Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies
This program is ideal for researchers and non-degree students who would like additional preparation in designing and conducting qualitative studies. Designed to respond to the growing demand for national and international training in qualitative research, the program prepares individuals to teach qualitative research methods in their institutions.
This certificate is offered primarily on the Athens campus.
Learn more about our online program »
Highlights
- Among the oldest and most reputable in the world
- Responds to the growing demand for national and international training
- More than 60 affiliate faculty available to support students
- Online certificate available
Curriculum
Students in the residential campus certificate program will take a minimum of 15 credit hours of graduate coursework in qualitative research and complete a qualitative or mixed methods dissertation.
See more information about our online program .
Our nationally recognized faculty will work with you to customize your degree program.
How to Apply
Applications for the IQS certificate are accepted when students take QUAL 8410: Qualitative Research Design (or equivalent course), and should be submitted to the instructor (or program coordinator for the qualitative research program) by the end of the semester which this course is taken. Students’ names will be added to the program database of IQS students, and the IQS Certificate will be added to students’ files by the Registrar’s Office.
Students admitted to the IQS Certificate program will be given priority when registering for further coursework (e.g., QUAL 8420/8420e: Analyzing Qualitative Data).
Confirmation of Program of Study
In the year prior to graduation, students should complete the “Confirmation of Program of Study” form and a personal essay and submit that to the program coordinator for review by IQS faculty members. The personal essay explains research interests, plans for dissertation or thesis research, prior preparation and experiences related to the objectives of the program, and long-range career/professional plans following completion of the IQS Certificate program.
The confirmation of the program of study form outlines how the IQS certificate program requirements for the certificate have been met (exclusive of the dissertation or thesis) (i.e., listing courses taken).
The certificate candidate’s dissertation or thesis committee must include at least one member of the IQS affiliate faculty.
Successful applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Students who are not making satisfactory progress will be subject to removal from the program following faculty review. Such procedures are consistent with existing standards of practice for similar certificate programs within the university and are compatible with university policies on the timely review and retention of students in graduate programs.
Certificate Completion
Once students have completed and defended a dissertation or thesis using a qualitative or mixed methods design they need to apply for graduation from the IQS Certificate program in addition to the degree program in which the student is enrolled. This is done via Athena in the semester of graduation.
After graduation, your certificate completion will be noted on your UGA transcript. This is done by the Registrar’s Office. You will also receive an electronic copy of your Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies certificate that will acknowledge your accomplishment.
Forms for Applicants from Fall 2021 and Later
Deadline to Apply
Students typically apply to the program when taking QUAL 8410 or an equivalent course.Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
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