The Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research is a 15-credit course sequence that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications and field-based experiences. Although this certificate is housed in the College of Education, students from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
Coordinator: Dr. Shena Sanchez (shena.sanchez@ua.edu)
NOTE: This certificate is not a credential for teacher certification/licensure.
Admissions
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission, an application must include:
- Statement of Purpose focusing on the student’s goals in pursuing a Qualitative Research certificate;
- Writing sample, involving qualitative research, submitted directly to the department for faculty consideration
It is recommended to apply after successful completion of either BER 630 Qualitative Case Study Research or BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative Research I with a grade of B or better.
Certificate completion will be monitored by the assigned certificate program advisor.
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Curricular Requirements
| Code and Title | Hours |
| BER 632 | Qual II: Engage with Qual | 3 |
| BER 633 | Qual III: Adv Qual Inq | 3 |
| BER 687 | Field Work Educ Research | 3 |
| 6 |
| Qual Case Study Research | |
| Narrative Inquiry | |
| Materialist Theories in Qual | |
| Qualitative Interviewing | |
| Arts-Based Research | |
| Social Justice in Qual | |
| Readings In Educ Res (with a qualitative research focus) | |
| Spec Top in Ed Research (with a qualitative research focus) | |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Certificate Completion Requirements:
- All course requirements listed above, with a grade of B or better, and successful completion of BER 687 Field Work Educ Research
- Capstone Presentation in the Department of Educational Studies Annual Southeastern Universities Graduate Research Symposium (SUGRS) or other refereed conference approved by the Certificate program advisor.
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Time Limit for Certificate Completion
Coursework must be completed within six (6) years.
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
