University of Kentucky®
Graduate Certificate in Senior Diversity Officer Leadership
Become an innovative leader working on integrating diversity and inclusiveness roles in your future career. This online program will prepare you to fulfill executive positions and gain leadership knowledge to promote organizational change.
This program offers rolling admission. Submit your application prior to the deadline to receive a timely decision.
At a Glance
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Credits and Tuition Cost (2024-2025)
Format
Request Information
Graduate Certificate in Senior Diversity Officer Leadership overview
What You'll Learn
Develop the competencies needed to serve as a leader for inclusive excellence and organizational change. Gain the leadership knowledge and skills needed to fill executive level positions and pursue innovative best practices in your DEI work and future career. Be mentored by experienced senior diversity officers from across the nation.
A significant feature of the Graduate Certificate and new Ph.D. Specialization in Diversity Equity and Inclusion will be the opportunity to network and build mentoring relationships with senior diversity officers active in the field. Through partnerships with INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, and the UK College of Education’s Education and Civil Rights Initiative in collaboration with the NAACP, students will build a network of connections and mentored relationships to assure success in their careers.
Course Examples
- EPE 751 Strategy, Structure, & Change Management for Senior Diversity Leadership
- EPE 752 Policy & Practice SDO Leadership
- Students will also complete one guided elective course in organizational leadership from a pre-existing selection in the Department of Educational Leadership.
How to Apply
Application Requirements
Standard graduate application requirements apply.
CV Personal Statement -A narrative statement that highlights your career progression to present and identifies how your professional experience relates to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Also identify how you plan to use this certificate.
DEI Essay -Answer the question “Why is Diversity a compelling interest in Education or related field?" 3-4 pages
Two letters of recommendation (provide email contact only)
At the request of program faculty, an interview (via phone or zoom) may be required.
Admissions Criteria
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Distance Learning
Licensure & Authorization
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
AUTHORIZATION & LICENSURE INFO
Student Support
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.
Why UK Online
UK degree
Grad tuition cap
Flexible schedule
Related Programs
