Certification Overview
Awareness of human diversity is a vital component for competitive organizations. The Certification in Diversity Awareness provides a comprehensive review of differences faced in business and society and a foundation for working together productively. Students successfully finishing the four courses not only complete the emphasis but also earn twelve hours of graduate credit. This Certification may be completed online and complements the Master of Arts in Professional Development and the Master of Science in Human Relations & Business.
Diversity awareness refers to one’s ability to embrace what makes people unique, including race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, physical abilities, socio-economic status, and political beliefs. These skills extend beyond tolerance to comprise the exploration and respect of these differences and the ability to nurture healthy relationships with a diverse group.
Certification Guide (PDF)
What Is the Diversity Awareness Certification?
When it comes to business development, it’s helpful to have a good grasp on the idea of diversity and how it can help a business grow and thrive. It’s equally important for people in management roles to be able to build a team that understands and willingly embraces it. Our certification in Diversity Awareness offers a comprehensive review of the differences professionals face in society and business.
This program complements the Master of Science in Human Relations & Business and the Master of Arts in Professional Development and is available for completion online. Students who complete this specialization earn 12 hours of graduate credit.
What Are the Requirements?
Each course in Diversity Awareness is designed to help you broaden your understanding of the issues faced by different groups in our population and use your knowledge to make effective professional decisions. Some of the courses that students seeking this certification must complete include:
- Cultural Communication: Explore the effects cultural differences can have on communication. Study various cultures and compare them with yours.
- Sex Roles in Business and Society: Gain an understanding of how sex-role expectations can affect organizational role expectations. Develop a stronger grasp on empathy and respect for one another as colleagues.
- Human Sexuality: Examine one of the most important aspects of life. Explore the issues created by inadequate education about healthy sexuality.
- Aging and End of Life Issues: Take a closer look at the critical issues that aging members of our society face from biological, psychological, and social perspectives.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates?
Today’s business leaders must be able to function in an increasingly globalized world. The ideal candidate for a diversity awareness certification has some specific traits and goals, such as:
- Self-awareness. Bias is a normal part of being human. However, to work in a business development role or another similar position that requires working well with many different types of people, it’s essential to understand your prejudices to prevent them from affecting your work or your team.
- Communication skills. For many different reasons, communication is the single most crucial skill needed in the business world. However, this is especially true when it comes to diversity management. From spoken language to nonverbal communication, emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate interpersonal relationships with a diverse range of people are essential.
- An open mind. One of the critical competencies of diversity managers is the ability to respond to innovation. The business world changes constantly, and these professionals must be able to keep up – as well as to work with a diverse team of people to support strategic goals.
Which Industries Does This Apply To?
Diversity awareness is essential in the modern global economy. As more and more US companies reach across borders to maximize their market share, business leaders are expected to keep pace by improving their cultural knowledge, and this applies to virtually every industry. Whatever your calling, diversity awareness will help you on your path to success. Examples of job titles you may hold with this certification include Director of Equity and Community, Coordinator of Equity and Inclusion, Diversity Coordinator, Director of Community Outreach, and Diversity Program Assistant.
Specific Amberton Degree Offerings
At Amberton, we offer a wide range of certifications suitable for our variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In addition to our Diversity Awareness certification, we also offer certifications such as Adult Training and Development, Conflict Management and Resolution, Executive Leadership, and Project Management. Students can add certifications to their degrees to fine-tune their focus and increase their marketability in the professional world. Amberton is an accredited university offering degree programs designed to cater to working adults. Contact us for more information or begin your application today.
Hours Required: 12
Courses:
COM6420 - Cultural Communication
The course allows students to analyze how cultural differences affect communication. Students study various cultures and compare and contrast them with American culture.
HBD5721 - Sex Roles in Business and Society
The course analyzes the interface between sex roles and organizational expectations. The primary objective of the course is to help students develop a greater understanding and respect for all of their professional colleagues.
CAVEAT: No graduate credit will be awarded if HBD4721 has been successfully completed.
HBD6769 - Human Sexuality
Human Sexuality is a thorough examination of one of the most important aspects of life. Also, the course addresses many of the issues and dilemmas created by avoidant and/or inadequate learning about healthy sexuality. These competencies represent knowledge and skills that may be applied by professionals in the education and/or helping fields as well as by individuals wishing to advance their own learning in the area.
HBD6768 - Aging and End of Life Issues
This course explores the critical social issues facing our aging society. Coverage includes the major social, psychological, and biological perspectives in aging and old age from the standpoint of the individual, family, and community.
