High-Impact Master's Education

The education of individuals with diverse learning and cultural characteristics is an area of intense attention in research and policy today. Schools and various other employers seek personnel who are qualified to work effectively with a broad range of individuals.

Why Get a Master's in Equity & Diversity in Education?

This program is intended for educators and others who work with diverse youth and adults, especially in education or training-oriented positions. It offers advanced study on methods that serve diverse learners in the classroom and beyond, and allows educators and those in related fields to enhance their knowledge, skills and dispositions to work more effectively with individuals from various backgrounds. Multiple dimensions of human diversity are addressed through the program's course work, with special attention to gender, race/ethnicity, national origin, language, social class and exceptionality.

In addition to the relevance of this program to education, some business, government and nonprofit organizations will find this degree desirable for select positions. Further, participation in this program can benefit professionals who work in any field that serves diverse youth or adults, such as health and wellness, human resources and career counseling.

Applications are Accepted Year-Round

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Program Manual
Course Catalog

Program Requirements and Deadlines

This program accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning that students may apply at any time of the year. In addition to meeting the University Graduate School admission requirements, applicants to this program must:

  • Complete the program application
  • Have a GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Submit a statement of professional goals, a one to two page resume and two professional letters of recommendation
  • Meet the admission standards in the professional judgment of the program faculty


The MS Degree in Equity & Diversity requires students to develop a program of study in conjunction with their adviser and committee that includes a minimum of 32 graduate credits, at least 15 of which must be at the 700-level. Program coursework includes eleven courses: a research course, four core equity/diversity courses, five courses that students may tailor to their individual interests and a culminating comprehensive project course.

To successfully complete this program, students must:

  1. File a program of study and have it approved by the Graduate School
  2. Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all graduate work
  3. Successfully complete a culminating comprehensive examination or project

What's Special About This Master's in Equity & Diversity in Education?

This program is available in a hybrid face-to-face/online version or an online-only version that has fewer course options. In either case, program faculty include:

  • Lynda Wiest, Program Coordinator, Literacy, Language & Culture; Professor of Mathematics Education and Educational Equity
  • Eleni Oikonomidoy, Graduate Director, Equity & Diversity in Education; Associate Professor of Multicultural Education


Wiest says the Equity & Diversity in Education program helps give its graduates particular appeal in a time when diversity and equity issues are at the forefront of education.

"Given current demographic trends, schools and workplaces need employees who can support the needs of all youth and adults to achieve success in their respective endeavors," Wiest says. "Our program helps teachers and others develop appropriate skills and dispositions for doing just that."

Nicole Marvin, a graduate of the program who is currently an AP English teacher says, "The Equity and Diversity program ... reminded me how important it is that people who sign up to do this work [education] be knowledgeable about the intricacies of the world students will come from and feel confident they have the knowledge to benefit those students."

Ashley Salisbury, a program graduate and current senior financial aid advisor at the University, says the instruction she received helps her work more effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.

"We in the Financial Aid Office work with various populations of individuals," says Salisbury. "This program has given me a well-rounded perspective in order to better understand and serve our students. Not only was the program beneficial to me personally and professionally, but I also enjoyed working with the staff and professors. They were very encouraging and supportive of me."