Diversity & Inclusion

Explore the systems that shape society with Manchester University’s diversity and inclusion minor. Open to all majors, this program equips you with the critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and advocacy skills needed to address inequality and build more inclusive communities—locally, nationally, and globally.

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Pursue a Diversity and Inclusion Minor That Complements Any Major

Manchester University’s diversity and inclusion minor helps students examine the social, structural, and cultural forces that impact equity in modern society. Open to students of any major, this interdisciplinary program explores critical topics such as systemic racism, health care disparities, mass incarceration, and inequality in education. Through coursework grounded in sociology, social work, and criminology, you’ll develop the tools to analyze power structures, understand intersecting identities, and challenge systems of marginalization. Whether your future is in public service, education, business, or health care, this minor enhances your ability to foster inclusive environments and lead meaningful change.

Course Catalog

Program Information:

Minor

18 Credit Hours

Location

North Manchester

Why Choose MU for Diversity and Inclusion?

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Open to All Majors

The diversity and inclusion minor is available to students in any major, making it a flexible and powerful addition to your academic path and future career goals.

Real-World Career Relevance

Gain the skills and cultural awareness needed to thrive in today’s workplace, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are top priorities across business, healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors.

Mission-Driven Learning Environment

Manchester’s values-based education emphasizes social responsibility, critical thinking, and inclusion—providing a strong foundation for students who want to make a positive impact in their communities and careers.

What You Can Do with Your Diversity & Inclusion Minor

Public Policy Analyst

Shape inclusive policy solutions that address systemic inequality and injustice.

Community Organizer

Empower communities to advocate for equity and inclusive change.

Human Services Specialist

Support diverse populations through inclusive social and educational programs.

Business Administrator

Promote equity-focused leadership in organizational development and culture.

Average Starting Salary for Diversity & Inclusion Minor Holders

Entry‑level Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Specialists in the U.S. typically start around $68,000–$72,000 per year, with reported ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 depending on location, experience, and organization type. Those in mid‑ to senior‑level roles can see salaries up to $90,000–$100,000. These figures reflect the value organizations place on expertise in equity and inclusion.

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How the Diversity & Inclusion Minor Supports Your Growth

Intersectionality and Identity Development

Students in the diversity and inclusion minor explore how intersecting identities—such as race, class, gender, age, and ability—shape individual experiences of privilege or marginalization. Coursework helps students recognize their own positionality, analyze systems of social stratification, and develop cultural intelligence when engaging with diverse populations. By understanding these complex dynamics, students gain tools to promote equity and respect in professional and community settings.

Systems of Inequality and Cultural Humility

This program challenges students to investigate systemic inequality across institutions such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice. Students move beyond simple “good vs. bad” frameworks to examine the structural roots of racism and marginalization. Through this lens, they develop skills in cultural humility—learning how systemic oppression impacts different communities and how to respond with empathy and insight.

Reimagining Equity and Social Reform

Graduates of the program are prepared to envision and advocate for more just, equitable systems. Students evaluate real-world reform strategies and create models for inclusive structures that celebrate diversity and reduce oppression. This learning helps them apply DEI principles to their chosen careers, enhancing their ability to build inclusive workplace cultures and community networks.

Student Groups and Interdisciplinary Exploration

Open to all majors, this minor sits at the intersection of sociology, social work, and criminology. Students examine pressing social issues like mass incarceration, political polarization, and health disparities through a DEI lens. With increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the U.S., Manchester students are uniquely prepared to engage in global conversations and social change efforts across sectors and industries.

Meet the Faculty

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FAQs About Manchester University’s Diversity & Inclusion Minor

What is the Diversity and Inclusion Minor at Manchester University?

The Diversity and Inclusion minor at Manchester University is an interdisciplinary program designed to help students examine systemic inequality, cultural diversity, and human rights within the context of modern society. Open to students of any major, this minor draws from sociology, social work, and criminology to offer a broad exploration of race, class, gender identity, and intersectionality.

Students explore critical issues such as mass incarceration, inequality in school funding, global health issues, and disparities in healthcare access. The curriculum supports students interested in understanding ethnic relations and the structural roots of injustice, preparing them for roles in education, law, business, and public service. This minor also cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills through real-world case studies and community-focused learning.

By completing the Inclusion Studies minor, students develop cultural intelligence and gain tools to engage diverse populations, advocate for equity, and challenge exclusionary systems. Whether your goal is to influence public opinion, reform the criminal justice system, or lead DEI initiatives in your career, this program equips you with the necessary foundation to create meaningful change across diverse communities.

Who Should Consider Adding a Cultural Diversity or Inclusion Studies Minor?

The Diversity and Inclusion minor is ideal for students who want to enhance their understanding of social justice, cultural awareness, and global perspectives—regardless of their major. It complements degrees in behavioral sciences, sociology, psychology, political science, education, health, or business. Students interested in equity-based careers or graduate school will especially benefit from the program’s focus on systemic inequality.

This inclusion studies minor is valuable for students planning careers in education, healthcare, nonprofit management, public policy, and the criminal justice system. Employers increasingly value applicants with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and this minor signals your readiness to lead with empathy, cultural humility, and ethical responsibility.

In addition, students explore how ethnic groups and gender identity shape lived experiences in the modern world. You’ll become familiar with the cultural, historical, and social construction of identity, helping you thrive in team-based, community-centered, or leadership roles. Whether your career goals lie in local advocacy or international service, the Diversity and Inclusion minor prepares you to work effectively within—and across—diverse communities.

How Does the Inclusion Minor Support My Future Career Goals?

The Diversity and Inclusion minor builds the skills necessary to succeed in a world that increasingly values equity, global health awareness, and social justice. Students develop the cultural competence and interdisciplinary knowledge required in careers such as human services, healthcare, law enforcement, public policy, and education. The program also supports further study in areas like sociology, social and behavioral sciences, or criminal justice reform.

Courses explore issues such as institutional racism, health disparities, global poverty, and gender inequality. Students learn to advocate for inclusive workplace practices, assess the impact of policy decisions, and understand how human diversity influences behavior and access to resources.

Whether you’re pursuing leadership in business, serving in local government, or entering the nonprofit world, the inclusion studies minor demonstrates your commitment to ethical leadership and equity-centered decision-making. Many graduates go on to roles involving program coordination, cultural advocacy, or DEI implementation—careers that not only offer personal fulfillment but also serve a meaningful societal purpose.

What Will I Learn in the Inclusion Studies Minor?

In the Inclusion Studies minor at Manchester University, students explore how intersecting identities—race, class, gender, ethnicity, age, and ability—affect individuals and groups in a stratified society. Coursework introduces concepts such as social construction, privilege, marginalization, and cultural humility. These lessons help students understand the nature of systemic oppression and its far-reaching effects.

Through courses in sociology, behavioral sciences, and ethics, students examine how institutions like the criminal justice system, healthcare, and education perpetuate inequality. They learn to evaluate public opinion and propose practical reforms based on equity and inclusion. By engaging with diverse perspectives, students cultivate empathy and communication skills necessary for fostering respectful, inclusive environments.

The minor also emphasizes social change. Students analyze current issues, evaluate reform strategies, and design proposals that address structural inequities. Whether you’re preparing for further study in inclusion studies or looking to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts, this program equips you with tools to lead with purpose.

How Is the Inclusion Minor Different From Other Diversity Programs?

Unlike temporary DEI trainings or corporate workshops, Manchester’s Diversity and Inclusion minor offers an academic foundation in sociology, cultural studies, and political theory. This is a structured college program that prepares students for sustained engagement with the critical issues of equity and inclusion—not just awareness, but action.

What makes this inclusion studies minor unique is its flexibility and academic depth. It’s open to all majors and allows students to integrate DEI perspectives into fields ranging from STEM and business to the arts and healthcare. It familiarizes students with the underlying systems of discrimination, helping them build nuanced, culturally informed approaches to leadership and service.

Students also gain practical, hands-on experience analyzing real-world social problems such as ethnic tensions, global health issues, and media bias in popular culture. Rather than simply discussing diversity, students are empowered to create inclusive spaces, implement change, and advocate for justice across a wide range of careers.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Minor in Diversity and Inclusion?

Students who complete the Diversity and Inclusion minor are prepared for dynamic careers across sectors that value cultural competency and social impact. Common career paths include:

Human Resources Specialist – Lead inclusive hiring and workplace equity initiatives.
Community Outreach Coordinator – Build bridges between diverse communities and service organizations.
Public Policy Analyst – Evaluate laws and policies through the lens of equity and human diversity.
Healthcare Advocate – Address health disparities by supporting marginalized populations in medical systems.
Criminal Justice Reform Advocate – Work on reducing systemic bias and increasing access to fair legal representation.
Educator or Curriculum Consultant – Develop inclusive education practices for diverse classrooms.

Employers in education, public administration, nonprofit management, and business actively seek candidates trained in DEI, making this minor a powerful complement to your bachelor’s degree.

What types of courses are included in the minor in Diversity and Inclusion?

The minor in diversity at Manchester University is structured to provide students with a foundational and applied understanding of equity, identity, and inclusion across different social systems. This inclusion-focused minor diversity program draws from the social and behavioral sciences to examine the impact of race, class, gender, and ethnicity on public policy, institutional power, and community well-being.

The inclusion minor diversity track is interdisciplinary by design. It incorporates coursework from sociology, social work, and criminology, and may include the following courses: Introduction to Sociology, Race and Ethnic Relations, Social Problems, Cultural Anthropology, and Gender Studies. These classes are chosen to provide students with both historical context and current analysis of societal inequities.

Students who pursue this minor diversity pathway will engage in assignments that explore structural discrimination, cross-cultural communication, and real-world case studies. The program is specifically designed to provide students with analytical tools, cultural fluency, and the ability to apply theory to action in diverse workplace and community environments.

Completing the minor diversity also positions students for success in graduate programs or DEI roles in education, health care, business, and public administration. With the minor diversity, students are empowered to lead inclusion-focused initiatives and create more equitable systems across sectors.

Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process

Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.