Online Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace
The online Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace is designed for students interested in creating a more accepting and inclusive culture in their workplace, organization or community by examining historical context, to develop a better, more equitable future.
Offered by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the online Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace (CEOW) creates an opportunity for students to make a positive impact in their future workplaces while also gaining skills and resources that can make them more valuable to a prospective employer. By completing this certificate online at UofL, students will learn how to apply modern diversity, equity and inclusion principles to hiring practices—providing more equitable opportunities for generations to come. These skills also apply to community development and engagement, providing more spaces for people to learn, share and connect with each other.
Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace
Academic Year Tuition
$540 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is NOT a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Highlights
- Apply the skills you learn in this program to various fields or industries including public service, human resources, healthcare, government and private sectors, military and more.
- Learn about the theory and history of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, and how they apply to real-world situations.
- Gain the foundational skills to address potential DEI issues within the workplace like understanding policy and hiring practices, addressing injustice or inequity and navigating conflicts.
- Advocate for yourself and others through intersectionality awareness, bias recognition and mitigation, effective communication and inclusive leadership.
- Study at your own pace from the comfort of home with 24/7 access to fully online coursework.
- Acquire resume-boosting experience without committing to a full-time degree program.
- Assess opportunities for organizational partnerships, and learn how to meaningfully engage with marginalized communities.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Complete your certificate on your own time through fully online and accelerated classes.
Learn MoreComplete the certificate fast and apply your skills to a current or future role.
Learn MoreStudents can finish even faster by taking accelerated LEAD courses—see the Courses tab for more.
Learn More
"The CEOW certificate is a tremendous way to upskill for any professional. By taking an interdisciplinary approach to DEI, graduates will be able to assess and evaluate the climate, equity and opportunities in their workplace. With the ever-changing set of personnel talent and perspectives, any field will benefit from professionals who are CEOW-trained as they work to understand the differences that exist in the workplace, policy development, norms and governance that dictate theory and practice."
Randy Whetstone Jr., EdD
Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace
Outcomes
Completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace (CEOW) can create a variety of opportunities. Companies and organizations across various industries are actively looking for individuals with DEI experience who can improve their hiring practices and create more vibrant, diverse workplaces where every voice is heard and respected.
Some of the positions you could be prepared for include:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist
- Human Resources Specialist with a focus on Diversity and Inclusion
- Social Impact Consultant
- Community Engagement Coordinator
- Environmental Educator
- Sustainability Analyst
- Non-profit Program Specialist
| Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall I | August |
| October 1 | Fall II | October |
| December 1 | Spring I | January |
| February 1 | Spring II | Late February |
| May 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance, and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Steps to Apply
- Complete the Take Flight (undergraduate) application (select Post-Bac or Visiting Student > College Visitor or Continuing Studies, when prompted)
- Submit application fee of $30
- Submit ACT score or college transcripts (as applicable)
- Check for scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent)
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5
- Composite ACT score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)
- Minimum of 2,000 hours (approximately one year total) of work experience
- Students with 24 or more college credit hours submit all prior college transcripts (instead of high school transcript), with a college GPA of 2.25 (applicants with a 2.0 - 2.24 GPA may inquire about conditional admission)
Not meeting the admission requirements?
If you do not meet one or more admission requirement(s), you may submit a petition for admission requirement waiver within the application form, in conjunction with all other application materials, explaining
- How this program fits in your career planning, and;
- Why the unmet requirement(s) will not be a barrier to your success in this program
The online Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace requires students to complete a total of 12 credit hours from the options below. Students must complete 3 credit hours from each of the four areas (A through D).
| Course List | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Area A: Diversity | 3 |
| LEAD 314: Diversity in the Workplace (3 credits) | |
| Area B: Inclusion | 3 |
| LEAD 324: Antiracism: A Fundamental to a New System (3 credits) | |
| PAS 205: Race, Color, and Consciousness (3 credits)* | |
| PAS 364: Racism and Sexism (3 credits)* | |
| Area C: Community Engagement | 3 |
| LEAD 424: Organizational Partnership and Community Engagement (3 credits) | |
| Area D: Equity | 3 |
| LEAD 460: Adult Learning and Diversity (3 credits) | |
| PAS 227: Survey of American Diversity (3 credits)* | |
| SOC 323: Diversity and Inequality (3 credits)* | |
| Total Minimum Required Credit Hours | 12 |
*This course may not be offered online during a given semester and/or may be offered in 16-week course length.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
LEAD 314: Diversity in the Workplace
This class examines various aspects of diversity and inclusion from a societal perspective, and within the workplace environment. Various human resource management principles will be discussed, and this course will also review, analyze and ascertain themes of diversity including (but not limited to): race, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status, world view, the LGBTQ community, persons with disabilities, socio-cultural factors, gender equity, legal perspectives and social justice.
LEAD 324: Antiracism: A Fundamental to a New System
An overview of systemic racism in relation to organizational inception and development. An examination of workplace policies and procedures that engender unjust practices.
PAS 205: Race, Color, and Consciousness
Do #BlackLivesMatter advocates have a legitimate argument that America has historically and contemporarily marginalizes people based on race? ls race more important than class? Does America define race differently than other countries? This course wrestles with these questions and more as it explores how the African-descended experience has developed in different ways around the globe. The historic struggle for personhood and humanity by African people when they encounter non-colored core groups in various western societies also has certain commonalities. The course focuses on the experiences of diasporic Africans in North America, South America and the Caribbean who have lived in societies that are socially, politically and economically controlled by such groups. It is especially designed to expose students to a comparative view of race relations and reasoning in a number of societies in an effort to more fully examine the evolving American approach to race.
PAS 364: Racism and Sexism
The impact of racism and sexism on marginally oppressed communities, as well as their strategies of resistance. (Social Sciences)
LEAD 424: Organizational Partnership and Community Engagement
An exploration of organizational partnership processes and their effect on the community. A keen focus is on community engagement to foster the needs of marginalized communities in the workplace and external community.
LEAD 460: Adult Learning and Diversity
An overview of the theories and principles of adult learning and diversity with an emphasis on their application to the education and helping professions. Applications of career planning and talent management.
PAS 227: Survey of American Diversity
A social map of the contemporary United States reveals several culturally identified human groups based upon race, ethnicity, religion, language, family origins, and other characteristics. While diversity has become integral to the American society, it is an area that is little-studied and far less understood by many. This course will help students better understand racial and ethnic diversity in today's society. More than a historical overview, this course includes selected readings and film which provide glimpses behind the facade of the "other", to see some of the struggles they face as they become part of the American "fabric". In the process of developing this understanding, we will constantly challenge ourselves by asking two main questions: "Who is an American?" and "What does it mean to become an American?
SOC 323: Diversity and Inequality
This course uses a sociological perspective to examine diversity and inequality and includes an examination of the important contributions various social groups have made to society, the barriers to their full participation in society, and the efforts they have made to achieve equality. An appreciation of the nature and consequences of diversity and inequality is essential for understanding social forces and social structures, as well as group processes and organizational dynamics and the way these affect individual life chances. The course will discuss how race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, among other social forces, are social constructions that affect groups' life experiences, life chances, and access to power; how diversity and discrimination exist in history and in everyday life; how inequalities are systemic and institutionalized; and strategies and policies for social change.
Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace
Academic Year Tuition
$540 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is NOT a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Highlights
- Apply the skills you learn in this program to various fields or industries including public service, human resources, healthcare, government and private sectors, military and more.
- Learn about the theory and history of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, and how they apply to real-world situations.
- Gain the foundational skills to address potential DEI issues within the workplace like understanding policy and hiring practices, addressing injustice or inequity and navigating conflicts.
- Advocate for yourself and others through intersectionality awareness, bias recognition and mitigation, effective communication and inclusive leadership.
- Study at your own pace from the comfort of home with 24/7 access to fully online coursework.
- Acquire resume-boosting experience without committing to a full-time degree program.
- Assess opportunities for organizational partnerships, and learn how to meaningfully engage with marginalized communities.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Complete your certificate on your own time through fully online and accelerated classes.
Learn MoreComplete the certificate fast and apply your skills to a current or future role.
Learn MoreStudents can finish even faster by taking accelerated LEAD courses—see the Courses tab for more.
Learn More"The CEOW certificate is a tremendous way to upskill for any professional. By taking an interdisciplinary approach to DEI, graduates will be able to assess and evaluate the climate, equity and opportunities in their workplace. With the ever-changing set of personnel talent and perspectives, any field will benefit from professionals who are CEOW-trained as they work to understand the differences that exist in the workplace, policy development, norms and governance that dictate theory and practice."
Randy Whetstone Jr., EdD
| Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall I | August |
| October 1 | Fall II | October |
| December 1 | Spring I | January |
| February 1 | Spring II | Late February |
| May 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance, and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Steps to Apply
- Complete the Take Flight (undergraduate) application (select Post-Bac or Visiting Student > College Visitor or Continuing Studies, when prompted)
- Submit application fee of $30
- Submit ACT score or college transcripts (as applicable)
- Check for scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent)
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5
- Composite ACT score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)
- Minimum of 2,000 hours (approximately one year total) of work experience
- Students with 24 or more college credit hours submit all prior college transcripts (instead of high school transcript), with a college GPA of 2.25 (applicants with a 2.0 - 2.24 GPA may inquire about conditional admission)
Not meeting the admission requirements?
If you do not meet one or more admission requirement(s), you may submit a petition for admission requirement waiver within the application form, in conjunction with all other application materials, explaining
- How this program fits in your career planning, and;
- Why the unmet requirement(s) will not be a barrier to your success in this program
The online Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace requires students to complete a total of 12 credit hours from the options below. Students must complete 3 credit hours from each of the four areas (A through D).
| Course List | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Area A: Diversity | 3 |
| LEAD 314: Diversity in the Workplace (3 credits) | |
| Area B: Inclusion | 3 |
| LEAD 324: Antiracism: A Fundamental to a New System (3 credits) | |
| PAS 205: Race, Color, and Consciousness (3 credits)* | |
| PAS 364: Racism and Sexism (3 credits)* | |
| Area C: Community Engagement | 3 |
| LEAD 424: Organizational Partnership and Community Engagement (3 credits) | |
| Area D: Equity | 3 |
| LEAD 460: Adult Learning and Diversity (3 credits) | |
| PAS 227: Survey of American Diversity (3 credits)* | |
| SOC 323: Diversity and Inequality (3 credits)* | |
| Total Minimum Required Credit Hours | 12 |
*This course may not be offered online during a given semester and/or may be offered in 16-week course length.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
LEAD 314: Diversity in the Workplace
This class examines various aspects of diversity and inclusion from a societal perspective, and within the workplace environment. Various human resource management principles will be discussed, and this course will also review, analyze and ascertain themes of diversity including (but not limited to): race, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status, world view, the LGBTQ community, persons with disabilities, socio-cultural factors, gender equity, legal perspectives and social justice.
LEAD 324: Antiracism: A Fundamental to a New System
An overview of systemic racism in relation to organizational inception and development. An examination of workplace policies and procedures that engender unjust practices.
PAS 205: Race, Color, and Consciousness
Do #BlackLivesMatter advocates have a legitimate argument that America has historically and contemporarily marginalizes people based on race? ls race more important than class? Does America define race differently than other countries? This course wrestles with these questions and more as it explores how the African-descended experience has developed in different ways around the globe. The historic struggle for personhood and humanity by African people when they encounter non-colored core groups in various western societies also has certain commonalities. The course focuses on the experiences of diasporic Africans in North America, South America and the Caribbean who have lived in societies that are socially, politically and economically controlled by such groups. It is especially designed to expose students to a comparative view of race relations and reasoning in a number of societies in an effort to more fully examine the evolving American approach to race.
PAS 364: Racism and Sexism
The impact of racism and sexism on marginally oppressed communities, as well as their strategies of resistance. (Social Sciences)
LEAD 424: Organizational Partnership and Community Engagement
An exploration of organizational partnership processes and their effect on the community. A keen focus is on community engagement to foster the needs of marginalized communities in the workplace and external community.
LEAD 460: Adult Learning and Diversity
An overview of the theories and principles of adult learning and diversity with an emphasis on their application to the education and helping professions. Applications of career planning and talent management.
PAS 227: Survey of American Diversity
A social map of the contemporary United States reveals several culturally identified human groups based upon race, ethnicity, religion, language, family origins, and other characteristics. While diversity has become integral to the American society, it is an area that is little-studied and far less understood by many. This course will help students better understand racial and ethnic diversity in today's society. More than a historical overview, this course includes selected readings and film which provide glimpses behind the facade of the "other", to see some of the struggles they face as they become part of the American "fabric". In the process of developing this understanding, we will constantly challenge ourselves by asking two main questions: "Who is an American?" and "What does it mean to become an American?
SOC 323: Diversity and Inequality
This course uses a sociological perspective to examine diversity and inequality and includes an examination of the important contributions various social groups have made to society, the barriers to their full participation in society, and the efforts they have made to achieve equality. An appreciation of the nature and consequences of diversity and inequality is essential for understanding social forces and social structures, as well as group processes and organizational dynamics and the way these affect individual life chances. The course will discuss how race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, among other social forces, are social constructions that affect groups' life experiences, life chances, and access to power; how diversity and discrimination exist in history and in everyday life; how inequalities are systemic and institutionalized; and strategies and policies for social change.