The impact of diversity courses on students' critical thinking skills

This study examines the impact of diversity courses on 553 students' critical thinking skills. The study was conducted at a large, highly selective, private, tier one research institution and analyzes a pre-college survey, post-college survey through quantitative methodology, such as factor analyses, reliabilities and multiple regressions. The findings suggest that the number of diversity courses taken statistically and positively affect students' critical thinking skills: (1) Analyticity (beta = .242, p < .001); (2) Inquisitiveness (beta = .225, p < .001); (3) Open-mindedness (beta = .100, p < .05); (4) Truth-seeking (beta = .255, p < .001). Participation in racial awareness workshops also statistically and positively affect students' critical thinking skills (1) Analyticity (beta = .087, p < .05); (2) Inquisitiveness (beta = .119, p < .01); (3) Self-confidence (beta = .090, p < .05); (4) Truth-seeking (beta = .168, p < .001). These findings strengthen the literature that suggests diversity courses as well as other diversity experiences statistically and positively affect students' cognitive development.