Critical Cultural Competence

Undergraduate certificate: critical cultural competence

Website: https://socialwork.uiowa.edu/undergraduate/certificate-critical-cultural-competence

The certificate program helps students develop an appreciation for their own cultural identities. It also helps them become critically self-reflective in their orientation to differences in other people's cultural identities as defined by matters such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, abilities, age, and sexual orientation.

Certificate students build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need in order to increase their effectiveness in relating to others across cultural differences and in domestic and international environments that are increasingly diverse.

Students who complete the certificate program develop:

  • a greater appreciation of cultural differences;
  • increased ability to interact with individuals of diverse backgrounds;
  • a philosophy of treating people fairly, equitably, and thoughtfully;
  • critical self-reflection and awareness of their own culture;
  • ability to assess and understand culture-related privilege and disprivilege;
  • concern with issues of power and privilege, and social justice; and
  • learn marketable skills that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors.

Students can schedule a meeting with their advisor or the coordinator of the certificate to determine how earning the certificate will add vital skillsets to their major/degree.

The Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence is administered by the School of Social Work.