Recently, you may have asked yourself why you’re hearing the terms diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on repeat.

As a society, we are becoming more and more welcoming of the unique differences that make us individuals.

Focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion in our day to day lives and as working professionals is key to creating authentic, welcoming spaces for those around us.

Online DEI Courses 

For the HR Team and Diversity & Inclusion Team

 

Culture-Driven Team Building Specialization

Course Summary: This course is actually a series of 5 courses offered by the University of Pennsylvania. You will learn how to maximize team performance, handle conflict and create a team culture of continuous learning.

Highlights: These courses are offered on Coursera and are 100% online. You can learn at your own pace with flexible deadlines. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: These courses will take 6 months to complete and you can enroll for free.

 

Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals

Course Summary: This is a course offered by University of California, Irvine. You will learn to recognize how conscious and unconscious biases can impact the workplace, identify how thought diversity supports innovation and challenges conformity, and explore why innovation is the currency of the future. This course is taught by instructor Diane Speigel.

Highlights: This beginner level course is offered on Coursera and is 100% online. You can learn at your own pace with flexible deadlines. Upon competition, you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 4 weeks to complete and you can enroll for free.

 

Leading Diverse Teams & Organizations

Course Summary: This is a course offered by the University of Michigan. You will learn how to create and lead DEI teams and organizations. This course is taught by instructor Lindred Greer.

Highlights: This beginner level course is offered on Coursera and is 100% online. You can learn at your own pace with flexible deadlines. Upon competition, you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 4 weeks to complete and you can enroll for free.

 

Diversity and Inclusion in Practice for HR

Course Summary: This is a course offered by eCornell. You will learn to assess current D&I initiatives, describe measurement and evaluation methods to assess D&I initiatives and distinguish between diversity and inclusion amongst other takeaways. This course is taught by instructor Lisa Nishii.

Highlights: This course is 100% online. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 2 weeks to complete. Click here to learn more.

 

For Professionals, Managers and Leaders

 

Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Course Summary: This is a course offered by the University of Pittsburgh. You will learn about all things gender and sexuality, including women’s studies and LGBTQ+ identities. This course is taught by instructors Julie Beaulieu and Susan Marine.

Highlights: This beginner level course is offered on Coursera and is 100% online. You can learn at your own pace with flexible deadlines. Upon competition, you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 4 weeks to complete and you can enroll for free.

 

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Course Summary: This is a course offered by ESSEC Business School. You will learn about the paradox of diversity, its dynamics and how to channel diversity potential in the workplace. This course is taught by instructor Junko Takagi.

Highlights: This beginner level course is offered on Coursera and is 100% online. You can learn at your own pace with flexible deadlines. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 4 weeks to complete and you can enroll for free.

 

Foundation of Diversity and Inclusion at Work - TeachOut

Course Summary: This is a course offered by the University of Virginia. You will learn how to have difficult conversations about race and inequity, analyze how social class shapes thoughts and actions and lead change. This course is taught by several different instructors.

Highlights: This beginner level course is offered on Coursera and is 100% online. You can learn at your own pace with flexible deadlines. Upon completion you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 4 weeks to complete and you can enroll for free.

  

Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Course Summary: This is a course offered by Northwestern. You will learn how to “create actionable strategies and offer guidance to lead and manage DEI initiatives, as well as gain the awareness and sensitivity to remove structural and social barriers in your organization.” This course is taught by instructor Alvin Tillery.

Highlights: This course is 100% online and your learning schedule is flexible.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 6 weeks to complete, excluding orientation. It costs $2,100 USD to enroll.

 

For DEI Workplace Allies

 

What Does it Mean to Identify as Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)?

Course Summary: This is a course offered by the University of Minnesota. You will learn about the process of gender affirmation, the history and culture of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, and how to create inclusive spaces. This course is taught by instructor Michael Ross.

Highlights: This beginner level course is offered on Coursera and is 100% online. You can learn at your own pace with flexible deadlines. Upon completion you will receive a certificate.

Duration and Affordability: The course takes 4 weeks to complete and you can enroll for free.

 

Unconscious Bias: Fuel Diversity and Become a Better You

Course Summary: This is a course offered by Udemy. You will learn about unconscious biases, how to combat them and lead a more diverse and inclusive life. This course is taught by instructor Gail Miller.

Highlights: This course is 100% online and can be completed on your own time. Free resources are included.

Duration and Affordability: The course encompasses 9 sections, 37 lectures and takes just over 2 hours to complete. It costs $129.99 USD to enroll, but new users can enroll for $18.99 USD.  

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Course Summary: This is a course offered by Udemy. You will learn how to tackle and avoid discrimination. This course is taught by instructor Neil Thompson.

Highlights: This course is 100% online and can be completed on your own time.

Duration and Affordability: The course encompasses 4 sections, 6 lectures and takes just 1 hour to complete. It costs $34.99 USD to enroll, but new users can get the course for $16.99 USD.

LGBTQIA+: To Create Awareness on Diversity and Inclusion  

Course Summary: This is a course offered by Udemy. You will learn about the root of LGBTQ discrimination, the difference between stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination as well as strategies to combat the bullying of the LGBTQ community. This course is taught by instructor Melissa Luckhoff.

Highlights: This course is 100% online and can be completed on your own time.

Duration and Affordability: The course encompasses 7 sections, 7 lectures and takes just under 1 hour to complete. It costs $44.99 USD to enroll.

 

The Path to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The path to diversity, equity and inclusion may seem difficult. Learning new subjects can be nerve-racking, and you may be afraid to make mistakes along the way. But that’s what learning is, and DEI courses are there to facilitate such learning.

DEI courses are beneficial for those trying to expand their knowledge and window of tolerance for others who may be different from them in a number of ways. These courses strive to teach professionals how to create diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces for their colleagues or employees.

What better way to show those around you that you care about them, than taking the time out of your day to learn about who they are and where they come from? We all seek to be understood and appreciated for who we are. And our ability to connect to one another and provide that understanding and appreciation is what makes this world a beautiful place.