by our College Data Analytics TeamMulticultural 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 2021-2022, multicultural & diversity studies was the 305th most popular major nationwide with 524 degrees awarded. Our 2025 Best Multicultural & Diversity Studies Schools ranking analyzes 2 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for multicultural & diversity studies students. 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.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic multicultural & 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. Multicultural & Diversity Studies programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest multiculturalism degree you can get. The type of multiculturalism degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| 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. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in multicultural & diversity studies have received.
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 & diversity studies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | 12,700 | 10.4% |
Recently graduated multicultural & diversity studies students earned an average of $36,869 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $25,525 to as high as $52,900. As you might expect, salaries for multiculturalism graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for multicultural & 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 142 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.
One of 51 majors within the Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies area of study, Multicultural & Diversity Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Intercultural/Multicultural & Diversity Studies | 524 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 31,307 |
| Biological & Physical Science | 30,032 |
| Interdisciplinary Studies | 9,114 |
| International Studies | 6,614 |
| Nutrition Science | 5,598 |
Image Credit: By Dillon White under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
