Explore 8 Top-Rated Courses to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The term ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI) refers to methods, policies, and initiatives that raise the representation and involvement of a wide range of groups. ‘Diversity’ is a notion that can be difficult to define and encompasses characteristics such as age, gender, and ethnicity. While businesses have been attempting to integrate diversity for years, it is evident that fairness and inclusion are more difficult to achieve.

In a society that is becoming more multinational and multicultural, all are essential. We’ve examined 10 of the best online courses on diversity and inclusion in fields including education, design, and the workplace to help you advance your knowledge and proficiency in DEI. You can pay for a validated certificate or audit courses for free. 

1. Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (ESSEC Business School)

The World Economic Forum cites research showing several advantages that come with having more diverse teams, including enhanced leadership, stronger business culture, and greater innovation. Students take this course to learn about diversity principles, how they respond to diversity in the workplace, and how diversity may spur creativity and better performance. The subject is taught by ESSEC Business School teaching professor Junko Takagi.

2. Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion (University of Pittsburgh)

Over time, ideas about gender, sexuality, and sex have evolved. What effects do they have on workplace culture? The gender, sexuality, and women’s studies field is introduced in this course offered by lecturer Julie Beaulieu from the school’s gender, sexuality, and women’s studies department and guest lecturer Susan Marine, an assistant professor and program director from Merrimack College. 

Through an array of multidisciplinary ideas, approaches, and resources, learners will comprehend and evaluate the function of identity in society and the professional setting.

3. Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity (University of Colorado System)

Workplaces that are inclusive and diverse are more vital in today’s society. To create a work environment where all workers are appreciated and valued, regardless of the disparities in their origins, leaders must know how to encourage diversity and inclusion. 

This course offers advice on creating inclusive environments and is intended for those who aspire to be leaders in all kinds of workplaces. Dr. Brenda J. Allen, a former Chief Diversity Officer and nationally renowned educator and leader in inclusion, racial justice, and strategic leadership, is the instructor for this course. She is a Communications Professor Emerita.

4. Gender Analytics: Gender Equity through Inclusive Design (University of Toronto)

This is a five-course specialty in gender analytics, a methodology that uses gender-based insights to generate possibilities in business and policy. It is predicated on the knowledge that diversity and inclusion impact more than just HR; they also have an impact on other areas like as policy, services, and products. 

The Gender Analytics Capstone Project, Human-Centered Design for Inclusive Innovation, Inclusive Analytic Techniques, Transformational Leadership for Inclusive Innovation, and Gender Analytics for Innovation are the five courses. Sarah Kaplan, Distinguished Professor and Director of the University of Toronto’s Institute for Gender and the Economy, is the primary teacher.

5. Human-Centered Design for Inclusive Innovation (University of Toronto)

“Design thinking,” another name for human-centered design, is a critical component in creating creative and inclusive policies, procedures, services, and products. In addition to teaching important techniques and abilities, this course teaches students how to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to co-create creative solutions. 

While this course is included in the Gender Analytics Specialization, it also stands alone as a great resource. The course is taught by Mark Leung, a former director of the Business Design Lab, Nika Stelman, chief of staff at BenchSci, and Sarah Kaplan, a distinguished professor and director of the University of Toronto’s Institute for Gender and the Economy.

6. Leading for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education (University of Michigan)

This course makes the argument that leadership is a skill that can be learned and is not something that people are either born with or without. Most individuals can build their assets and abilities into a leadership philosophy and style if they are taught correctly. The main topic of this course is how inclusion, diversity, and equality may be promoted in higher education via leadership. Dr. John C. Burkhardt, a clinical practice professor at the University of Michigan and special assistant to the provost for university engagement, teaches it.

7. An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design (University of Illinois)

The main categories of disabilities—cognitive, motor, visual, and hearing—as well as accessibility concepts are covered in this course. Designers need to be knowledgeable about assistive technologies, adaptive methods, and disabilities to create inclusive designs. Students will gain knowledge about universal design, accessibility, and disability etiquette in contexts such as higher education and the workplace. 

Tania Heap, the director of learning research and accessibility, Marc Thompson, the assistant director for teaching and learning experiences at the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning, and Lori Lane, an IT accessibility specialist in universal design, are the instructors for the course.

8. Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support (University of Cape Town)

Millions of kids are unable to engage in learning to the fullest. For children with impairments, it’s even worse. How to help children with disabilities—such as learning, vision, and cerebral impairments—is covered in this course. 

Students will investigate the teaching methods, exercises, and additional resources that result in support systems. Inclusive education is feasible when educators are empowered. The course is taught by Associate Professor Judith McKenzie of the Disability Studies Division.

Organizations and people dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces where everyone may flourish must invest in DEI education and training. The courses this article highlights provide insightful analysis, useful tactics, and doable solutions for promoting inclusion, equity, and diversity in the workplace, in schools, and in communities. 

By expanding our comprehension of DEI concepts and acquiring the abilities required to use them successfully, we may effectuate constructive transformation and construct a society that is more fair and welcoming.