Diversity Studies students

Undergraduate Certificate in
Diversity Studies

Program summary

Gain a greater understanding of ethical issues related to discrimination and intolerance, and learn to use that knowledge to help foster more inclusive policies and attitudes at organizations where you work or volunteer.

Application deadline

Apply by August 14 to start August 21

Credits and costs

12 Credits $620/$664 per credit

What is Diversity Studies?

The Undergraduate Certificate in Diversity Studies offered online through Penn State World Campus explores social difference and inequality related to gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, aging, religion, and disability. It focuses on human experiences — how we view the world around us, the opportunities presented to us, and the people that surround us. This online diversity studies certificate will encourage you to expose, critique, and confront historical and contemporary sources of social inequality.

Why Diversity Studies at Penn State?

The 12-credit Undergraduate Certificate in Diversity Studies will encourage reflection on the ethical challenges that arise when we become aware of how privilege, power, and differences are embedded in our world and daily lives. The aim is to move the discourse away from mere tolerance, celebration, or appreciation to a deeper understanding and critique of discrimination, intolerance, and inequality in the historical and contemporary global society.

Your Online Diversity Studies Course Work

In this 12-credit online program, you will explore the differences and the similarities we share with others in our diverse society. By acquiring a deeper understanding of cultures and human interaction, you can lay the groundwork for better communication and enhanced relationships in all facets of your life. 

Who Should Apply?

You can benefit greatly from this program if you want to:

• translate your curiosities, experiences, passions, and interests into actionable and meaningful work
• seek out inclusive environments, with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and races, and better understand their points of view
• delve more deeply into the subjects of gender equity, human rights, and social justice
• explore how gender and sexuality play a role in culture, the arts, health, politics, the sciences, and education
• become a change agent in your community

Courses

The online certificate program is a 12-credit program consisting of four 3-credit courses. The courses are offered in a timeframe comparable to a traditional semester, with fixed start and end dates. The course content and activities are delivered in electronic format; access to the web is required in order to complete this program. 

Prescribed Course (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Use literature, film, and scholarly texts to explore how conceptions of social difference, such as those linked to categories of gender, race, sexuality, class, ethnicity, and disability, shape society and everyday interactions historically and today.

Additional Courses (select 3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Explore what it means to be Black in America by engaging with questions about identity and authenticity, freedom and unfreedom, radicalism and reform, gender and sexuality, and the role of music in African American life.

  • 3
    credits

    Review scholarly theories and research pertaining to women’s experiences and women’s status in contemporary American society.

  • 3
    credits

    Explore scholarly theories and research pertaining to women and gender while experiencing examples of contemporary women’s creative practice through the visual arts, media, and popular culture.

    • 3
      credits

      Learn about the dominant themes in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies, with an emphasis on both literary and cultural studies. This course explores the history of modern, Western ideas about sexual identity as manifested in literature, theatre, film, and other narrative forms of popular culture.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Learn about the dominant themes in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies, with an emphasis on both literary and cultural studies. This course explores the history of modern, Western ideas about sexual identity as manifested in literature, theatre, film, and other narrative forms of popular culture.

Supporting Courses (select 6 credits)

    • 3
      credits

      The impact of inequality and discrimination on individual and group identity among various racial and ethnic groups.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      The impact of inequality and discrimination on individual and group identity among various racial and ethnic groups.

  • 3
    credits

    Consideration of influences and forces shaping modern African society; analysis of current local and global problems and issues facing Africa are the central focus of the course.

  • 3
    credits

    The course aims to cast light on contemporary religious life in the United States by looking at the history of American religion.

  • 3
    credits

    This course tells the story of humankind, how we as a species developed, and how modern Homo sapiens have developed more cultural complexity over time, moving, in the last 12,000 years, from a worldwide small population of hunter-foragers to a population so large that it strains the planet's resources, with nation-states competing for the loyalty of their citizens with powerful ethnic and religious enclaves and also with global corporations.

  • 3
    credits

    This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and evidence used in understanding the cultural diversity of our planet.

  • 3
    credits

    This course is a review of the indigenous cultures of North America, located north of Mexico. It will cover the cultures that developed just prior to, during, and immediately after contact with non-indigenous explorers and pioneers.

  • 3
    credits

    What are the factors that bind and define a region? What makes a geographical area, a set of cultures, or a certain group of people into a single entity? Who decides? Asian history provides a view of how a region is formed and reshaped over time.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines the relationship diverse personal and sociocultural factors (e.g., socioeconomic class, race-ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation) have with health.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100 or SOC 1

  • 3
    credits

    Interdisciplinary study of gender, examining the interaction of biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors on health differentials throughout the lifespan.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101

  • 3
    credits

    Focus on topics such as language, identity, prejudice, and intergroup relations on a domestic/ international level.

  • 3
    credits

    Ethical issues in public and private communication; role of communication in expressing and realizing individual and social values.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores the literature on gender research in the discipline of human communication.

  • 3
    credits

    History and criticism of public discourse; intensive analysis of selected public addresses and social movements.

    • Prerequisite

      6 credits of CAS

  • 3
    credits

    The development of literature around the world - from epic, legend, lyric, etc. in the oral tradition to modern written forms.

  • 3
    credits

    Comparison of narrative techniques employed by literature and film in portraying different cultures, topics may vary each semester.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in media content, media business, and media practice.

    • 3
      credits

      The criminal justice system is a human creation and some errors are expected. Sometimes guilty parties go free and sometimes innocent people are convicted. In this course, we will employ the perspective of the social scientist to understand why and how wrongful convictions occur.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      The criminal justice system is a human creation and some errors are expected. Sometimes guilty parties go free and sometimes innocent people are convicted. In this course, we will employ the perspective of the social scientist to understand why and how wrongful convictions occur.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores the economic, social, psychological, and political aspects of the deaf culture and its interaction with the majority hearing culture.

    • 3
      credits

      Learn about the dominant themes in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies, with an emphasis on both literary and cultural studies. This course explores the history of modern, Western ideas about sexual identity as manifested in literature, theatre, film, and other narrative forms of popular culture.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Learn about the dominant themes in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies, with an emphasis on both literary and cultural studies. This course explores the history of modern, Western ideas about sexual identity as manifested in literature, theatre, film, and other narrative forms of popular culture.

  • 3
    credits

    Physiological, psychological, and social development and intervention from young adulthood through old age.

  • 3
    credits

    Concepts of affectional and sexual orientation over life span, with emphasis on lesbian and gay male personal, family, and community adaptation.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will explore the way people and their environments interact to influence human development through the integration of memoirs and other personal narratives, humanist themes and methods of inquiry, and social science theory and research.

  • 3
    credits

    Contemporary economic, social, and political aspects of the United States and its role as a world power since 1945.

    • 3
      credits

      A study of selected problems in the history of work in the United States, especially since 1877.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      A study of selected problems in the history of work in the United States, especially since 1877.

  • 3
    credits

    A selective overview of the history of imperialism and nationalism in Africa.

  • 3
    credits

    This course explores the life of the Jewish people from Biblical times on, emphasizing cultural, religious, and institutional developments.

    • 3
      credits

      Employment relations and legislative and policy responses to labor force issues of racial and gender inequality.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Employment relations and legislative and policy responses to labor force issues of racial and gender inequality.

    • 3
      credits

      Develop knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to understand and practice effective employment strategies in working with people with disabilities.

      • Prerequisite

        5th Semester standing or 3 credits of LHR

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Develop knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to understand and practice effective employment strategies in working with people with disabilities.

      • Prerequisite

        5th Semester standing or 3 credits of LHR

  • 3
    credits

    This course explores the science and practice of leadership around the globe through pertinent scholarly literature and related instructional resources.

  • 3
    credits

    Overviews scholarship relating to women in positions of leadership in groups and organizations, as well as obstacles to their success.

  • 3
    credits

    This course is designed to increase student awareness of personal, interpersonal, and societal aspects of disability, including how disability can be defined and understood differently in varied individual, institutional, and cultural contexts.

  • 3
    credits

    The course introduces students to the academic study of religion as well as to some of the major religious traditions of the world.

  • 3
    credits

    Leisure from historical and contemporary perspectives, including forces shaping leisure behavior, and relationships among leisure, the environment, and social institutions.

  • 3–4
    credits

    Focuses on historical patterns and current status of racial, ethnic and cultural groups and issues locally, nationally, and internationally.

  • 3
    credits

    The role of gender in shaping contemporary North American patterns of employment, occupational roles, and statuses.

  • 3
    credits

    This course will include an overview of characteristics and learning traits, classification systems, assessment strategies/issues, approaches, and interventions related to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Special emphasis will be given to selecting evidence-based practices and enhancing collaboration among individuals with ASD, their families, and supporting professionals.

  • 3
    credits

    Review scholarly theories and research pertaining to women’s experiences and women’s status in contemporary American society.

  • 3
    credits

    Explore scholarly theories and research pertaining to women and gender while experiencing examples of contemporary women’s creative practice through the visual arts, media, and popular culture.

  • 3
    credits

    This introductory course considers core topics in the field of feminist sexuality studies to both unsettle popular mainstream discourses on sexuality and to aid students in developing a more comprehensive, inclusive, and ethical lens through which to view intersections of gender, sexuality, and the body.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? If you have 59 or fewer credits If you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer $620 per credit $664 per credit
12 or more $7,527 per semester $8,125 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

  • Fall DeadlineApply by August 14 to start August 21
  • Spring DeadlineApply by January 1 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by May 5, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

All supporting materials should be sent following the submission of your application.

For current and future course registration deadlines, visit the Registrar's website to view the academic calendar by semester

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact [email protected].

Admission Requirements 

To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.

If you are already enrolled in a World Campus degree program, you can complete this certificate along with your degree program.

If you are not enrolled in a World Campus degree program, you may still pursue this certificate as a nondegree student. Students pursuing a stand-alone certificate are classified as nondegree. (Nondegree students do receive full college credit for all courses taken in nondegree status; however, financial aid is not available to nondegree students.)

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State undergraduate certificate?

Apply by August 14 to start August 21. How to Apply

Start or Advance Your Career

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You can leverage your understanding of and respect for diversity in almost any industry, but will find these skills specifically applicable in fields including human resources, social welfare, education, and health and medicine.


Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Contact Us

For questions about admissions and applications, please contact World Campus Central:

World Campus Central
Phone: 814-865-1146
[email protected]

To learn more about the Undergraduate Certificate in Diversity Studies, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, please contact:

Laurie Spielvogel
Director for the Undergraduate Certificate in Diversity Studies
Teaching Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
[email protected]
Phone: 814-863-4025


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State undergraduate certificate?

Apply by August 14 to start August 21. How to Apply