Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) in Schools Certificate (K-12)
Be a change agent.
DEI in Schools Certificate (K-12)
Showcase your commitment to inclusive education with a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Schools Certificate (K-12). Complete four online courses and you may qualify for a salary change (Master’s +15 credits) or continue your studies with a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction. Be the go-to person in your district/building for elevating student voices, promoting equity, and steering policy change.
- Led By Practicing Faculty-Experts
- Complete Your Certificate In 9 Months, Part-Time
- 100% Online (Asynchronous)
- 4 Courses, 16 Credits
- Apply Credits Toward A Master’s In Curriculum & Instruction
- Student Coaching And Support From Day One
- No Licensure Required
Learn more about Merrimack’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Schools Certificate (K-12).
What Can I Do with a DEI in Schools Certificate?
Graduates with a DEI Certificate share a commitment to the wellness of young people. Not only will graduates create classroom environments that accommodate a range of student needs, but they may also become the go-to person in their district/building for elevating student voices, promoting equity, and steering policy change.
DEI in Schools is a growing area of emphasis. Districts are seeking leaders to serve as coordinators between communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders throughout the community to address equity gaps that may impact student learning opportunities.
Graduates with a DEI in Schools Certificate may:
- Become A District-Wide DEI Coordinator
- Steer Policy At The Building Or District Level
- Apply For A Salary Change (Master’s +15 Credits)
- Continue Their Studies With A Master’s In Curriculum & Instruction
Courses & Learning Outcomes
Complete four courses and earn your DEI in Schools Certificate (K-12).
This course addresses the foundations of education and the philosophical, historical, and sociological issues in the field. The course content will focus on the nature of educational process and the impact of socio-cultural and political forces on the American schools.
This course uses a social justice framework to explore issues of power and privilege with respect to diverse populations within PK-12 education. Historical and contemporary oppression based on race, gender, ability, and other differences are explored. Self-reflection is used to examine students’ own biases and prejudices. This course offers aspiring community activists the opportunity to explore and initiate social change for underserved populations within the PK-12 school system.
Students will be able to:
- Apply a social justice framework to issues of power and privilege in K-12 education systems.
- Describe and analyze contemporary and historical issues of oppression in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, ability, and other differences.
- Examine and describe one’s own bias and prejudices in relation to K-12 education and your role within it.
- Describe ways social change can occur for underrepresented populations within the K-12 system.
This course explores the realities of diverse populations that occupy educational spaces, considering the experiences of both educators and learners. Here the primary focus is on the contexts, histories, and lived reality that comes with students when they enter an educative space. The concept of diversity is interrogated, examined, and ultimately examined through multiple lenses to more fully understand the depth and breadth of a widely used concept.
Students will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of diverse populations in K-12 schools.
- Describe the impact of the K-12 system on students of different backgrounds.
- Analyze the concept of diversity within the K-12 context as used.
- Analyze the different lenses used to describe diversity in K-12 schools.
- SEL for Educators
- Developing Emotional Competency and Social Maturity in Youth
- Mental Health First Aid – Youth & Adult
- Resiliency and Wellness in the Professions (coming soon)
- Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- Educational Leadership and Managerial Strategies
- Financial Leadership
- Project-Based Digital Learning
- Designing Virtual Classrooms
- Technology for eLearning and Teaching
- Fundamentals Independent School Leadership
- Fundamentals of Faith-Based Education
Tuition and Financial Aid
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) in Schools Certificate (K-12)
$579
per credit*
16
credits
$9,264
tuition
*Tuition based on 2023-2024 academic year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Additional program fees may apply.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal support in the form of loans. We strongly encourage all eligible graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack accepts employer financial/tuition assistance. We also offer partnership discounts. Contact us or ask your employer whether your organization is an official partner with Merrimack’s online programs.
It’s Easy to Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee).
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Resume.
- Interview or Personal statement.
- Contact information for one reference or one letter of recommendation.
GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.
Merrimack College
Accolades and Accreditation
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 14)
- Regional Universities North (No. 33)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 31)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 86)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 14)
- Best Value Schools (No. 47)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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