Program Highlights | Curriculum | Eligibility | How to Apply

Creating Equitable Spaces in Higher Education

The Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Equity and Leadership in Higher Education is designed for professionals seeking to understand and dismantle systemic inequities within higher education institutions. This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to analyze and strategically address barriers to equity, both historically and in contemporary contexts.

At the end of the program, you will be able to critically examine and address equity issues within higher education settings. Additionally, you will have developed strategic and collaborative skills essential for transforming institutional structures and practices to promote equity in higher education.

This is a one-year online asynchronous certificate program, with some synchronous opportunities.

Faculty & Curriculum

Our Chico State faculty are experts in higher education, equity, leadership, and organizational change, and our program director is also an award-winning instructor, with deep knowledge of effective classroom practice. The program's courses have been designed to form a developmental sequence of learning, and faculty collaborate to assure continuity and common purpose, with each course preparing students for the next. 

CMST 472W: Organizational Leadership and Decision Making

Faculty: Dr. Susan Avanzino, Communication Studies

This course represents an advanced exploration and application of leadership and associated decision-making, with particular focus on communication processes in a variety of contexts. Discussion topics include, but are not limited to: traditional and contemporary leadership theory, leadership communication competence, leadership and dissent, gender and cultural issues associated with leadership and decision-making, followers as an integral part of the leadership equation, and ethical issues related to leadership communication. A group project offers students the opportunity to witness first-hand concepts discussed and to apply what they have learned.

SOSC 602: Equity and Policy in Higher Education

Faculty: Ellie Ertle, Ed.D., Political Science and Criminal Justice, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Success

This course examines mechanisms of power and privilege as they apply to access and equity in higher education. Students examine the barriers to educational access and equity in the contexts of culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, ability, and gender. We think of the interaction of diversity and learning as not only involving the differences that students bring to enhance learning environments, but also the ways we as educators respond to those differences in the context of policies, systems, histories, structures, and legislation. In addition to the examination of systemic oppression, equity and inclusion, students explore aspects of diversity as assets in the design of rich and productive learning environments. Students apply their knowledge to the investigation and formation of solutions to contemporary educational problems. 

UNIV 630: Research in College Equity and Success

Faculty: Katharina Teixeira, Communication Studies

In this course, students learn appropriate methods to conduct research focused on college equity and success. Students identify and analyze data related to the differential access, experiences, and outcomes of diverse student groups.

By focusing on data-driven decision-making, students will develop the ability to formulate and advocate for evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at promoting equity and inclusion in higher education settings. This course ultimately seeks to empower students with the qualitative and quantitative research skills to drive institutional transformation towards greater equity and success for all students. In the context of their research, students will identify potential topics of focus for the certificate capstone project in UNIV 640.

UNIV 640: Equity in Higher Education Capstone

Faculty: Molly Heck, Ed.D., Social Work

This course provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in identifying, analyzing, and addressing equity issues within the context of higher education. Through this capstone experience, students will engage deeply with research and theoretical frameworks to develop comprehensive solutions aimed at fostering equity in higher education institutions. The course integrates practical application of theoretical knowledge, emphasizing the development and execution of a capstone project that directly addresses a significant equity challenge in higher education.

About the Equity & Leadership in
Higher Education Program

• The 12-unit, nine-month program begins August 25, 2025.
• Two 8-week courses per term (fall and spring) are fully-online, with live-online class meetings and self-paced work.
• Learning as a cohort builds community, fosters creativity, enhances leadership skills, and encourages greater progress.
• Program cost is $5,100 ($425/unit x 12 units). Fees are paid for each course at the time of registration. *

Applications Open April 1

Apply to the Graduate School for Fall 2025

1. Go to the Cal State Apply Graduate Application page
2. Select the Fall 2025 term.
3. Create or log into your Cal State Apply account.
4. From the programs list, under Chico Extension, select Equity and Leadership Certificate by clicking the + to the left of the name.
5. Be prepared to submit a statement of purpose and an unofficial transcript(s) with your application. There is a $70 application fee.

For additional instruction on completing the application, visit the Chico State Graduate Studies website and review the Grad Application Quick Run-Through video.