Graduate Certificate in Racial Equity Studies
Ready to develop the knowledge to create meaningful change in your school, workplace or community?
Contact Us
Benjamin Blaisdell, PhD
Associate Professor & Certificate Liaison
252-328-4880
blaisdellb@ecu.edu
The Graduate Certificate in Racial Equity Studies is an entirely online program designed to equip graduates to more effectively engage in antiracist efforts in their schools, workplaces, and communities. The certificate can be taken as an add-on certificate for current ECU students or as a stand-alone certificate for non-ECU students. The Graduate Certificate in Racial Equity Studies is designed for professionals in various roles—e.g. teachers, administrators, counselors, organizational leaders, and community members—across a variety of disciplines and settings—e.g., elementary education, secondary education, literacy education, school psychology, social work, student affairs, non-profit, etc. Regardless of role and setting, students will develop the racial literacy needed to analyze and intervene in systemic racism and to foster more inclusive policies and practices.
Other program benefits:
- Learn how to engage in honest and productive conversations on race
- Learn how to engage in equity coaching
- Gain an understanding of critical race theory (CRT)
- Develop leadership skills in racial equity
Admission requirements
Students must currently hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university Current graduate ECU students only need to apply via the Request to Add a Certificate form located on the Graduate School webpage.
For prospective students, admission to the Graduate School includes a completed application form, application fee, and official transcripts for all colleges/universities attended.
Applications are accepted fall and spring.
Curriculum
Only 2 courses are required to earn the certificate. The first course is a choice of one of the following:
- EDUC 6001 – Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
- EDUC 6400 – Critical Race Studies in Education
- GIFT 6000 – Diverse Gifted and Talented Children
- READ 6105 – Fostering Connection, Belonging and Engagement in Literacy Instruction
- A course approved by program coordinator
The second course is the capstone course:
- EDUC 6500 – Advanced Seminar in Racial Equity in Education
The capstone course gives students the opportunity to apply a racial equity lens to what they learn in the first course. It includes an intensive action project where students use their growing racial literacy to address a specific policy or practice in their particular schools, organizations, or community settings.
Fast Facts
- Start of program: Fall 2021
- Length of program: 2-3 semesters
- Delivery method: virtual
- Cost: Approximately $2,250 for NC residents. Per semester cost is about $750 ($250 per credit hour). Each course is 3 credit hours. Visit the ECU Cashier’s website for more information and out-of-state rates.
Additional Information
- Graduate Programs Webpage
- Graduate Catalog
- Scholarship/Tuition Information and Financial Aid Office
- Tuition Rates
- College of Education Scholarships
- Cashier’s Office
Other graduate programs are available in many disciplines.