Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion as Strategy is designed to develop the in-demand leadership skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage diversity and inclusion as strategic imperatives. This program focuses on leadership theory, real-world cases, and current headlines, blending independent study with peer-to-peer interaction.

Program Details

• Program Summary: Develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage diversity and inclusion as strategic imperatives and lead diversity-related change initiatives.
• Online Format: Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.
• Application Deadline: Apply by April 15 to start May 18.
• Credits and Costs: 9 credits, $1,273 per credit.
• No GRE/GMAT: GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

Program Objectives

• Apply evidence-based approaches to resolving diversity dilemmas and create a more inclusive workplace.
• Analyze organizational culture to ensure it is conducive to the effective management and implementation of diversity as a strategy.
• Create and lead cultural change that is mindful of diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias.
• Discuss the concept of personal, organization, and cultural values to understand and illustrate how they relate to ethical decision-making, inclusive leadership, and culture.

Courses

Required Courses

• MGMT 845: Leading Diverse Organizations (3 credits): Emphasizes how leading across differences and leveraging a diverse workforce is a core leadership competency in organizations today.

Additional Courses (select 6 credits)

• BA 804: Ethical Leadership (3 credits): Enhances the student's ability to deal with the complexities of ethical decision making in today's dynamic business environment by clarifying and applying personal values.
• BA 835: Global Perspectives (2 credits): This course starts with the reality that the United States is less influential in global trade, finance, economics, and business than it was in previous decades.
• BA 836: Global Immersion (1 credit): Designed around a visit to another economic region. Students visit both local and multinational businesses to understand how a business gets established and run in another country; students also meet with industry and government officials to get their perspectives on the economic policies of the country.
  • Note: Additional fee applies for travel.
• BA 888: Executive Leadership (3 credits): Emphasizes identity issues that are critical to understanding individual and collective processes in organizational life.
• MGMT 831: Strategy Implementation and Organizational Change (3 credits): Addresses the managerial challenge of strategy implementation, particularly by examining the organizational elements that must be drawn into line to support a strategy, as well as the immense difficulties of changing an organization.

Career Services

• Career Counselor/Coach Support: Career counselors/coaches support students in their career development.
• Occupation and Salary Information: Access to information on occupations and salaries.
• Internships: Opportunities for internships.
• Graduate School Resources: Resources for those considering further education.

Costs and Financial Aid

• Graduate Tuition: Calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition Rates:
  • 2025–26 Academic Year: $1,273 per credit (11 or fewer credits), $15,281 per semester (12 or more credits).
  • 2026–27 Academic Year: $1,286 per credit (11 or fewer credits), $15,434 per semester (12 or more credits).
• Paying for Your Certificate: Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid. Private alternative loans may be an option.
• Military Benefits: Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents may be eligible for military education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Penn State Smeal Advantage

• Lifelong Learning: Smeal College of Business offers programs, support, and resources for every career stage and life circumstance.
• Personal Advising: Experts help refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests.
• Career Coaching: Support across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching.
• Faculty: Learn from faculty with diverse backgrounds, intellectual perspectives, and industry expertise.

Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

• Related Degree Programs: Some or all credits earned from this certificate may be applied to a master's degree, including Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Business Administration - MBA, Strategic Management and Executive Leadership, and Supply Chain Management.

Application Instructions

• Deadlines: Summer deadline is April 15, fall deadline is July 20, and spring deadline is November 15, 2026.
• Steps to Apply:
  1. Review the admission requirements.
  2. Gather required materials (official transcripts, test scores, English proficiency, vita or résumé, statement of purpose).
  3. Create a Penn State login account.
  4. Read the application instructions and complete the application.
  5. Check your application status.

Faculty

• Brendan Bagley: Information technology project manager and learning partner for Penn State HR Talent Management.
• Shawn Clark: Director of the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship and clinical professor of innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Jennifer L. Eury: Associate dean for undergraduate education and clinical associate professor of management and organization.
• Barrett Marshall: Instructor in public health law, health administration law, and leadership and diversity.