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 (DEIJ-L) master's program is designed to give the foundation and tools for this work.

Upon completion of the DEIJ-L 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. 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. Our students bring a variety of backgrounds and fields to facilitate our examination of these challenging issues. 

Flexible format and tracks

  • This master’s program is available in two formats: as a residential program, with both in-person and virtual course requirements, or as a fully online program
  • Either format can be taken full-time or part-time*. Academic requirements for both part-time and full-time study are the same
  • Courses are available in fall, spring, and summer
  • Both part-time and full-time master's 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 is also parking friendly

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

Programs Requirements and Timelines

  • The master's program consists of 10 courses, including the year-long core seminar and the 2-semester final project.
  • Full-time students typically complete the program in 2-3 years.
  • 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 2 years with summer coursework.
  • Final project courses are not offered during the summer. 

Course Requirements

The master's curriculum is built around four essential focus areas, also called "Knowledge Competencies" (KCs). Each explores core theoretical ideas in combination with organizational leadership and measurement tools.

Visit this page for the full list of courses offered by our program. Master's students have the opportunity to petition for alternative courses offered outside of the DEIJ-L program. 

The DEIJ-L Master's Curriculum and Knowledge Competencies

  1. Core Seminar
  2. Knowledge Competency (KC) 1: Individuals, Groups & Society - Students will explore the social and historical contexts of DEI and consider cultural sensitivity and responsivity in leadership
    • KC1A: Social & Historical Context 
    • KC1B: Cultural Sensitivity & Responsivity 
  3. Knowledge Competency 2: Organizational & Interpersonal Leadership - Students will engage with material related to organizational behavior/change and interpersonal relations/conflict resolution.
    • KC2A: Organizational Behavior & Change 
    • KC2B: Interpersonal Relations/Conflict Resolution 
  4. Knowledge Competency 3: Research Design, Measurement & Analytics - This domain of practice refers to skills related to assessment, evaluation, policy, and data analytics.
    • KC3A: Assessment, Evaluation & Policy 
    • KC3B: Data Analytics 
  5. Elective Course
  6. Final Project - Capstone - Students engage in a final project course in the semester prior to completing their final project. This course guides our students as they identify their committee, write their proposals, and receive IRB approval. Students are encouraged to begin thinking about their final project by end of their first year in the program. The capstone project is a scholarly project consisting of original research in action in the student's area of focus that demonstrates thoughtful application of theories. 

*Current students may elect to complete the final project as a thesis. New students are encouraged to pursue their final project as a capstone.