DLCM At A Glance

Diversity Leadership and Change Management

  • DLCM Testimonial
  • Tania Menesse
  • Normella Walker

 

The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University is consistently recognized as one of the best public affairs schools in the nation according to US News & World Report.


We are pleased to announce a new multidisciplinary Diversity Leadership and Change Management (DLCM) track within our Master of Science in Urban Studies program, starting fall 2021. The DLCM track trains students in leadership practices that foster inclusivity and promote the wealth of opportunities, benefits, and outcomes realized through diversity.

Appropriate for practitioners of all stages in their careers, the DLCM program guides students through practical experiences, self-reflection, and theoretically grounded research. Students will learn to coach and lead individuals, teams, and organizations through change initiatives as they grow into culturally competent leaders equipped with the tools to enact change.

As a track within the MS in Urban Studies degree, this program offers a wide array of learning opportunities beyond the classroom, including a capstone project, graduate assistantships, and internships where students gain practical experience, build professional networks, and enhance their opportunities for job placement and career advancement. The foundational and core content of the program ensures students develop knowledge and skills related to diversity and organizational change, with curriculum in the following areas:

  • Diversity management
  • Organizational behavior and organizational development
  • Leadership and change management
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Foundations in public administration
  • Nonprofit administration and leadership
  • Human resources management
  • Program evaluation

The DLCM track within the MS in Urban Studies program requires the completion of 35-38 credit hours, in four groups of courses: Urban Studies Core, Diversity Foundation Core, Content Area, and Specialization Area. Specialization areas include:

  • Public Administration
  • Nonprofit Management
  • For-profit Change Management
  • International Business/Cultural Differences

View the DLCM curriculum sheet to learn more. 

We also offer a Graduate Certificate in Diversity Leadership and Change Management for students who wish to supplement their major area of study by earning a certificate rather than pursuing a Master’s degree.

Our mentoring program, internships, and additional networking opportunities enhance professional development, augment the student experience, and help advance careers.

Careers in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant growth in the job market for diversity management professionals, and Indeed.com finds that jobs in diversity and inclusion have risen by 123% over the past year. Additionally, the average hourly pay for graduates of Cleveland State's previous Diversity Management ​Program was found to be 60% higher than the average pay rate for all occupations at the local and regional levels in 2018.

Graduates of the DLCM track of the MS in Urban Studies program will be well-prepared to meet the rising societal need for professionals with cultural understanding and competency in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, with careers in:

  • Diversity and inclusion management
  • Human resource management
  • Workforce training and development
  • Talent recruitment
  • Community services, housing, and neighborhood revitalization
  • Healthcare management
  • Public safety management
  • Postsecondary education administration
  • Local, state, and federal government
  • Policy analysis
  • Urban research

Streamlined Application Process and Courses that Fit Your Schedule

Application fees and standardized test score requirements are waived for spring 2022 applicants.

Our graduate programs are designed to accommodate part-time, mid-career students, as well as full-time students. Courses are offered primarily during the evenings. Full-time students can complete their graduate degree in two academic years.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

The Diversity Institute offers 16 scholarships and a graduate assistantship for students enrolled in this program. Additionally, the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs offers several graduate assistantships and over thirty dedicated scholarships for students. Graduate assistantships are competitive, providing a stipend and potential tuition support to qualified students.

Start Your Future Today!