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Online Master of Education in Diverse and Equitable Instruction (DEI)

Complete Curry's online master's degree focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in education in just two years. MTEL scores are not required. Find out more!

Who Should Pursue a Master’s in Diverse and Equitable Instruction?

The M.Ed. in Diverse and Equitable Instruction is designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in educational and professional contexts. This interdisciplinary program supports both licensed educators and professionals working outside of traditional K–12 school settings. It’s an ideal fit for:

  • K–12 educators across all disciplines who want to promote inclusive, culturally responsive teaching practices and strengthen their ability to support all learners.
  • K-12 educators with an initial license who are seeking a professional license; students can use the 12-credit option form to obtain pre-approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to apply coursework from this program to a professional license. The decision to use credit from this program is a decision made by the DESE’s Licensure Office.
  • Higher education staff, academic advisors, and student support professionals interested in applying DEI frameworks in college or adult learning environments.
  • Nonprofit professionals and youth workers who work with children, teens, or families in community-based or after-school programs and want to embed equity into their practice.
  • Career changers or lifelong learners who are passionate about equity and social justice and want to explore DEI through the lens of education, even if they are not classroom teachers.
  • Advocates for social justice who want a like-minded community of individuals committed to fostering a more inclusive society. 

Curriculum and Course Sequence

The M.Ed. in Diverse and Equitable Instruction consists of 31 credits. This is a non-licensure track; however, Massachusetts teachers with an initial license can use the 12-credit option form to obtain pre-approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to apply coursework from this program to a professional license. The decision to use credit from this program is a decision made by the DESE’s Licensure Office.

In Curry’s M.Ed. program with a concentration in DEI, you’ll engage with cross-disciplinary content and analyze human development and neurodiversity, consider the value of social-emotional learning, explore equity, ethics, educational law, and social justice, and engage in research that will improve your professional practice.

Year One

Fall Semester 
MED 6470: Human Development, Diversity and Learning 
MED 6471: Culturally Responsive Educational Practices

Spring Semester
MED 6472: Neurodiversity and Neuroeducational Assessments 
MED 6473: Inclusive Literacy and Communication Models

Summer Semester
MED 6474: Fundamentals of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)  
MED 6475: Diverse Perspectives in Mathematics

Year Two

Fall Semester
MED 6476: Equity, Ethics and Educational Law  
MED 6477: Social Justice and Educational Advocacy

Spring Semester
MED 6478: Educational Research 
MED 6479: Thesis Advising 
MED 6480: Capstone Seminar Thesis

Want to Earn Your DEI Certificate?

Students interested in earning a Certificate in Diverse and Equitable Instruction can do so by completing any four DEI courses within two academic years.

Admission Requirements

Curry reviews applications on a space-available basis. Admission requirements include:

  • An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Current resume.
  • One letter of recommendation.
  • A personal statement (500 words) that reflects your commitment to the field of education and outlines how the Master of Education program can best prepare you to be an educator. The statement should reflect your educational and professional background, highlight your personal attributes related to teaching and learning, and address how you will collaborate with other practitioners in the program to facilitate an enriched classroom experience.
  • An interview with the Director of Graduate Studies.

We do not require Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) scores for admission to the program.

M.Ed. DEI Program Tuition Rate

Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ proudly offers competitive and affordable tuition and the M.Ed. in Diverse and Equitable Instruction online program also charges no additional course fees. 

M.Ed. DEI Tuition

Note: Alumni receive a 20% tuition discount. We offer financial aid and payment plans.

Applied Practice and Thesis 

If you plan to continue working while pursuing your graduate education degree, you can put your knowledge into practice in your classroom. The culminating thesis allows you to apply new learning focused on one facet of DEI that is most applicable to your field. The thesis course also enables you to showcase the skills you've acquired throughout the program and conduct original research that contributes to greater diversity, equity and inclusion in education.

Teachers aren’t the only individuals who can benefit from a DEI-focused M.Ed. program. Those in public and private education, human resources, training, youth services and non-profits can further their careers or bolster their professional development. Graduates may take on leadership positions where they spearhead efforts to integrate equity and inclusion into educational practices, policies and environments.

Career Opportunities

Employers across the field recognize that those with a DEI background can add immense value to their institution, including in roles such as:

  • DEI Coordinator or Director
  • Educational Consultant
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Teacher or Educator
  • School Administrator
  • Higher Education Faculty
  • Policy Analyst
  • Community Outreach Coordinator

The Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ Diverse and Equitable Instruction online program gives educators across multiple settings an opportunity to develop more self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the current research and best practices for diverse and equitable instruction inclusive of all learners. Individuals explore multiple perspectives and frameworks that will provide them with a comprehensive background in the critical aspects of DEI.

Students graduating from the DEI Master of Education program will have the ability to:

  • Design and implement culturally responsive educational practices that respect and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
  • Understand the principles of neurodiversity and assess and support neurodiverse learners through tailored educational strategies.
  • Integrate SEL principles into their teaching, fostering students' emotional well-being and social skills alongside academic achievement.
  • Advocate for social justice within educational settings, using their knowledge of equity, ethics and educational law to challenge systemic inequalities.
  • Lead initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion in schools, influencing policies and practices to create more equitable educational systems.

Prepare for Your Curry Experience

Mia Khera

Meet Professor Mia Khera

"At Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ in the Graduate Ed program, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion centers our work-- it drives what we teach and how we teach. As a psychologist and educator, I have spent the last 20 years examining how culture influences behavior and teaching about such influences. I am committed to engaging Curry students to deepen their understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion."

Related Programs

Earn a Master of Education Degree With a DEI Emphasis Online

Become a dedicated educator who promotes diverse, equitable and inclusive instruction. The DEI concentration of our M.Ed. program positions you to do this and more as you shape the future of education in your community.