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Qualitative Inquiry Methods

Graduate Certificate

Be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, conduct and analyze qualitative research effectively in the social sciences.

If you are interested in understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena you will gain the essential inquiry skills, tailored for both practitioners and academic researchers with this certificate.

Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
1 year
Credit hours:
9

Why pursue a Qualitative Inquiry Methods graduate certificate?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

You will learn about participatory and equity-oriented qualitative inquiry methods that support understanding diverse socio-cultural perspectives when exploring problems from a qualitative and equity-oriented framework and enhance your other credentials by demonstrating specialized knowledge and skills in qualitative research methods and design in your workplace.

This 9-credit online graduate certificate program is for faculty and graduate students, as well as individuals who would like to take a focused program of study in qualitative research methods. This certificate is not solely for those doing academic, empirical research; it views the skills of a qualitative researcher as deeply relevant to what you do every day to understand complex problems in schools, workplaces and organizations, subsequently fostering the competency to understand and explore equitable solutions.

Who should earn a certificate in Qualitative Inquiry Methods?

The Qualitative Inquiry Method graduate certificate serves many types of professionals:

  • Graduate Students: If you are a graduate student pursuing degrees in social sciences, humanities, education, public health or other related fields that engage in qualitative research as part of your academic work. A certificate in Qualitative Inquiry Methods can provide you with valuable skills and credentials for conducting qualitative research.
  • Researchers: If you're already exploring or working in academic, non-profit, or governmental research settings, this certificate will be a valuable asset to enhance your research capabilities and bolster your credibility. It's particularly beneficial for those in sociology, psychology, anthropology, education, public health, and social work.
  • Practitioners: For practitioners engaged in market research, program evaluation, community development, or policy analysis, the insights gained from learning qualitative research methods can be transformative. Earning a certificate in Qualitative Inquiry Methods opens up new perspectives on understanding people's experiences, attitudes, and behaviors.
  • Educators: Teachers, professors and instructional designers will find that this certificate deepens their grasp of qualitative research principles and techniques. It will help you to incorporate qualitative research methods into your curriculum or educational research projects.
  • Consultants: Consultants working in areas such as organizational development, human resources and market analysis may find that a certificate in Qualitative Inquiry Methods enhances their ability to conduct thorough research and offer valuable insights to their clients.

Qualitative Inquiry Methods Graduate Certificate at UND

  • Qualitative research faculty are trained in critical, participatory and equity-oriented research methods.

  • Real-world research projects embedded into coursework.

  • Have full flexibility with courses offered both online and on-campus.

Careers with a Qualitative Inquiry Methods Graduate Certificate

By choosing the Qualitative Inquiry Methods graduate certificate, you'll gain access to the latest skills and methods for conducting deep and meaningful research. This research can make a big difference in schools, communities, and other settings.

Careers opportunities may include:

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • University Professor
  • Program Evaluation Specialist

Qualitative Inquiry Method Graduate Certificate Courses

EFR 510. Becoming a qualitative researcher: techniques, skills and practical methods. 3 Credits.

Qualitative researchers engage in systematic inquiry and direct collaboration with individuals and communities to explore highly contextualized phenomenon with the purpose of action or change. Qualitative methods are naturalistic, highly contextual, participatory and relational. Exploring the lived experiences and perspective of others requires attention to relationships, rapport and trust among all participants. From justice-centered and critical perspectives, this course introduces students to qualitative research methods in the social sciences to equip them with the skills for conducting qualitative research.Students will learn fundamental participatory methods of data collection including observations, interviewing, focus groups, as well as data analysis and writing up qualitative findings. F,S,SS.

EFR 520. Designing the Qualitative Study: Advanced Methodologies. 3 Credits.

In this course, students will learn about and engage with advanced qualitative research methodologies that enable a nuanced and deep contextual understanding of social phenomena. Students will gain foundational knowledge in phenomenology, grounded theory, narrative, and ethnographic designs. Students learn how to blend components of these designs to ensure inquiries are relevant, with the intent of disseminating knowledge to the people who can use it. Knowledge about ethical research practices, including IRB requirements will also be addressed. S.

T&L 569. Action Research. 3 Credits.

The study of the philosophy and methods of action research. Emphasis is focused on analysis of and reflection on one's teaching for the purpose of improvements in student learning. Prerequisite: Graduate status. S.

Qualitative Inquiry Methods Certificate Online

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND's graduate certificate in Qualitative Inquiry Methods is delivered fully online. You never have to come to campus.

Flexible Online Qualitative Inquiry Methods Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

Explore More Options

Looking to pursue similar graduate work or connect with the department?

Department Contact
Dr. Cheryl Hunter
Professor, Education Research
College of Education & Human Development
P 701.777.3431

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