Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy Certificate
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy (DEIA) certificate was designed to provide students with opportunities to discover, understand, and contextualize the historical and current underpinning to diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy. Today’s sociopolitical landscape is articulating a need for individuals that are prepared to combat interpersonal and systemic inequities as well as foster cultures of inclusion and justice.
Why Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy?
Students will engage in a rigorous discussion of research, laws, policies, and politics created the foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students will also be able to critique current DEI practices and policies, their effectiveness, and shortcomings. Students will be able to display their knowledge of and ability to apply desirable competencies within, yet not limited to post-secondary education institutions, civic engagement, nonprofit, and politically minded organizations, health care providers, as well as the business and industry sectors.
Who Will Benefit from Completing the Program?
This certificate will benefit current DEI leaders and practitioners, faculty members, administrators, and legislations. Additionally, this program will be beneficial to current students that interested in the implications and benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their primary area of study.
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Course Details
REQUIRED/CORE
Required Course Name Credit Hours Description DEIA 510 Politics, Policy, and Practice 3 hours Diversity and Inclusion are popular terms. This course is an exploration of the origins, historical landmarks, scholarship, and practices of the field of Diversity and Inclusion. A foundational exploration of canonical terminology, research, political advances, and policies. DEIA 520 Equity and Inclusion 3 hours Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices have been established in many corporate, government and higher education environments. While the term diversity is common and more widely understood in organizations, equity and inclusion are somewhat more elusive and require intentional effort. This course will address approaches to equity and inclusion in organizations. DEIA 530 Leadership and Social Justice Advocacy, Self and Others 3 hours Examination of leadership and advocacy issues, models, competencies and approaches related to the practice of diversity, equity and inclusion. Topics include social justice, advocacy and empowerment obligations, both to the profession and to the individuals served by professional diversity practitioners. DEIA 590 Engaged Scholarship in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy The Advancing Equity in DEI Engaged Scholarship practicum serves as the link between knowledge gained in the classroom and the practice of inclusive excellence in facilitating equity work throughout organization and communities ELECTIVES
Elective must meet the following the criteria:
- 3 credit hour, graduate course
- Related to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, or has a specific focus on marginalized communities
- All electives must be submitted and reviewed for eligibility
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Faculty & Contact
Faculty in the DEIA Certificate:
- Michelle M. Allen, Ed.D. (Program Director)
- Paulette Patterson Dilworth, Ph.D.
- Brandon Wolfe, Ph.D.
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Course Rotation
Fall Semester: DEIA 510 and DEIA 590
Spring Semester: DEIA 520
Summer Semester: DEIA 530 -
Application Checklist
- New students
Please note that admissions to the DEIA graduate certificate is based upon previous academic work, two (2) letters of recommendation, and Statement of Interest. As you prepare to apply to the DEIA certificate:- Update your resume and/or CV
- Statement of Interest Prompt: Please explain your interest in the DEIA graduate certificate and how will this certificate benefit your career or enhance your academic studies
- Identify and ask two people to write supportive letters of recommendation for you. It is a good idea to share your most recent resume or CV as well as your personal statement with them to help the personalize their letter.
- Request official copies of all your academic transcripts to be sent to UAB graduate admissions (more details in the application)
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the application fee
- New students
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You're Admitted - Next Steps
- New students: Visit the New Students to UAB page.
- Questions: Email OPSEL@uab.edu.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admissions requirements for DEIA?
- All applicants must submit an official transcript demonstrating that you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a 2.5 minimum grade point average.
- All applicants must submit a statement of interest articulating your interest in the DEIA graduate certificate and how will this certificate benefit your career or enhance your academic studies.
- Complete and submit the UAB Graduate School Application.
- GRE and MCAT are not required to be admitted.
Can I enroll in DEIA classes if I’m not in the program?
As space in the course permits. We will admit no more than 15 students per year to maintain a desired class size. If you are not enrolled in the DEIA certificate program, please contact the program director, Dr. Michelle Allen, for approval to enroll in a course.
You do not need to be admitted to the DEIA certificate in order to take a DEIA course, but course enrollment must be requested and approved.
Anyone in the following UAB Student Communities may enroll into DEIA courses:
- *Non-degree Seeking, Post-Bac
- * Graduate Students
- * Post-Doctoral Fellows
Can UAB Employees enroll in DEIA classes and use their tuition benefits?
Current UAB employees, you may use your tuition benefits to take DEIA courses, and current UAB employees may apply to complete the DEIA certificate.
Can community members enroll in DEIA courses?
Any professional interested in advancing leadership skills is welcome to apply to UAB’s DEIA graduate certificate. Simply click on the “apply now” button and begin the process.
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