Qualitative Research Methodology in Education, Doctoral Minor

Program Overview

The Doctoral Minor in Qualitative Research Methodology in Education provides students with a comprehensive understanding of qualitative research methods, including theoretical foundations and practical skills. The minor consists of 12 credits of coursework, including core courses and electives, and is assessed through coursework, a research paper, and a teaching portfolio. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in teaching, research, and evaluation in various settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctoral Minor in Qualitative Research Methodology in Education is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in qualitative research methods. This minor is particularly beneficial for students who plan to conduct a dissertation using qualitative methods or who want to complement their focus on quantitative methods. Upon completing the minor, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations of qualitative research, as well as the practical skills necessary to design, conduct, and analyze qualitative research studies. They will also be well-positioned to teach qualitative methods, advise graduate students on using qualitative methods, or evaluate and design research using qualitative methods.

Outline:

The Doctoral Minor in Qualitative Research Methodology in Education consists of 12 credits of coursework. These credits are above and beyond the foundation courses in the departments. The core courses for the minor are:

• Introduction to Qualitative Research
• Qualitative Research Methods in Education: Field Methods I
• Qualitative Research Methods in Education: Field Methods II
These core courses may be taken at any time during graduate coursework. The remaining course will come from elective qualitative research methods courses taken in the School of Education or in other related departments. Elective courses must be approved by the steering committee as having sufficient content in Qualitative Research Methods.

Assessment:

The Doctoral Minor in Qualitative Research Methodology in Education is assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Coursework: Students are expected to complete all coursework with a grade of B or better.
• Research Paper: Students are required to write a research paper that demonstrates their understanding of qualitative research methods.
• Teaching Portfolio: Students are required to develop a teaching portfolio that demonstrates their ability to teach qualitative research methods.

Teaching:

The Doctoral Minor in Qualitative Research Methodology in Education is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are actively engaged in qualitative research. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and independent study.

Careers:

The Doctoral Minor in Qualitative Research Methodology in Education can lead to a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Teaching: Students who complete the minor will be qualified to teach qualitative research methods at the college or university level.
• Research: Students who complete the minor will be qualified to conduct qualitative research in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and non-profit organizations.
• Evaluation: Students who complete the minor will be qualified to evaluate qualitative research studies and to design and implement qualitative research programs.