Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies
Hours: 12 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies at Fort Hays State University provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding key issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and identity. Through coursework in sociology, history, literature, philosophy, and political science, students gain a comprehensive historical, theoretical, and research-based perspective on contemporary social challenges. This flexible certificate is designed to complement any major, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with and contribute to a more inclusive and democratic society.
Why pursue a Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and address today’s most pressing social challenges. The certificate offers a research-driven approach to understanding issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive and democratic society. Designed to complement any major, this certificate enhances the ability to engage with diverse perspectives and address inequalities in both professional and personal contexts, broadening career prospects and societal impact.
Additionally, FHSU offers flexible learning options, including both online and on-campus courses, to meet the diverse needs of students. This flexibility allows working professionals and those with other commitments to pursue their education without compromising their schedules.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of social issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s particularly well-suited for students pursuing careers where a deeper knowledge of cultural dynamics and social justice is essential. It is perfect for:
- Individuals pursuing careers in support of underserved communities
- Professionals seeking a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and equity in the workplace
- Educators aiming to create inclusive classrooms and understand the impact of cultural identity on learning
- Those passionate about social justice and advocating for equality
Real-World Applications
At Fort Hays State University, the Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies offers students a comprehensive understanding of contemporary social issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through coursework in sociology, history, literature, philosophy, and political science, students gain both theoretical knowledge and research-based insights into cultural identity and social justice. This certificate equips students with the skills to navigate and contribute to a more inclusive society, making it a valuable complement to any field of study.
Students apply research-based methods to real-world social issues, analyzing challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These experiences enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and workplaces and drive positive change in a diverse world.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
This certificate integrates the latest research and content in the field, ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. Faculty members remain up to date with current trends and challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring students engage with the most relevant and timely issues. This commitment to incorporating the latest insights into the curriculum enhances the learning experience, preparing students to effectively address the ever-evolving social dynamics in their careers and communities.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies emphasizes hands-on learning through engaging activities that allow students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students explore critical topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and identity. They participate in discussions, case studies, and projects that challenge them to analyze contemporary social challenges from multiple perspectives. These hands-on experiences not only deepen students' understanding of cultural diversity but also equip them with the practical skills needed to contribute to a more inclusive and democratic society. Collaborative projects further enhance their ability to work effectively in diverse teams and communicate across cultural contexts.
What You’ll Learn:
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Interdisciplinary approach to social issues
- Historical and theoretical perspectives
- Analysis of contemporary challenges
- Collaborative teamwork and communication skills
How You’ll Learn:
- Interdisciplinary coursework and discussions
- Real-world application
- Hands-on activities
- Diverse perspectives and analysis
The curriculum offers students a comprehensive understanding of contemporary social challenges through an interdisciplinary approach. Students engage with critical issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion while exploring topics in sociology, history, literature, philosophy, and political science. This certificate is designed to complement any major, equipping students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute to a more inclusive and democratic society. Below are a few of the courses included in the certificate:
SOC 376: Diversity in the United States
This course explores the U.S. as a multicultural democracy, emphasizing cultural diversity and pluralistic identity. Through social sciences, humanities, history, and global perspectives, it examines diversity dynamics while fostering social responsibility and civic competency.
SOC 460: Comparative Culture and Societies
This course explores global social structures and cultures, focusing on institutions such as family, education, economics, politics, religion, and healthcare, with an emphasis on specific countries from various world regions.
HIST 350: Latin American Civilization
This course examines pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas, the Spanish and Portuguese conquests, and the blended cultures that emerged from these interactions.
Discover the full Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students who complete the Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies will gain access to a wide range of career opportunities. This certificate provides a deep understanding of cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion, preparing students for roles in fields where they can apply their knowledge to drive positive social change.
Journalist
Journalists research, analyze, and report on events, trends, and issues across various media platforms, including print, TV, and digital. They may specialize in areas such as politics, sports, or entertainment, with the goal of informing the public, holding institutions accountable, and amplifying diverse perspectives.
Grant Writer
Grant writers develop proposals that outline project goals, methods, and expected outcomes, ensuring alignment with the priorities of potential funders. Typically employed by non-profits, universities, or government agencies, they play a key role in securing funding for initiatives in areas such as education, health, community development, and the arts.
Human Services Professional
Human services professionals assist individuals and communities facing challenges such as poverty, disability, and addiction. They provide counseling, case management, and advocacy, working in settings like hospitals, schools, government agencies, and non-profits to help people navigate social systems and access essential resources.
Public Historian
Public historians work in museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions, creating exhibits and programs that make history accessible to the public. They collaborate with communities and organizations to preserve cultural heritage and help people connect with their historical roots. Their work often includes historical consulting, oral history, and heritage tourism.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers a range of programs that complement the Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies, providing students with valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge and enhance their career prospects. Related programs include:
Yes, the certificate is designed to complement any major. It offers flexibility in coursework, allowing students from all disciplines, whether in the arts, sciences, business, or other fields, to integrate this valuable credential into their academic path. The interdisciplinary approach enhances your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, making it a valuable addition to any career trajectory.
This certificate provides students with a deep understanding of cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion, preparing them to pursue roles in fields where they can apply their knowledge to create positive social change, such as journalism, grant writing, human services, and public history.
To engage effectively with diverse individuals in your workplace and community, approach interactions with openness, empathy, and respect. Actively listen, challenge your own biases, and engage in conversations about cultural differences. The Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies offers practical strategies to foster inclusivity and create a more collaborative environment.
The Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies requires 12 credit hours to complete. Depending on your course load and availability, you can earn the certificate in as little as one year. Both full-time and part-time options are offered to accommodate a variety of schedules.
Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology
The School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU offers a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and the social sciences. Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical skills that equip them to address complex societal challenges and become effective leaders and professionals.
The Criminal Justice programs provide both online and on-campus options, focusing on areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system, with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and integrity. Leadership programs cultivate essential organizational and interpersonal skills through interactive coursework and hands-on internships, supported by initiatives like the Leadership Studies Association and the VALUE program. Sociology programs explore human behavior, social structures, and community issues, encouraging analytical thinking and research-based problem-solving.
Together, these programs create a robust and collaborative educational environment that promotes cross-disciplinary learning. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether focused on justice, leadership, or social change, students in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology gain the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Criminal Justice Club: Open to students majoring, minoring, or pursuing a certificate in Criminal Justice, as well as those majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club offers career-focused opportunities for service, networking, and social engagement. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities that vary each semester based on student interests. Volunteer options are available through local groups such as:
- Delta Tau Omega: Students in the Criminal Justice Club have an opportunity to join the FHSU chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega. Membership in this organization allows students to participate in regional and national conferences, where they can engage in a variety of competitions, including written exams, mock crime scene investigations, physical agility tests, scholarly research poster presentations, and national research paper and scholarship contests. To remain active in the organization, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their criminal justice coursework.
- Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club promotes research on topics aimed at improving the community. The club actively collaborates with both the FHSU campus community and residents of Hays, hosting student engagement events and participating in a variety of community service projects. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in sociology while highlighting the discipline’s importance in understanding society and enhancing the human condition.
- Alpha Kappa Delta: Sociology majors may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the honor society for sociology. This organization promotes academic excellence and fosters scholarship and fellowship among undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for membership, students must have junior standing, a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, and at least 12 completed credit hours in sociology coursework.
- Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills by building meaningful relationships, engaging in skill-building activities, and applying leadership in real-world settings. The organization encourages student growth through a variety of events and activities designed to foster personal and professional development.
Criminal Justice Centers
- National De-escalation Training Center:
In August 2020, Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Programs and University Police partnered with the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) to become the Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a designated regional center, FHSU offers the only Level 3 de-escalation training currently available in the United States.
- Level 1 training includes traditional de-escalation techniques grounded in procedural justice.
- Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention strategies.
- Level 3 enhances both traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention methods by incorporating rapid personality identification.
The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase officer confidence in applying de-escalation techniques when working with the public.
FHSU facilitates all three of NDTC’s training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, a two-day, in-person training, and a comprehensive 32- to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Supported by substantial federal funding, these training opportunities are available to agencies at little to no cost. In addition, scholarships may be available to help agencies enroll officers in the online course.
NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).
- Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:
Located within the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-Based Violence functions as a regional hub for collaborative research and community service. Its mission is to alleviate the barriers faced by survivors, promote economic independence, and empower survivors to embrace new opportunities with freedom and confidence.
The Center commits to providing sustainable support aimed at helping survivors break the cycle of violence and transform from victims/survivors into social entrepreneurs.
Focusing on gender-based violence in rural areas, the Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research that explores its causes and effective control measures. It leads collaborative networks of researchers committed to applying evidence-based approaches and identifying best practices to address gender-based violence within rural communities.
Additionally, the Center fosters academic-community partnerships through service-learning, research, assessment, education, and policy development, all designed to enhance the well-being and resilience of rural populations.
- VALUE Program:
The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is a year-long program designed to cultivate promising undergraduates into effective agents of change. It offers a combination of curricular and co-curricular experiences across three specialized tracks: corporate leadership, civic/nonprofit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.
- CNN Heroes Advisory Board:
The Sociology Programs focus on creating real-world impact through projects aimed at supporting those in need. A key initiative involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, made up of these distinguished leaders, offers students valuable guidance and insights drawn from their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
