FAQs for Prospective Graduate Students
We are excited about your interest in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership (DEIJ-L) program at Tufts University. Deciding on the right graduate program for you is a big decision. We understand that there is much to consider during this process and you may have some questions as you navigate through the application process. Below, you will find some of the commonly asked questions regarding admissions into our graduate program. Additional information may be found on the Office of Graduate Admissions website. If you don't see the answer to your specific questions, please contact the department.
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The DEIJ-L program accepts part-time master’s applicants and certificate applicants for spring semester admission. The deadline to submit all spring applications is October 15th.
DEIJ-L accepts full-time and part-time master’s applicants and certificate applicants for fall semester admission. The deadline to submit all fall applications is February 15th.
Please note that the program may transition to rolling deadlines following the priority deadlines of October 15th and February 15th, though this is not guaranteed for each admission period. For more information on the official deadlines for the program, please contact Graduate Admissions.
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The Certificate Program is online only, while the MA offers both fully online and residential (which consists of options of courses online and on-campus).
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The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership (DEIJ-L) program offers tuition scholarships for master’s candidates. Eligible candidates typically receive between a 20% - 40% tuition scholarship, with a maximum scholarship of 50%. As needs may change from year to year, students may request changes to their financial aid status.
The program cannot provide full tuition scholarships, nor do we award teaching or research assistantships. Visit this page for more information about tuition and fees.
Certificate applicants are not eligible for tuition scholarships.
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The DEIJ-L program evaluates each candidate’s application for evidence of strong academic preparation for graduate level work, relevant field and/or work experience, demonstrated emerging knowledge of issues related to the field, quality letters of recommendations, and a personal statement addressing these issues as well as goals for the degree.
While Certificate applicants will be admitted or denied after this stage, Master's applicants progressing through this stage will be invited to submit a brief video statement as well as a virtual interview evening to discuss their application with a member of the admissions committee before admissions decisions are made.
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Careers for DEIJ practitioners are varied: our graduates work in various sectors including education (K-12 and higher education), non-profit, corporate, law, sports, and healthcare.
Examples of positions our alumni hold now:
- DE&I Program Manager, Massachusetts Health & Human Services
- Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Quinsigamond Community College
- Director of DEI, The Rivers School
- Dean for Community Engagement & Diversity, Stanford University
- Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer, Eversheds Sutherland, LLP
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Full-time master’s students typically complete their degree in 2 years. Part-time master’s typically complete their degree between 2-3 years. Certificate students typically complete their degree between 1-2 years.
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With our flexible part-time offerings, many of our students are working professionals. Several folks have engaged in DEI work for the majority of their careers. Other applicants have been working in DEI-adjacent roles but may want to pivot to focus on DEI full-time. Other applicants may have just completed undergrad, focusing their studies on related subject areas and are looking to continue their education with a master’s or certificate degree.
Professional DEI experience is not required, but applicants should have some related DEI-experience, or have enrolled in undergraduate courses of study well-aligned with the DEIJ-L program.