Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies
Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies
I encourage my students to develop a reflective practice as researchers, and in my own research, I have looked at ways to think about how qualitative research is conducted.
Overview
- Focuses on qualitative methodologies with interdisciplinary topics.
- Is open to students with a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences.
- The courses for the online certificate program count toward our PhD in Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methodologies.
Offered through the Mary Frances Early College of Education, the University of Georgia offers qualified students the ability to earn an online graduate certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies (IQS). Designed to respond to the growing demand for national and international training in qualitative research, this program is ideal for researchers and non-degree students who would like additional preparation in designing and conducting qualitative studies, and who may be called upon to teach qualitative research methods in their institutions. The emphasis of the program is to provide an up-to-date overview of theoretical approaches to qualitative research, research design, data analysis and writing for varied audiences. Graduates from the IQS Certificate program have the knowledge and skills to design, critique, and implement high-quality research and evaluation studies.
Accreditations
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Admissions
Credit and Transfer
Total Hours Required to Earn Certificate: 18 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: N/A
Admission Requirements
We accept applicants who have a master’s degree or a doctoral degree.
Students who are not currently enrolled at UGA should apply to the graduate school for the Graduate Certificate program in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies and are not required to take entrance exams and submit letters of recommendation.
Application Checklist
- Application – Submit online to the Graduate School Admissions. Application fee: $75 Domestic & International.
- Select Campus– Online
- Select Intended Program – CERG, Qualitative Studies (Lifelong Ed, Admin, and Policy)[CERT_2QST_ON]
- Statement of purpose – Submit to the Graduate School online in your application.
- Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
International Applicants – must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
- Fall: April 15
Missed the deadline? Ask about the possibility of a deadline extension in the Request for Information form.
International Applicants
- Fall: April 15
Cost
Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.
Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $11,610 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition.
This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.
Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester.
Potential additional costs include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.
Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Military Assistance
Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Technology Requirements
- Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
- High-speed internet access.
Curriculum
Program Structure
Students in this fully online certificate program will take a minimum of 18 semester hours of graduate coursework. There are three areas of course work in the program: qualitative research core, electives, and a research project. Students will apply the knowledge and skills gained in the program to the design and conduct a study of their own choosing and prepare a publishable manuscript.
Additional details about the program can be found in the program’s graduate handbook (pdf).
Courses
Qualitative Research Core (9 semester hours)
QUAL 8400E – Qualitative Research Traditions (3 semester hours)
QUAL 8410E – Designing Qualitative Research (3 semester hours)
QUAL8420E – Analyzing Qualitative Data (3 semester hours)
Elective Courses (6 semester hours)
Courses should be selected through discussion with the faculty advisor.
Research Project (3 hours)
This project is completed under faculty supervision in lieu of a thesis and will be developed as part of the coursework.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.
Faculty
News & Events
Certificate program deepens knowledge of qualitative research
May 25, 2021Dena Kniess earned her bachelor’s degree in English-Writing and her master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Slippery Rock University. Before earning her doctorate from Clemson University, she worked as a student affairs practitioner in residence life and student transition programs for more than a decade. Kniess now…
Valdosta State University faculty member expands her qualitative studies through UGA’s online graduate certificate in qualitative research
March 30, 2021In 2018, Gwen Ruttencutter joined Valdosta State University as a clinical faculty member in the department of leadership, technology and workforce development. Ruttencutter teaches adult learning and research methodology courses for adult and career education doctoral and masters’ programs. In addition, she teaches in the undergraduate office administration and…
Online Pharmacy Programs Renamed to Reflect International Focus
July 26, 2017The College of Pharmacy’s Master of Science in Pharmacy, BioPharma Regulatory Affairs and the related Graduate Certificate have been renamed International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences to more accurately reflect the nature of the program and current industry practices. The degree is still a Master of Science in Pharmacy, but the…
Testimonials
“I work with graduate and doctoral students, balancing my workload as a student and my responsibilities as a faculty and fitting in some research in there. Students view things with a different perspective than faculty, so this has really informed my own teaching and helped me. I’m really enjoying and learning.”
Dr. Iris Saltiel, ’15
Contact Information
Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7935.