Diversity and Inclusion Leadership

The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership program at Tufts University is a comprehensive and innovative academic offering designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to foster inclusive environments across a variety of organizational settings. This program emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, addressing systemic inequalities, and implementing effective strategies that promote equity and social justice within workplaces, communities, and society at large. Through a combination of core coursework, specialized electives, and experiential learning opportunities, students will explore critical topics such as cultural competence, bias reduction, policy development, and strategic communication. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to prepare participants to lead initiatives that drive meaningful change, whether in educational institutions, corporate sectors, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. Tufts’ interdisciplinary approach draws on insights from social sciences, organizational studies, ethics, and public policy, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded and capable of navigating complex social dynamics. In addition to classroom instruction, students have access to workshops, conferences, and networking events that foster collaboration with industry professionals and community leaders committed to diversity and inclusion. The program also emphasizes leadership development, encouraging students to cultivate the confidence and acumen needed to advocate for marginalized groups and create inclusive policies. Graduates of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership program emerge with a deep understanding of the barriers faced by diverse populations and the practical skills required to develop effective solutions. They are prepared to serve as change-makers and thought leaders in their respective fields, contributing to the creation of more equitable and just societies. This program is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in diversity and inclusion, aspiring leaders committed to social impact, and organizations aiming to prioritize equity in their operations. With a distinguished faculty comprising scholars and practitioners dedicated to these vital issues, Tufts University provides an engaging, inspiring, and transformative educational experience that empowers students to make a lasting difference in the world.

There are a variety of courses available that allow you to tailor your program to best suit individual goals. The program includes four knowledge components, comprising of one core course and your choice of an elective. The final component consists of a capstone project with thesis or civic engagement/internship options.

I. Individuals, Groups, & Society

• Team-Taught Introductory Core Seminar (2 core courses)
• Social & Historical Context (1 elective course)
• Cultural Sensitivity & Competence (1 elective course)

II. Organizational and Interpersonal Leadership

• Organizational Behavior & Change (1 core course)
• Interpersonal Relations/Conflict management (1 elective course)

III. Research Design, Measurement, & Analytics

• Assessment, Evaluation, & Policy (1 elective course)
• Data Analytics (1 elective course)

IV. Integrative Capstone Experience

An important part of students’ academic and professional development is a practical experience that integrates and synthesizes their knowledge within the areas studied above. Two options are available to meet this requirement:

• Internship, Practicum, or Civic Engagement Option (2 courses)
• Thesis option (2 courses)

1. Online application for admission
2. Scanned copies of all college transcripts
3. Letters of Recommendation: one for certificate programs, two for the engineering management program, and three for all other degree programs
4. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
5. Personal statement elaborating on your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study at Tufts
6. Application fee of $85 
7. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
8. Achieved competitive scores on both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE
9. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the internet based exam is required for M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. applicants, and a minimum score of 85 is required for M.F.A. applicants. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. 

Scholarships

For students who show scholarly promise, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering offer scholarships, fellowships, and research or teaching assistantships to full-time students in doctoral programs. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences also offers awards to full-time students in master’s programs. Certificate students are not eligible for these awards.

• Tuition Scholarships are available in most master's and doctoral programs for qualified students.
• Teaching Assistantships are offered by most departments.
• Research Assistantships are generally available in the science and engineering areas.
• Fellowships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding records of achievement and a well-articulated plan of study.

The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership program at Tufts University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster inclusive environments within various organizational and community settings. This program emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural differences, addressing social inequalities, and developing leadership strategies that promote equity and diversity. Students engaging in this program gain insight into the historical and social contexts of discrimination, learn effective communication techniques across diverse populations, and develop practical tools for implementing inclusive policies. The curriculum often includes coursework in social justice, cultural competency, organizational change, and ethical leadership. Participants have opportunities to engage in experiential learning through internships, community projects, and collaborations with organizations committed to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Tufts' faculty bring a wealth of expertise from disciplines such as sociology, public policy, education, and management, providing multidisciplinary perspectives on diversity issues. The program aims to prepare students for leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, corporate settings, government agencies, and educational institutions by fostering a deep understanding of systemic barriers and strategies to overcome them. Graduates of the program are expected to become advocates and change-makers, capable of promoting inclusive practices that enhance organizational performance and community well-being. The program's commitment to social justice and equity aligns with Tufts' broader mission to serve the public good and advance societal progress through education and leadership development. The curriculum's flexibility allows students to tailor their learning experiences to specific interests, including racial and ethnic diversity, gender and sexuality, disability inclusion, and global perspectives on diversity. Certification or degree awarded upon completion varies depending on the program structure, often leading to specializations in leadership, policy, or community engagement. Overall, Tufts University’s Diversity and Inclusion Leadership program strives to produce leaders who are equipped to navigate and influence complex social landscapes, fostering more equitable and inclusive environments across all sectors.