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While most organizations have a language and process in place to embrace diversity and inclusion, without effectively addressing the inequities in our systems–such as the unequal distribution of power and resources–individuals and organizations will always stop short of their full potential.
The UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) offers pathways to move away from optics and performative allyship, to effective and transformative action. By centering and amplifying the voices, lived experiences and perspectives of historically marginalized groups, the program focuses on collective solidarity and co-creation of justice-centered, equitable and inclusive communities and workplaces.
- Program Format: Can be completed 100% online
- Duration: Complete 170 hours of course work in approximately 9-12 months, or take up to three years
- Cost: Starts at $4,478. Total cost varies by the courses you choose to complete the certificate.
- Applications accepted any time
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Reflect on the historical and contemporary processes of organizational equity and inclusion in Canada. Cultivate an equity lens and learn practical strategies, skills and tools to challenge systemic and organizational barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion. Examine your positionality. Ideate an EDI strategy for your organization. Recognize and redistribute power in the workplace and beyond.
As you work toward establishing change and transformation in your organization, this program supports you in:
- addressing issues of inequities, racism and injustice
- recognizing the impact of white supremacy, power and privilege
- developing an in-depth awareness of how these issues manifest in organizational policies, processes and culture.
Learn the building blocks to establishing respectful, equitable and mutually productive relationships in organizational settings.
Use this table to easily compare all of our equity, diversity and inclusion programs.
Who is This Program For?
The program is designed for both employers and employees who want to work effectively to transform their workplaces to be more equitable, safe and inclusive for all. You may have lived experiences as a member of a marginalized community, or you may be an ally hoping to engage in socially just and inclusive change within organizations. Most importantly, this program is for you if you recognize that EDI work is ongoing and difficult, and that it requires critical examination of power and privilege in ourselves, our work environments and society.
Consider this comprehensive program if you’re interested in:
- developing equity and anti-racism strategies for your workplace
- learning how to transform diverse workplaces into inclusive organizations and communities.
You might be a:
- manager, executive or leader
- human resources practitioner
- organizational development specialist
- healthcare or community service professional
- educator, administrator or student service personnel
- community development worker
- independent consultant, corporate trainer or counsellor
This part-time program consists of one required course and electives chosen from short EDI/Anti-racism courses, and longer diversity and inclusion (D&I) courses. To graduate, you must complete at least 170 hours of courses.
Depending on which elective courses and options you choose, you can complete this program 100% online. Courses are facilitated by educators, practitioners and experts, and have a start and end date. You progress through the course with the same group of students. All of the courses are open for registration to anyone at any time. There is no requirement to take the full certificate program.
Hours and Expectations
For each course, be prepared to spend approximately seven hours per week completing learning activities, including readings, assignments, posting and responding to online group discussions, and other projects.
You are required to log in to your course at least every other day. We strongly recommend taking only one course at a time if you are working or studying full-time.
Technology Requirements
To participate in the UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and for the best experience, we recommend you have:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet using Windows or macOS
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection.
You should also have the technology to watch videos, listen to audio, and download and read PDF files.
For live virtual classes, you'll also need access to:
- a video camera and microphone.
Two to five business days before the start of your course, we'll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Designed and taught by professionals with lived experience and committed allies, the curriculum reflects the voices and perspectives of members of equity-deserving communities.
Explore EDI concepts, theoretical frameworks and methods through case studies, self-reflection and analysis. Engage in online dialogue with fellow participants and facilitators to reach a higher level of awareness and effectiveness in addressing issues of inequity, power and discrimination in various contexts. Apply what you learn to specific cases and situations from your own life.
All courses offer:
- experiential learning methods incorporating varied activities to accommodate different learning styles
- a balance of theory and practice to support cognitive, interpersonal and practical skills development
To complete the program, you must take the required course listed here, and any combination of elective courses so your course work totals 170 hours or more.
How Am I Assessed?
Courses are graded as complete/incomplete. You’re evaluated based on standards and competencies established by facilitators, program administrators and an advisory board.
At the end of each course, we notify you if you successfully met the requirements for the course.
Courses in the UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are facilitated by experienced educators, practitioners and industry experts.
The minimum cost to complete the program, including the certificate graduation application fee, is $4,478. Total program fees depend on the electives you choose.
Course fees range from $395 for short EDI/Anti-racism course to $1,050 for an elective diversity and inclusion course. Other course fees vary. The certificate graduation application fee is $275. You can take advantage of earlybird savings on all of our courses if you register by the date specified.
If you’re able to register for all program courses, you can save 10% when you pay a lump sum. We welcome the opportunity to discuss and plan course selections that best meets your needs. Please email us at edi.exl@ubc.ca for more details.
Course fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Fees may be paid by Visa®, Mastercard®, money order or certified cheque.
Refund Policy
Please see Refunds, Cancellations and Transfers for details on our policies.
Eligibility Information
To accommodate learners from a variety of backgrounds in the UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program, we have broad criteria and request that you ensure you can meet the following requirements:
- Post-secondary education and/or extensive life experience
- Fluency in English, including good written and verbal communication skills
- The academic, interpersonal and communication skills to support active participation in this dynamic program
- Approximately seven hours a week to spend on a course
- Able to access the minimum technology requirements as outlined in How We Deliver This Program.
Follow These Steps to Start the Program
1. Please read and understand the program handbook before starting this program as it contains information about the program, graduation requirements, expectations and policies.
2. To have courses you complete count toward the certificate, we ask you to write a 500-word letter of intent communicating your interest in the program, your expectations, and personal and career goals. This letter lets us know for our student records that you are pursuing the certificate. Please email your letter of intent to edi.exl@ubc.ca.
3. You track your courses and hours on your own. You don’t need to inform us of what courses you are taking or when, as long as you are taking eligible courses. However, we ask you to complete the 170 hours of course work within three years of submitting your letter of intent.
Graduating and Requesting Your Certificate
You graduate and can request your certificate after successfully completing a total of 170 hours of courses, including the required course totalling 15 hours, and at least 155 hours of electives.
To submit your graduation request:
- Pay the $275 non-refundable graduation evaluation fee, or call +1 604 827 4203 to pay over the phone.
- Complete the graduation request form, and include a 700-word synthesis paper that reflects on your learning.