What you will study
Learn how to appeal to a diverse college classroom — while being mindful to include
all students — through these courses for UCM’s Diversity Issues in Higher Education
graduate certificate:
- Adult Education and Training: We’ll explore aspects of adult education, theories of student development and training
environments to help set the stage for the rest of your coursework.
- Diverse Student Populations and the College Experience: Examine the relationship among diverse student populations and the college culture
and environment and their impact on each other.
- Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Consider the complexities of diversity from the perspective of an educational leader
in higher education.
You’ll also choose an elective course specific to your work or an area of interest.
UCM’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty will work with you to understand
your goals, so they can help tailor your coursework to best fit your needs.
Excellence in Higher Education Diversity
- Learn to create inclusive environments in Missouri’s most extensive Career and Technical
Education program, offering unparalleled resources and the flexibility you need to
complete the Diversity Issues in Higher Education graduate certificate on your timeline.
Unique learning opportunities in diversity issues in higher education
Discover ways to improve individual classrooms, larger campuses and society as a whole
through hands-on learning, campus activities and community organizations as part of
UCM’s Diversity Issues in Higher Education graduate certificate:
- Complete an internship: Use your elective to get an in-depth view of how to support diverse student populations.
You may provide support in an institution’s diversity office, multicultural center
or women’s center, as examples.
- Put your learning to practice: Engage in projects that allow you to reflect on your own bias before you bring all
your lessons together to improve a policy or practice of your choice on a college
campus. You’ll research its history — examining how it’s unjust and how it can become
more inclusive — and propose action to advance social justice.
- Join a student organization: You may choose to participate in an industry association such as the Missouri Community
College Association (MCCA) or the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) for
networking with other higher education professionals who may also be passionate about
inclusivity.
What can you do with a graduate certificate in Diversity Issues in Higher Education
from UCM?
With your Diversity Issues in Higher Education certificate, you’ll be well prepared
to pursue your passion for helping students be successful — no matter their culture
or background. Colleges and universities will recognize the value you place on diversity
and in creating inclusive classrooms and environments. Your credential and training
can serve as professional development or help you stand out as you apply for any job
in higher education, from adjunct or faculty instruction to staff or administrative
leadership positions.
Get faculty support for your career or professional development goals
UCM’s CTE faculty want to understand your goals for pursuing this graduate certificate
in order to guide you toward the right classes for your development or career. Do
you desire a job supporting cultural diversity on a college campus? Use the interactive
tool below to explore your possibilities.
Financial assistance options for your Diversity Issues in Higher Education graduate
certificate
Fulfill a passion for helping others — and be recognized for your inclusivity — when
you complete the University of Central Missouri’s Diversity Issues in Higher Education
graduate certificate. To help you realize these benefits and get the training you
need, UCM offers some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates. As a top-ranked
university by LendEDU for low student debt, we also provide access to degree-seeking
students to finance your education, such as loans, work-study opportunities and scholarships.
How to know if scholarships are available to you
If you’re also pursuing a graduate degree at UCM, such as our MS in Career and Technology Education or EdS in Professional Leadership: Adult, Career and Technical Education, program-specific scholarships may be available to you. You can learn more by using
the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Experience Diversity in UCM Classrooms
A graduate certificate designed for all higher ed professionals
UCM’s Diversity Issues in Higher Education certificate unites people of various backgrounds
and experiences in the pursuit of one goal: helping others. Join international students
wishing to learn about other cultures and local students completing their UCM master’s
degrees to promote social justice on college campuses.
Get Comprehensive Training at UCM
Options for your professional development
Teaching and leading in higher education requires specialized training. At UCM, we
offer options to help you get it. Choose from five graduate certificates to meet our
goals: Academic Advising in Higher Education, College Teaching, Community College
Leadership, CTE Administration Leadership and Diversity Issues in Higher Education.
View Your Options
Meet Your Instructors
UCM faculty and experts in diversity issues
At UCM, we’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and want you to be successful
in promoting the same at your institution. To provide optimal training, our courses
are taught by UCM’s full-time and adjunct CTE faculty with their own varied experiences.
Benefit from their guidance as you learn to create inclusive college campus environments.
Meet Our CTE Faculty
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Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this certificate, you will understand the concepts of diversity,
inclusive excellence, and privilege
- Recognize and comprehend the complexities of diversity and privilege as they pertain
to educational leadership.
- Have developed the ability to assess dynamic situations with regard to and concern
for social justice and the welfare of students.
- Understand self in the context of diversity awareness.
- Be aware of the impact campus climate and privilege can have on students in higher
education.
- Understand how to promote inclusive excellence within one’s sphere of influence and
understand how the changing student demographics require an inclusive environment
to promote excellence in all facets of education.
CSPA Graduate Assistantships
Get Ready for a Great Experience!
Working with committed staff, you will find that diversity and creativity are not
only welcomed, but encouraged. The close working relationships between and among students,
student services faculty, professional staff, and administrators promote an environment
in which students are mentored, challenged, and offered a broad spectrum of experiences
to create themselves as the outstanding professionals they seek to become.
Admission requirements
Admission to Graduate Studies
To submit your application, go to our online graduate admissions application form. You must pay a $30 non-refundable application fee and arrange for
official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended to be sent
to UCM Graduate Studies. You may also print a hard copy of the Graduate Application
and mail it to:
UCM Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 800
Ward Edwards 1800
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Requirements for admission to graduate study include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (2.70 GPA is required)
- Application on file prior to registration
- Official transcripts of previous college work
After admission to the Graduate School, your application is then forwarded to the
CSPA program. Additional documents required by the program include:
- Two current letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Autobiographical statement of purpose in pursuing graduate work
These items must be sent electronically to mconrad@ucmo.edu.
Standards and Practices
Our CSPA Program follows the standards and practices of the following organizations: