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Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research
The Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research (QRGP) is offered through the
Department of Multidisciplinary Studies (DMS). It consists of six three-credit hour online
courses (18 credit hours) designed to prepare academics, professional research
consultants, and graduate students to understand a variety of qualitative research
approaches and to conduct qualitative research studies. Our certificate students will (a)
gain insight into the philosophical and theoretical foundations of qualitative research; (b)
distinguish and critique qualitative research approaches and products; and (c) apply best
practices in qualitative research to design, propose, conduct, and compose qualitative
research of their own.
Students may take three to six credit hours per term. Students can expect to complete the
QRGP in one to two years depending on their pace of study. Students in the program who
are in good standing and wish to pursue a master’s degree may apply to the department
for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Cross-disciplinary Studies (MACS). QRGP courses
are eligible for consideration for transfer of credit (TOC) into MACS as concentration
courses or as an elective provided they meet other TOC requirements. See Transfer of
Credit requirements.
Degree Plans
A sample degree plan for a residential student who begins their studies in the Fall term
and enrolls in 3 courses per term can be found on the website at
Degree plans will be modified based
on a student’s enrollment date and pace of study.
Degree Plan: 18 credit hours
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Fall (August)
Winter (January)
Summer (May)
QRGP 6300 Foundations of
Qualitative Research
QRGP 6302 Qualitative Data
Analysis I
QRGP 6301 Qualitative Data
Collection
QRGP 6303 Qualitative Data
Analysis II
QRGP 6305 Qualitative
Research Design
Elective
Graduation and Celebration