Program Overview

Certificate code CTDIVU

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.

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.

Benefits

Undergraduate students who earn the diversity studies certificate will:

• Prepare 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.

Certificate Hours Requirement

The diversity studies certificate requires a minimum of 18 semester credit hours and six courses.

Eligibility and Required Coursework

The Diversity Studies Certificate is open to students from any major. For an updated list of program requirements, please see the course catalog .

Apply Now

You can apply online to add the Diversity Studies Certificate.

Add Certificate

If you have questions about the program, please contact one of the following:

Dr. Joshua Hill
Interim Director of Global Studies Programs
Associate Professor, History
Ohio University
Yamada International House 213
Email: hillj6@ohio.edu

Dr. Catherine Cutcher
Assistant Director
Global Studies Programs
Center for International Studies
Yamada International House 106
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 597-2756
Email: cutcher@ohio.edu