Prepare to Lead Change Through Equity and Democracy
Develop the knowledge and skills to address systemic inequities, support historically marginalized communities, and create more inclusive educational systems. In BU Wheelock’s graduate certificate in Education for Equity & Democracy, you’ll learn to confront the effects of systemic discrimination against people who have been historically marginalized in education, including students of color and students with disabilities.
This equity and social justice in education certificate will prepare you as a responsible, empowered, and civically engaged professional equipped with knowledge, skills, and tools to help people and organizations revise systems that oppress others.
Program Features
This flexible program is available online and features sustained engagement with community partners, coursework across disciplines, summer institutes and workshops, and public sharing of knowledge through podcasts, webinars, and policy briefs.
Online flexibility
Earn your social justice certificate online, or complete it in a hybrid format. This flexible program can be completed full-time in 12 months or on a part-time basis.
Credits earned toward the Education for Equity & Social Justice graduate certificate can be applied toward the Education for Equity & Democracy master’s degree.
Career Outcomes
Build self-awareness, understand inequity, foster collaboration, and drive change with the social justice in education graduate certificate. Graduates of the certificate program learn to:
- Reflect on perspectives to advance equity
- Explore diverse experiences and systemic barriers
- Engage in dialogue and build inclusive communities
- Develop strategies to promote equity and democracy
Featured Faculty
The graduate certificate in Education for Equity & Democracy includes both faculty from BU Wheelock and from other Boston University schools and colleges. They have a demonstrated commitment to working to interrupt and transform systems of inequity and have expertise in a wide range of areas, including gender and sexuality studies, clinical psychology, educational leadership, and more.
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Felicity Crawford
Program Director, Education for Equity & Social Justice
Clinical Associate Professor -
Stacy Scott
Senior Lecturer
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Sujata R. Swaroop
Part-Time Instructor
Program faculty from other BU schools and colleges
Sandra McEvoy, Political Science
Melisa Osborne, Biology
Education for Equity & Democracy Courses
The 18-credit graduate certificate in education for equity and democracy includes five core courses:
- Equity and Community Partnerships
- Origins of Inequity
- Equity and Democracy in Action
- The Psychology of Oppression and Liberation
- Institutional Racism in Health and Science
Related Programs
EdM in Education for Equity & Social Justice
Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree program can explore the Master of Education in Equity & Social Justice. Students enrolled full-time can complete the program in just 12 months.
Admissions & Dates
Fall & Spring 2027
Aug 3, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Jan 15, 2027
Priority Deadline
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 1, 2027
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about earning your graduate certificate in Education for Equity & Democracy. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Education for Equity & Democracy Graduate Certificate at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development prepares professionals to address systemic inequities and create more inclusive, democratic communities. The program explores equity, social justice, and strategies for transforming educational and social systems.
This program is designed for educators, community leaders, policymakers, and professionals who want to deepen their understanding of equity, democracy, and social change. It is ideal for those seeking tools to support historically marginalized communities and promote inclusive practices.
Students develop skills in analyzing inequity, engaging in productive dialogue, building collaborative communities, and creating action plans that advance equity. Coursework emphasizes reflection, research, communication, and strategies for meaningful social change.
Graduates are prepared to apply equity-focused knowledge and leadership skills in education, nonprofit organizations, government, community organizations, and other settings focused on creating more just and inclusive systems.