Diversity and Inclusion Leadership

M.A. in Diversity and Inclusion Leadership

In the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership program, you will learn the scholarly theories and practical tools to implement institutional changes that promote diversity and foster inclusivity. To be an effective leader in diversity and inclusion, you must understand the social contexts and psychological processes that result in implicit bias, discrimination, and marginalization. 

Organizations are increasingly creating roles such as chief diversity officers, diversity managers, consultants, educational administrators, human resources, and/or college admissions professionals that can transform their communities. At Tufts, you’ll become the strong, informed, skilled leader that can help create more inclusive organizations.

You will join students from a variety of backgrounds and scholarly fields, all united in their desire to explore diversity in interdisciplinary contexts. Upon completion of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership master’s program, you will be capable of:

• Engaging in organizational observation using appropriate methods
• Implementing necessary changes to enhance equality and prevent marginalization
• Prioritizing these changes based on the culture and needs of the organization
• Designing and evaluating programs to enact these changes
• Leading organizations through sustainable transformation

Our Approach

Since this program is truly interdisciplinary in nature, you may choose from a suite of courses designed and inspired in part from the suggested training goals of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).

Students may complete the program in between 12 months and two years of full-time study, depending on academic and summer course load. Students may also enroll on a part-time basis with a schedule designed for working professionals. 

Two-year plan – Individuals in the standard track of the program take two courses per semester and have the opportunity to write a thesis in the second year of this track.

12-14 month plan – Individuals in this track should have several years of work experience before attempting the program. Students will need to take to an average of three courses per semester (including summer) and take an internship, practicum, or civic engagement project over the summer.

Part-time plan – Individuals working in a full-time position while enrolled in this program take one or two courses per semester during the academic year and the summer. Courses are offered in the evenings, on the weekends, and online to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Students have the opportunity to write a thesis or engage in a capstone project at the end of their studies. 

Visit the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership program website

Full-Time Track

Students in the full-time track of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership M.A. are required to take 11 total courses across four core curricular areas. Full-time students typically complete the program in 12 months to two years, depending on academic and summer course loads.

Pathways to Tufts: Part-Time Track for Working Professionals

Using a trimester format for graduate coursework, the part-time M.A. in Diversity and Inclusion Leadership allows working professionals to work full-time while attending courses in the evening, on the weekend, and online, allowing completion of the program in less than 2 years. Requirements are the same as the full-time track; students are required to take 11 total courses across four core curricular areas. 

Sample Part-Time Schedule*

*This is a sample schedule. Course offerings and schedule are subject to change. 

Application Deadline

Fall: February 15*
Spring: October 15
*Recognizing the serious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to our applicants and those considering graduate education opportunities, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will accept applications to the M.A. in Diversity and Inclusion Leadership up to August 1, 2020 for fall enrollment for domestic students. Our Admissions team is working closely with our programs to evaluate completed applications in a timely manner.

Fall Pathways Part-time Track: August 1
Spring Pathways Part-time Track: December 1

Application Requirements: 

> Application fee
> Resume/CV
> Personal statement
> Official GRE required*
> Official TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable
> Transcripts
> Three letters of recommendation 

View all general application requirements

*The program will consider waiving GRE scores for those with 5 or more years of relevant work experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion. GRE scores are not required for current Tufts undergraduates and Tufts undergraduate alumni who are within 2 years of graduation.

For a program overview and application information, please email gradadmissions@tufts.edu. To connect with faculty and current students, please email diversity.gradprogram@tufts.edu.

Students interested in part-time study should contact pathwaysgsas@tufts.edu.

For questions about your application, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 617.627.3395 or gradadmissions@tufts.edu.