Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Organizations: Master's Degree
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to aligning organizational goals with the talents and needs of its employees, positioning organizations for success in today’s world. In this concentration, you’ll gain skills that are crucial for advancing equity as an integrated part of organizational human resources strategy and developing solutions that meaningfully leverage diversity to create a culture of belonging. Learn about the historical, cultural, and economic factors that shape identity, and apply appropriate tools and techniques to help organizations achieve their vision for change as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion practices. This concentration seamlessly integrates a crucial equity-centered skillset into your Strategic Human Resources curriculum and can help take your HR career to the next level by empowering you to be an agent for change in pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive workplace, no matter your industry.
At a Glance
Free Application
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Skills You'll Learn
Develop practices that advance equity as an integrated component of organizational strategy
Design solutions that meaningfully leverage diversity to achieve organizational goals
Integrate an understanding of social and cultural difference to better inform interpersonal communication and problem-solving strategies
Curriculum
Master of Science in Strategic Human Resources with a concentration in Advancing Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Organizations requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).
All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.
Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Strategic Human Resources program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.
Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.
Sample Schedule
Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
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| Classes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
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| Classes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
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| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Take a Course Before You Apply
We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.
Career Outcomes
Predicted outcomes for graduates of Advancing Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Organizations
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, more than 70% of the world’s purchasing power is located outside of the United States, inspiring businesses to venture overseas. Career opportunities continue to grow for professionals who possess a sophisticated knowledge of timely global issues and trends, and who can work effectively across diverse organizational structures.
While many organizations are looking to expand overseas, the diversity of the American population continues to grow including workplace and school populations. This academic year, Aurora Public Schools had students from more than 130 countries that spoke more than 160 languages, and 36.8% of students at Denver Public Schools were English language learners. As diversity grows, cultural competence will be a crucial skill for professionals that work with diverse populations.
Job Titles
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Hear from Our Students
"I recently passed my SHRM-CP with very little time in the field. I feel like my first instincts are good because the foundation was laid with my education." —Shannon Harbison, graduate.
Flexible Online Classes
We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.
Featured Instructors
Accreditation & Associations
University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.
The University of Denver University College is an Approved Provider with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Each course in the Strategic Human Resource curriculum is approved for 48 recertification hours of General, Strategic, or International credit with HRCI. Upon successful completion of the course, human resource professionals may apply the credit earned towards their Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification. Looking for HRCI certification prep for PHR, SPHR, and aPHR? See offerings through the Center for Professional Development.
The MS in Strategic Human Resources offered through University College is formally acknowledged by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as being aligned with its HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates through September 2023. As a university with a master's degree program aligned to SHRM's curriculum guidelines, students are eligible to apply for the SHRM-CP exam provided they meet SHRM's student eligibility requirements.