Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

Overview of Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies is often a program many schools have intertwined in general education.   This means that there is normally a multicultural requirement that students must fulfill when they enter school.  The point is to teach you about different ethnicities, religions, genders, and cultures that are an important part of our world.  Some schools offer a certification in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies, which is always a helpful tool to have in your back pocket.

Curriculum for Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

In an Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies degree program, you will spend a lot of time learning subjects like anthropology, sociology, and philosophy of religion, genders and culture.  Here are a few courses you may see if you enroll in an Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies college program:

• Cultural Anthropology
• Sociology and Philosophy of Religion
• Marriage and Family
• Asian American Communities
• Sociology and Philosophy of Gender
• Race and Ethnic Relations
• Society and Mental Disorders
• World Regional Geography
• Human Geography
• Diverse Cultures in America Today
• The Middle East: From Ancient Cultures to Modernity
• Islamic Cultures and Traditions
• Introduction to Judaism
• Introduction to Chicano
• Introduction to Asian American Studies
• Introduction to the Historical Legacy of Africana Peoples

For students who wish to continue their studies in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies, you may want to focus on a more specialized field, such as Anthropology or Philosophy when going for a Masters degree.  Having a narrower field of study will help you when it comes to finding work, especially when there are so many different fields to enter with an education in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.

How to Enroll in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

Many schools have programs or clubs in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity, but not all are Bachelor’s degree programs.   Schools often demand that students take several courses that meet a multicultural requirement, but Bachelor’s programs are often rare, but colleges offer certificate programs, which can help enhance any major you may have, especially if it’s focused around anthropology, psychology, sociology, or philosophy.  On top of the major you already will have, this certificate program will just add on to your already large work pile.  However, many companies will see this certificate as a benefit.  If you decide to enroll in an Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies it’s important to keep your focus on both your major, and this program, as well as be prepared to relate them to each other.

Benefits and Rewards of Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

A large benefit of an Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies program is that you’ll learn more about our world.  Unfortunately there are people who are sheltered, and place stereotypes on people they don’t know anything about.  With an Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies program, you will learn about many different cultures, and religions and get a little look into the world outside your own.  This is an important skill, because being accepting of all people is very important, especially in the workplace.

Job Opportunities in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

Having a background in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies can really allow you to work in any field, mostly because it’s usually found as a certificate program rather than a major.  However, if you are interested in working directly in this field, an option for you may be to join the Peace Corps.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Fall 2000 article reads that since the Peace Corps was founded in 1961, over 150,00 volunteers have served in over 130 countries.  Volunteers work in different areas such as business, education, or health.  If you would like to learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit www.peacecorps.gov.