Multicultural and Diversity Studies is multidisciplinary field that is great for a student with an open mind. This flexible major allows you to better understand how different cultures interact to shape the identity of a people group. Students will learn how to a socially responsible citizen in an increasingly global environment. Your studies will promote tolerance and accepting of diverse ethnicities and culture.
The classes you take are as diverse as the groups you are learning about. They include: sociology, psychology, anthropology, conflict resolution, human services and resources, history, political science, English, philosophy, and management.
In 2020-2021, multicultural and diversity studies was the 305th most popular major nationwide with 482 degrees awarded. This represents a 4.1% increase in multiculturalism degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 462.
This year's Best Multicultural & Diversity Studies Schools ranking compares 16 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom multiculturalism rankings further below.
Be ready to push the limits of your comfort zone as you seek to understand many different cultures from a variety of perspectives, as well as spend time examining your own culture. It will be up to you integrate various theoretical perspectives in your interdisciplinary subjects. Analytical skills are necessary to examine assumptions and stereotypes.
A large part of the major is determining if educational and political policies aid or hinder diversity. Students will learn to put theory into practice and learn from others opinions and experience. Listening to advice from others will allow you to gain a much deeper understanding of multiculturalism. This is a great major for students who love to interact with a wide variety of people.
You may have the opportunity to study abroad or complete an internship during your studies. Take advantage of any opportunity to broaden your horizons and give you experience working with diverse populations.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most multiculturalism degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic multicultural and diversity studies program qualifications, to serve in some multiculturalism careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are various different levels of multiculturalism degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in multicultural and diversity studies to something that takes less time like a . Different multicultural and diversity studies degrees vary in how long they take.
Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
---|---|---|
Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to multiculturalism, with approximately 60.5% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for multiculturalism workers below.
Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
---|---|
Doctoral Degree | 61.6% |
Master’s Degree | 31.5% |
Post-Doctoral Training | 4.0% |
Post-Master’s Certificate | 3.3% |
First Professional Degree | 1.1% |
64.5% of multiculturalism workers have at least a doctorate. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in multicultural and diversity studies careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the multiculturalism career you are seeking.
The workforce today is made up of people from many backgrounds and ethnicities. Employers look for those who can easily transition to a job working with or serving a diverse population. A degree in Multicultural and Diversity Studies makes you very attractive to employers who value diversity. Graduates find work in a number of professions such as social work, community activism, law, education, counseling, and human resources.
Want a job when you graduate with your multiculturalism degree? Multicultural & Diversity Studies careers are expected to grow 10.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to multicultural and diversity studies.
Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
---|---|---|
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | 12,700 | 10.4% |
Multicultural & Diversity Studies graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $33,974 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $20,116 to as high as $49,343. As you might expect, salaries for multiculturalism graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for multicultural and diversity studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers multiculturalism grads often go into.
Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
---|---|
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | $85,450 |
With over 129 different multiculturalism degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased multiculturalism school rankings to help you with this.
Multicultural & Diversity Studies is one of 44 different types of Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies programs to choose from.
Related Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 34,975 |
Biological & Physical Science | 30,075 |
Interdisciplinary Studies | 9,074 |
International Studies | 7,368 |
Nutrition Science | 5,330 |
Image Credit: By Dillon White under License More about our data sources and methodologies.