Diversity is a word that can define many characteristics when it comes to hiring employees. Diversity encompasses race, age, gender, cultural background, religious affiliations, sexual orientation and even the ways an employee may apply thoughts to decision-making situations.

Being a “diverse company” is a valued label in today’s business climate. For example, stock values of companies listed in the Fortune magazine top 100 companies for minority workers are positively impacted when the list is released. To stay competitive as a diverse company, businesses often will use a diversity officer to create diversity awareness, recruit women and minorities, promote the idea of a diverse workforce and ensure that the organization operates within all applicable Equal Opportunity Laws.

A Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology can open career doors for those wanting to enter roles as diversity officers or other related positions The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online-blended Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology for students who are interested in helping companies create diverse workforces. Within the numerous electives offered by the school, a special diversity elective will prepare students to improve organizational effectiveness and practices in companies.