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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 40 percent of students at University of the Rockies, a graduate school specializing in master's and doctoral degree programs in psychology, belong to an under-represented group, ranging from racial and ethnic minorities, to those with disadvantaged backgrounds, to students with disabilities.

"We encourage students of all cultures and experiences to seek higher learning opportunities and to learn from one another," University of the Rockies President Dr. Charlita Shelton, a leading diversity advocate, said. "We define diversity by the difference we make in people's lives."

Dr. Shelton's aspiration to impact the greater community and the global workforce beyond her university's system has become a reality.

University of the Rockies is among the first regionally accredited higher learning institutions to offer an Organizational Diversity specialization, which is part of its Master of Arts in Psychology and the Doctor of Psychology programs. Courses such as Mental Health and Psychopathology in the Workplace, Strategic Diversity Management and Cross-Cultural Communications are now underway.

Graduates with the Organizational Diversity specialization will be positioned to seek, or to seek advancement in, roles such as Chief Diversity Officer, Director of Diversity, Diversity Manager, equal employment opportunity managers, human resource professionals, Director of Multicultural Affairs or Ombudsmen.

"More and more companies and organizations are taking diversity seriously. They're creating diversity departments with the goal of producing an inclusive work environment," Dr. Shelton said. "Effective diversity initiatives must embrace the psychology of different cultures and personalities. Psychology graduates are making a significant contribution to many of today's most successful operations."

Master's degree students with the Organizational Diversity specialization learn to apply psychological research to lead and manage diversity strategies in organizations. They examine the socio-cultural and international contexts that influence individuals and teams.

The doctorate degree program provides a deeper and broader emphasis on world views and diversity issues. It includes extensive research and advanced seminars in global consulting and multi-cultural communication necessary to implement change.

The Master of Arts in Psychology and Doctor of Psychology specializations in Organizational Diversity are currently available online and on-campus. These specializations are not intended to prepare students for licensure as professional counselors, and do not lead to licensure. Students should check applicable laws in the state in which they reside and work to determine requirements for licensure.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in master's and doctorate degree programs in psychology. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org), classes are offered online and at the University's Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.

SOURCE University of the Rockies