Micro-Credential in Understanding Diversity through Sociology

Q. What is a Micro-Credential?
A. Smaller than a minor, certificate or degree program, micro-credentials allow you to meet your personalized learning needs by gaining knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to your academic or professional goals. Micro-Credentials equip you with "digital badges" that showcase your achievements.

Q. Who is eligible for the Understanding Diversity Through Sociology program?
A. This program is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the subject of diversity. Sociology majors might consider enrolling in this program to gain expertise in this area. Students from other departments may find that this program adds value to their degree. Non-degree students seeking a credential, but not yet ready to pursue a four-year degree, may be interested as well. Non-degree learners should visit the registrar's website for more information.

Q. What skills will I obtain?
A. Since diversity is a universal topic, the skills learned in this program are applicable in nearly every field. You will learn about the sociological theories and research in the fields of gender, race, class, sexuality and immigration, and will be well-equipped to think critically about power, inequality and marginality in U.S. institutions.

Q. How long will it take to complete this program?
A. Approximately three semesters if you take the diversity courses one at a time. The program can be completed more quickly if you take more than one diversity course at a time.

Q. What will I earn when I complete this program?
A. You will earn a notation on your academic transcript as well as a "digital badge" that you may use on your digital resume or social media sites.

Q. How do I enroll?
A. An online enrollment form can be found below.

To learn more about Micro-Credentials and digital badges, please visit: buffalo.edu/micro-credentials. For more information specifically about the Understanding Diversity Through Sociology Micro-Credential, please contact ugradsoc@buffalo.edu.

Learners are required to complete nine (9) credits of diversity coursework. Students must earn a "B" or better in the following courses:

1. One (1) required course: SOC 211 Sociology of Diversity

2. Two (2) elective courses from the following:

• SOC 314 Sociology of Gender
• SOC 318 Gender and Work
• SOC 321 Race and Ethnicity
• SOC 324 Sociology of Immigration
• SOC 328 Social Inequality
• SOC 338 Sociology of Sexuality
• SOC 387 Race and Racism
• SOC 390 Race, Class and Gender in the U.S. Military

Please see the Undergraduate Catalog for current course descriptions.

Following completion of the diversity coursework, students must submit the following to ugradsoc@buffalo.edu:

1. A diversity statement for a future employer that discusses issues such as race, gender, social class and sexual orientation in the workplace. Include a discussion of your involvement in activities intended to promote diversity in your school or workplace and your perspective on equity and diversity issues in the workplace.

2. A five-page paper addressing one of the following paper topics. The paper must cite at least five academic readings from the diversity coursework:

• Drawing upon a sociological perspective, discuss how categories of diversity intersect and create complex identities and the institutional inequalities and advantages associated with these identities.
• Use course concepts to evaluate a program or policy that has been implemented in an effort to either promote or diminish diversity. Describe the program or policy, if and when it was implemented, and use readings and concepts from your diversity coursework to evaluate its impact.

Please complete and submit the following application form: