Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership

MA in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership

To be an effective leader in anti-racist and anti-bias efforts, you must understand the complex sociological, economic, and historical contexts that have led to bias, discrimination, and marginalization. Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership master's program is a residential program that is designed to give the foundation and tools for this work. Upon completion of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership master's program, you will be prepared to implement changes to enhance diversity, inclusion, and equity, design and evaluate programs to enact change, and lead organizations through sustainable transformation.

In this program, you will develop a deep understanding of foundational and scholarly theories (e.g., critical race theory) while you acquire the practical tools (e.g., program evaluation) to implement institutional changes. 

This program is truly interdisciplinary--courses are taught by faculty across Tufts' Education, Psychology, Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, and Child Study and Human Development departments. Further, our students bring a variety of backgrounds and fields to facilitate our examination of these challenging issues.  

Program Tracks

Students will select either a Thesis or a Capstone project as part of their graduation requirements. Both tracks are available to full-time and part-time students and will be selected with the help of faculty advisors. 

  • Thesis track: The thesis is a two-semester scholarly project consisting of original research in the student's area of focus.
  • Capstone project track: The capstone project is an internship, practicum, civic engagement activity, or equivalent project which incorporates and demonstrates thoughtful application of theories in a chosen area of practice. 

Part-Time Degree Program Track for Working Professionals

Tailored to fit your schedule, the Tufts' part-time professional master's programs will help you advance your career. Requirements are the same as full-time study.

  • Allows working professionals to work full-time while attending courses during the evening and/or online
    • The master's program is currently in a hybrid modality, with both in-person and virtual course requirements
  • Courses available in fall, spring, and summer
  • Students are eligible for tuition scholarships
  • Conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Boston, our Medford/Somerville campus is easily accessible via public transportation and has ample parking

For more information, email Part-time Programs.

*If you are unsure if you are eligible for part-time study due to an international visa, please email GSAS Pathways.

Programs Requirements and Timelines

  • The master's program consists of 11 courses, including the final project
  • Full-time students typically complete the program in 15 to 24 months, depending on academic and summer coursework. 
  • Part-time students typically take one to two courses per semester in the evening, in-person or online, and can complete the program in as few as 24 months.

Course Requirements

The master's curriculum is built around four essential focus areas. Each explores core theoretical ideas in combination with organizational leadership and measurement tools and has a variety of courses and electives that students can draw from to complete the areas' requirements.

In addition to the final project, students will work with a faculty advisor to make final course selections across each of the core curricular areas outlined below. The courses represent a variety of electives students may take while in the program, though is not an exhaustive list. Students are welcome to petition the program to include other electives significant to their area of focus.

The curriculum covers the following knowledge competencies:

  1. Individuals, Groups & Society - Students will explore the social and historical contexts of DEI and consider cultural sensitivity and responsivity in leadership.
    • Required team-taught introductory core seminar 
    • Social & Historical Context 
    • Cultural Sensitivity & Responsivity 
       
  2. Organizational & Interpersonal Leadership - Students will engage with material related to organizational behavior/change and interpersonal relations/conflict resolution.
    • Organizational Behavior & Change 
    • Interpersonal Relations/Conflict Resolution 
       
  3. Research Design, Measurement & Analytics - This domain of practice refers to skills related to assessment, evaluation, policy, and data analytics.
    • Assessment, Evaluation & Policy 
    • Data Analytics 
       
  4. Integrative Capstone Experience 
    A proposal is required for both options. Students should discuss their goals with their advisors by end of their second semester.
    • Internship or Civic Engagement Project 
    • Thesis 

*If you feel another graduate-level course offered by Tufts would advance your studies and understand diversity, inclusion, and equity, you may petition the program to accept this course as an acceptable elective.