Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies (Current UGA Students)
Introduction
This program is ideal for UGA graduate 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 design and teach qualitative research methods in their respective fields.
The residential certificate for current UGA students offers core and elective courses in both in person and online modalities.
If you are not a UGA graduate student and are interested, learn more about our online certificate 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
Curriculum
UGA students who have been admitted to the residential certificate program take a minimum of 15 credit hours of graduate coursework in qualitative research and complete a qualitative or mixed methods dissertation. The required and elective courses are listed in the IQS Program of Study .
Our nationally recognized faculty will work with you to answer questions about the required and elective course offerings.
In addition to coursework, IQS certificate students’ dissertation or thesis committee must include at least one member of the IQS affiliate faculty .
How to Apply
It is recommended that students apply to the IQS Certificate after completing QUAL8400 & QUAL8410. The application consists of an informational survey and an essay. Applicants should complete the survey here .
The application essay asks students to describe their interest in the IQS Certificate (3-4 pages):
Specifically, to answer the following questions:
- What are your current experiences with qualitative research?
- What are your interests in the IQS Certificate program?
- How do you see the IQS Certificate program assisting with your career goals?
- What are your interests in teaching qualitative inquiry?
- What are your current topics of research interest?
- What methods do you hope to use to examine these interests?
- What theories guide your work?
The essays should be emailed directly to the current program coordinator for the Qualitative Research Program. Students admitted to the IQS Certificate program will be given priority when registering for further coursework (e.g., QUAL8420/QUAL8420e: Analyzing Qualitative Data)
Confirmation of Program of Study
In the final semester prior to graduation, students should complete the “Confirmation of Program of Study” form and submit this to the Qualitative Research Graduate Coordinator as well as LEAP’s Graduate Program Administrator.
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
- Affiliate Faculty
- Course List (PDF)
- IQS Program of Study (PDF)
- Program History (PDF)
- Program Objectives (PDF)
- Projected QUAL Course Schedule (PDF)
- Qualitative Research Program Community Practices (PDF)
Student Handbook Archive More Student 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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