National Study of Diversity Requirements in Student Affairs Graduate Programs
The present study examined the extent to which diversity courses are being required (i.e., as core courses) in student affairs graduate programs at the Masters degree level. A diversity course was defined as a course that was developed and taught with the expressed intent of promoting the development of culturally proficient student affairs professionals who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the histories, circumstances, and needs of culturally and racially diverse individuals. Data for the study was obtained from program coordinators or directors of student affairs graduate programs. Of the student affairs graduate programs for which complete data was obtained (N = 53), 74% or 39 student affairs graduate programs required a diversity course at the Masters degree level. Of the student affairs graduate programs that did not have a diversity course requirement, 8% or 4 of the programs were in the process of instituting a diversity course requirement in their student affairs graduate program. Implications for student affairs graduate programs are discussed.