Online Equity & Diversity in Education (MS)

Champion social justice and inclusion through education

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Credits required

30

Cost per-credit*

$353.50

Delivery

Online

Start Terms

3 Per Year

The Online Equity & Diversity in Education (MS) at Nevada Online prepares educators, practitioners and change agents to address inequities across educational systems and community environments. Designed for working professionals, this master’s degree equips students to apply critical frameworks in equity and diversity, promote inclusive learning, and engage in transformative educational leadership.

Students explore the intersections of race, language, gender, sexuality, ability and class, developing the tools to design equitable practices for diverse learners. Whether you work in K–12 schools, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or social services, this program provides the academic foundation and applied strategies to promote equity in education at scale.

*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs is specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.

Curriculum and Specializations

The program consists of 30 credit hours: 15 credits of required coursework and 15 credits in one of two specialization tracks. The curriculum integrates theory, policy and applied inquiry.

Curriculum Highlights

  • EDLE 680: Multicultural Concerns in Diverse Educational Settings
  • EDLE 740: Social Class and Schooling
  • EDLE 741: Language Learning and Identity in Educational Contexts
  • EDLE 760: LGBTQ+ Issues in Education
  • EDLE 761: Gender Issues in Education

Specialization Options (15 Credits)

  • Equity & Diversity: Disability studies, gender and sexuality, racial justice
  • Language Education: Multilingual learner pedagogy, language policy, TESOL frameworks

Please refer to the University Course Catalog for complete details.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Online Equity & Diversity in Education (MS) program pursue roles in education, advocacy and institutional leadership. The program prepares graduates to meet educational requirements for Nevada’s ELAD endorsement or TESOL certification. Additional licensure steps may be required depending on state and district policies.

Professional Roles

  • DEI Coordinator or Specialist: K–12 districts, colleges, nonprofit organizations
  • ELAD/TESOL Educator: Public schools, adult education, bilingual programs
  • Instructional Designer: Inclusive curriculum and materials development
  • Community Engagement Leader: Youth development, advocacy and human services
  • Policy Analyst or Education Advocate: State departments, equity-focused nonprofits

Graduates work in educational equity, policy development and community leadership roles, with salaries competitive to national averages depending on region and level of responsibility.

Job Market Outlook

The charts below present a detailed analysis of employment trends and salary ranges for professionals holding a Equity & Diversity in Education (MS) degree. These visuals provide valuable insights into the current demand for behavior analysts and the earning potential associated with this qualification. While specific outcomes depend on individual circumstances, the data illustrates the robust career opportunities available for those holding an Equity & Diversity in Education (MS) degree.

Top Company Postings
Company Total Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) Unique Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) Median Posting Duration
Denver Public Schools 517 316 25 days
Basis Educational Group 804 298 23 days
Jeffco Public Schools 256 166 16 days
Chandler Unified School District 353 162 12 days
Roman Catholic Archdiocese Of Los Angeles 222 115 49 days
Scottsdale Unified School District 238 100 20 days
Amergis 126 93 31 days

Statistics provided for the region including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Powered by Lightcast logo, a labor market analytics company

Who Should Apply

The program is ideal for educators, administrators, and professionals committed to advancing diversity in education and supporting inclusive learning environments. It is well-suited for:

  • Licensed or pre-licensed educators focused on leadership in DEI
  • Higher education staff, nonprofit leaders and curriculum designers
  • Professionals preparing for Nevada ELAD endorsement or TESOL certification  
  • Career changers interested in equity-centered roles across education and social services

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. A teaching license is not required. Required application materials include:

  • Official transcripts
  • Resume or CV
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of professional goals

Application Deadlines: March 15 (priority Fall), August 1 (final Fall), December 1 (Spring).

Program Overview

  • Total Credits: 30 credit hours
  • Tuition: $353.50 per credit
  • Estimated Tuition: $10,605* (excluding mandatory fees)
  • Completion Timeline: 2 years (flexible pacing)
  • Start Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • College Affiliation: College of Education and Human Development
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

This flexible structure makes it possible for full-time professionals to earn a graduate degree while advancing their impact on educational equity.

Faculty and Learning Experience

Students benefit from the guidance of scholars with experience in critical race theory, multilingual education and education policy and practice. Faculty mentor students throughout the program and provide support on research, professional development and applied leadership projects.

As a student, you’ll:

  • Engage in peer dialogue and critical reflection
  • Access 24/7 learning via Canvas
  • Receive professional support through the University of Nevada, Reno Career Studio
  • Build your capstone project on real equity issues in your local school, community, or institution

This graduate student experience emphasizes collaborative inquiry, inclusive leadership and meaningful engagement with diverse educational contexts.

Take the Next Step Toward Transformational Leadership

The Online Equity & Diversity in Education (MS) is more than a credential. It’s a step toward reshaping policy, practice and perspective in education. Join a community committed to justice, diversity and the empowerment of all learners. Earn your Master of Science in Equity and Diversity in Education with Nevada Online—and become a leader in inclusive, transformative learning.

Why Choose the University of Nevada, Reno for Your MS In Equity & Diversity In Education?

The College of Education and Human Development offers an accredited online MS in Equity & Diversity in Education with multiple annual start dates. The Nevada-focused curriculum, taught by the University of Nevada, Reno faculty, prepares working professionals for DEI leadership. Specializations include Equity & Diversity or Language Education.

Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online

Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty

Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university

Choose from accessible, fully online programs

Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule