Program Overview

Advanced Graduate Certificate In Qualitative Research

About

The Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods (QRM) facilitates students' understanding of and capacity for designing and conducting naturalistic studies that demonstrate contemporary standards of scientific rigor. Through coursework, students are not only exposed to classroom instruction that covers how to conduct qualitative research according to the peer review standards of Tier I journals, but also assigned to complete experiential learning tasks that ensure competency in methodological choices and procedural methods. The certificate supplements other degree programs to support the growth of ethically responsible researchers and research-driven leaders driven to support underrepresented voices in an increasingly global and diverse world.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation, please refer to the Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Design and conduct ethical qualitative research
• Use various methods for analyzing and interpreting data
• Conduct contrastive analyses of observational, interview, and/or artifact data
• Write substantive qualitative research reports

Requirements

Plan Description

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research targets both part-time and full-time post-master's graduate students who wish to develop specialized knowledge of the practice and application of qualitative research in various types of social settings. This program is particularly relevant to individuals who may need to understand climate and culture in their local work environments. The 12-credit certificate program is geared toward those who need to produce research-based practices and results regarding the lived experiences of their personnel, clients, and/or stakeholders, as well as for decision-making outcomes. Certificate courses may be taken concurrently with other degree programs. Credits earned for the certificate may be applied to a degree program in educational psychology or higher education at the doctoral levels. Credits earned in the master's or doctorate programs in educational psychology or higher education may NOT be used toward the certificate.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines: Applications are available and may be submitted at any time during an academic term.
• Eligibility: Students with a Master's Degree are eligible for the Advanced Graduate Certificate Program in Qualitative Research.
• Application Process: Students must complete and submit the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research application.

Plan Requirements

• Total Credits Required: 12

Course Requirements

Methods Core - Credits: 9

Complete 9 credits by completing all of the following courses:

• EPY 718 - Qualitative Research Methodologies
• EPY 719 - Advanced Qualitative Research
• EPY 729 - Qualitative Case Study Research

Elective Courses - Credits: 3

Complete a minimum of 3 credits from the following courses or other electives approved by the program director:

• EPY 728 - Applied Classroom Research
• EPY 738 - Discourse Analysis
• EPY 791 - Special Topics in Educational Psychology

Certificate Completion Requirements

Completion of 12 credits, with a grade of B or better in the courses. Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.

Documents and Downloads

• Plans of Study
• Syllabi for EPY courses
• Program Handbook

Program Overview

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research is housed in the Department of Educational Psychology and Higher Education. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and conduct qualitative research studies, analyze and interpret data, and write research reports. The certificate is designed for post-master's graduate students who wish to develop specialized knowledge in qualitative research methods.