Introduction

Research and evaluation do not take place in a void and are never truly unbiased. They are impacted by society, culture, history, economics, and politics. CU Denver’s Culturally Responsive Methods Certificate will develop professionals who understand how to conduct research studies and evaluations with a culturally responsive lens. These courses introduce a variety of culturally responsive paradigms, theories, and methodologies to examine their impact on traditional research and evaluation methods within the roles of power, privilege, and social justice. Students will:

• Use culturally responsive methods to provide reliable and equitable information for making organizational decisions
• Develop deep critical thinking skills and the ability to combine methodologies in the context of societal and cultural settings.
• Foster deep knowledge around how important diversity is, how we need to be inclusive of all, and how to show respect to all people in all aspects of research.
• Learn how to address bias and equity concerns in data collection, coding bias, interpretation bias, cultural validity, and use care while reporting research findings.

Delivery Method

• This is a fully online program with some classes having synchronous Zoom class meetings.
• The certificate typically takes 2 years to complete.

Program Requirements

Certificate Structure

The certificate consists of four courses totaling 12 credit hours. Courses may be taken as part of the certificate as well as used toward the Master of Arts in Research and Evaluation Methods.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
RSEM 7400	Culturally Responsive Research and Evaluation Methods	3
STME 7020	Power of Data	3
Select one of the following (focus on methodologies of research and evaluation):		3
RSEM 5120	Introduction to Research Methods
RSEM 7000	Doctoral Seminar in Research Methods
RSEM 7210	Program Evaluation in Schools
RSEM 7220	Program Evaluation Theory and Design
Select one of the following (focus on culture, DEI, social justice, and power in society):		3
EDFN 7410	Power and Privilege: The Social Construction of Difference
ETST 5000	Research Methods in Ethnic Studies
RSEM 5840	Independent Study: RSEM
or RSEM 7840	Independent Study: RSEM
Approved Ethnic Studies elective (5000 level)
RSEM course approved by faculty advisor
Total Hours		12