowered democratic citizens in their community, state, nation and world.
While we know that many types of diversity exist, the Diversity Studies Certificate focuses on five of the most recognized diversity domains in the United States. The areas of diversity addressed through the requirements of the diversity studies certificate are:
- Race/Ethnicity
- Social Class
- Gender
- Sexual Orientation
- Disability
Each of the diversity domains are intersecting and interactive. It is important to "unpack" or deconstruct each diversity domain individually, and then examine their interrelatedness. In learning about these different domains of diversity there is a cross-fertilization of ideas that can be applied to the understanding of diversity issues in general.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy
Students interested in pursuing the diversity studies certificate should fill out the Update of Program form (opens in a new window).
External Transfer Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The Diversity Studies Certificate prepares students to enter their post-graduation world with a clearer understanding of the dynamics of diversity in the United States having examined their own assumptions about diversity and how to live with others in a diverse world. Because of these critical understandings, graduates will find the diversity studies certificate beneficial for their personal lives, as well as a benefit to moving into their professional work. In addition, the diversity studies certificate provides academic preparation for those students who wish to pursue graduate degree programs in diversity studies or in social science and humanities graduate programs with relevance to human diversity.