Qualitative Research Methods in Education – Graduate Certificate
What do I do once I’ve finished all of the required credit hours?
Once you have completed at least 12 hours of coursework from the provided list of classes, you can fill out the Graduate Certificate Course Verification Form, which may be found via the Graduate School’s Form Central.
You must also apply to graduate from the certificate program in MyUTK.
Important: If you are concurrently enrolled in both the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education and another degree granting program (e.g., Ed.D., M.A., Ph.D.), you should indicate the same semester that you intend to graduate with your primary degree when selecting the “Term to be Awarded Certificate” on the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form. It is important that your graduation data be the same for both concurrent degree programs.
Photo Description: Screenshot of the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form homepage.
When should I fill out the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form?
While you may complete this form at any time after completion of coursework, it must be completed no later than the end of the semester preceding your desired graduation date.
Important: If you are concurrently enrolled in both the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education and another degree granting program (e.g., Ed.D., M.A., Ph.D.), you should indicate the same semester that you intend to graduate with your primary degree when selecting the “Term to be Awarded Certificate” on the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form. It is important that your graduation data be the same for both concurrent degree programs.
What information will I need when filling out the Graduate Certificate Course Verification Form?
While you may complete this form at any time after completion of coursework, it must be completed no later than the end of the semester preceding your desired graduation date.
Important: If you are concurrently enrolled in both the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education and another degree granting program (e.g., Ed.D., M.A., Ph.D.), you should indicate the same semester that you intend to graduate with your primary degree when selecting the “Term to be Awarded Certificate” on the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form. It is important that your graduation data be the same for both concurrent degree programs.
What information will I need when filling out the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form?
The form will ask for your name, email address, student ID number, name of the certificate program, the term you anticipate being awarded the certificate, and then details about the coursework that you completed in order to meet the certificate requirements (year/term, department, course number and title, credit hours, and final grade).
Required: When asked for the Certificate Program Coordinator NetID, please enter LCain6
Important: If you are concurrently enrolled in both the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education and another degree granting program (e.g., Ed.D., M.A., Ph.D.), you should indicate the same semester that you intend to graduate with your primary degree when selecting the “Term to be Awarded Certificate” on the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form. It is important that your graduation data be the same for both concurrent degree programs.
Photo Description: A screenshot capturing the Student Information portion of the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form.
Photo Description: A screenshot capturing the Graduate Courses portion of the Graduate Certificate Course Verification form.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact the certificate coordinator, Dr. Leia K. Cain, Assistant Professor of Qualitative Methods and Coordinator of the Qualitative Research Methods in Education Graduate Certificate at LeiaCain@utk.edu.
Can I enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education while being enrolled in another degree program?
Yes!
Can courses that I take for another degree program count toward the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education?
Yes! Of the 12 hours of coursework required for certificate completion, up to nine hours may count toward another program of study. However, please note that three hours of coursework must be unique to the Qualitative Research Methods in Education Graduate Certificate.
Photo Description: Illustration showing that three of four required courses may count toward another degree program, while one course must be unique to the certificate.
Can I take a course that is not listed in the approved list of classes and still have it count toward the graduate certificate?
Other courses may be approved to substitute for a required course in order to complete your program of study. In order to confirm if a course can be approved to count toward the certificate, contact Dr. Cain with the syllabus of the course in question.
In order to qualify as an appropriate course substitution, the course must be graduate-level and primarily focus on qualitative methods.
Courses dedicated to introducing students to general research methods (e.g., Introduction to Research in Education; Educational Research Methods; Foundations of Research), primarily quantitative methods (e.g., Survey Methods), or mixed methods research will not be approved as substitutions for the coursework required in this certificate.
When will ESM 559: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Education be offered next?
We typically offer at least one section of ESM 559 each Fall, Spring, and Summer semester.
When will ESM 659: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Education be offered next?
We typically offer at least one section of ESM 659 each Spring semester.
How often are qualitative methods elective courses offered?
We offer at least one advanced qualitative methods course during each academic school year in the fall and/or spring semester. We also regularly offer advanced qualitative methods courses in the summer semester!
How do I apply to the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education?
You can apply to the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education on The Graduate School’s website.
When can I apply to the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education?
You may apply for admission to the graduate certificate at any time, as admissions are offered on an ongoing basis. Students wishing to earn the certificate must apply for admission to the certificate program at least one semester before applying for course certification.
I have taken another graduate level introductory course in qualitative research methods. Do I still need to take ESM 559?
Please contact the program coordinator with the syllabus of the course that you have completed in order to inquire about using it as a substitute for ESM 559: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Education.