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 ILS 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.
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| Professionalization Seminar in Leadership Studies | |
| History and Theory of Leadership Studies | |
| Leadership, Equity, and Inclusion | |
| Leadership Ethics | |
| Leadership 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. Students will be required to submit a final capstone project as part of the course that will be evaluated by the instructor.) | |
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A list of elective options can be found on the program website. All elective courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
Supplemental Coursework
LDST 700 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion
This course may be required for students who the admissions committee determines would benefit from additional preparation for graduate study. It is an optional course to all admitted students.