This graduate microcertificate will provide you with the skills and knowledge to conduct and understand qualitative research. Qualitative inquiry helps researchers understand the behavior and perception of a specific group of people about a particular subject.  Qualitative data is collected through interviews, field observation, focus groups, and records research in a non-quantitative manner.

This interdisciplinary credential is administered by an advisory committee comprised of core faculty from the U of A Public Policy Ph.D. program and related interdisciplinary faculty across the U of A campus.

You Will Learn To

• Conduct qualitative inquiries that reveal the thoughts, feelings, opinions and reasons behind emotions of a research group of participants.
• Understand the perspectives, principles and methodologies guiding qualitative inquiries.
• Develop and implement qualitative research projects.

Courses

Choose one course (3 credit hours) from each of the three qualitative research levels below.

Qualitative Level I

• EDLE 6543 - Introduction to Qualitative Research
• ESRM 6533 - Qualitative Research
• SOCI 5083 - Applied Qualitative Research
• CIED 5313 - Principles of Qualitative Research in Curriculum & Instruction

Qualitative Level II

• PLSC 5823 - Qualitative Methods in Political Science
• COMM 5173 - Qualitative Methods in Communication
• COMM 5183 - Interpretive Research Methods in Communication
• ADLL 6423 - Qualitative Reasoning in Adult and Lifelong Learning
• CIED 6653 - Advanced Methods of Qualitative Research in Curriculum & Instruction

Advanced Qualitative Level III

• ESRM 6543 - Advanced Qualitative Research
• ADLL 6463 - Advanced Qualitative Reasoning in Adult and Lifelong Learning
• EDLE 6553 - Advanced Qualitative Methods in Educational Research

Admissions Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Meet Graduate School admissions requirements