Graduate Certificate in Diversity Science
UConn’s Graduate Certificate in Diversity Science is designed to give students the tools they need to engage with issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the psychological sciences.
Program participants develop expertise in diversity science, consider its development and modern updates, discuss current hot topics, and learn best practices for engaging in this type of research. This 12-credit certificate is open to students enrolled in any UConn graduate program.
Program Overview
The Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Connecticut is pleased to offer any and all interested graduate students the opportunity to earn a certificate in diversity science, to be completed simultaneously with their main course of study. Students may complete the certificate requirements at any point during their course toward earning a graduate degree.
This certificate aims to encourage students to develop literacy and expertise in diversity science as it pertains to the field of psychology and beyond, to prepare students with skills to discuss and consider diversity as they progress in academia and beyond, and to honor that expertise with a designation on graduates’ curriculum vitae.
Requirements and Courses
The certificate program will require a total of 12 credits. Students must take one required course (3 credits). In addition, students may either take 3 eligible elective courses (9 credits) OR take 2 eligible elective courses (6 credits) and complete one eligible research project (3 credits). This certificate is designed for current graduate students who are already enrolled at the University of Connecticut and classes may count both towards completion of this certificate and completion of their other graduate program requirements. Upon completion of the certificate requirements, students will need to complete and submit a form summarizing their work to the program director.
Required Course
Students are required to complete the following course:
PSYC 5170. Diversity Science in Psychology
Qualifying Courses
Students are required to either complete 3 of the following courses or 2 of the following courses and a diversity science research project.
PSYC 5770. Current Topics in Social Psychology: Social Cognition
PSYC 6730. Self and Identity
PSYC 6750. Social Psychology of Stigma
PSYC 6762. Cross Cultural Psychology
PSYC 6771. Theories of Intergroup Relations
PSYC 5441. Language Modality, Neural Plasticity, and Development
PSYC 5445/COGS 5140. Neurobiology of Typical and Atypical Cognition and Language Development
PSYC 5370. Current Topics in Clinical Psychology: Cultural Issues
Note: Students may petition for classes not listed here to be included as eligible to fulfill requirements for this certificate by sending course information (name and course number), a syllabus, and a short explanation of how the material relates to diversity science to the certificate director for approval.
Research Project
Students may choose to complete an independent research project to count towards certificate completion in the place of one elective course. If students select the research project pathway, they should enroll in PSYC 5800. A written report on the project is required to be submitted to the certificate director for approval in order for a project to be counted towards certificate requirements.
Faculty
The certificate program is administered by faculty in the Departments of Psychological Sciences.
Admissions
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a UConn graduate program to apply, and they must submit an online application via The Graduate School’s website. The application fee is automatically waived for students currently enrolled in a UConn graduate program (certificate, master’s, or doctoral) when they apply to another graduate program.
Application Requirements
Individuals who are currently enrolled in any UConn graduate program are eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Diversity Science.
Applicants enrolled in the PSYC graduate program
Students enrolled in a graduate program in the Department of Psychological Science can apply directly online through the Graduate School. Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their transcript as part of this application. Applicants must be in good standing for admission.
Applicants enrolled in another UConn graduate program
Please contact the certificate director prior to applying to the graduate school. You will need to provide a short letter signed by your advisor approving of your application.
After receiving approval from the certificate director, you may apply online through the Graduate School. Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their transcript as part of this application. Applicants must be in good standing for admission.
Contact Us
For questions about the Graduate Certificate in Diversity Science, please contact the program director:
Alexandra Garr-Schultz
Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences
alexandra.garr-schultz@uconn.edu
Students interested in the certificate should contact the Psychological Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator at psychgrad@uconn.edu to coordinate the appropriate forms and records for admission.