Qualitative Methodology, AC
Specialize in non-numerical data to understand concepts, experiences and social phenomena. You’ll emphasize the context and meaning of data, providing rich, detailed insights that are often not captured by quantitative methods.
Explore the Complexity of Human Behavior
Discover the power of qualitative research with our advanced certificate program designed for professionals and scholars seeking to deepen their understanding and application of qualitative methodologies. This program provides a comprehensive exploration of qualitative research techniques, including ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory and case studies.
The Value of an Advanced Certificate
In today’s dynamic professional environment, continuous self-improvement is essential for career success. Advancements, competition and evolving landscapes require professionals to maintain current, industry-relevant knowledge, skills and competencies. Advanced certificates can complement completed degrees or serve as standalone credentials. Regardless of your chosen path, an advanced certificate offers additional knowledge and opportunities to refine professional skills, facilitating career advancement. They offer a flexible, accessible and cost-effective educational route to pursue career goals and remain competitive.
Points of Distinction
Equip yourself with essential skills in data collection, analysis and reporting. Led by experienced faculty and industry experts, you'll gain hands-on experience in designing, conducting and analyzing qualitative research.
Master diverse methodologies, including case study research, ethnography and discourse analysis. Gain comprehensive expertise to address complex research questions effectively.
Contribute meaningfully to your field with advanced qualitative research strategies that enable you to capture the complexities of human experiences and social phenomena. Enhance your ability to influence policy, drive innovation and create impactful solutions in your area of expertise.
Program Summary
| Academic credential granted | Advanced Certificate (AC) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 12 |
| Time to completion | 2 to 4 semesters |
| Course delivery | On campus |
| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Fall: April 1, then rolling until Aug. 10 Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling until Jan. 10 |
Qualitative researcher within institutional and organizational settings, including:
- federal and private granting agencies
- government agencies
- non-profit organizations
- schools and universities
Required Courses (6 credits)
- One introductory course (e.g., ELP 593 Qualitative Research Methods Part I, LAI 669 Qualitative Techniques for Education)
- One advanced course (e.g., ELP 594 Qualitative Research Methods Part II, LAI 626 Advanced Qualitative Research Field Methods)
Elective Courses (6 credits) (choose two)
You have the option to take one elective course outside of GSE.
Courses Within GSE Departments
- ELP 621 Action Research
- ELP 690 Digital Tools for Qualitative Research
- ELP 692 Case Study Research
- LAI 625 Discourse Analysis Research
- LAI 626 Advanced Qualitative Research Field Methods
- LAI 669 Qualitative Techniques for Education
- LAI 670 Methods of Child Study
- LAI 683 Emergent Methods in New Literacies
- LAI 687 Narrative Research and Method
Courses Within Other UB Departments
- Anthropology 515/410 Ethnography
- Anthropology 575 Cultural Anthropology: Ethnography & Personal Narrative
- Anthropology 575 New Ethnographies
- History 500 Doing History: History Methods and Research
- Nursing 697 Advanced Qualitative Methods
- Sociology 556 Sociological Fieldwork
- Urban and Regional Planning 561 Qualitative Methods for Planning (Intro)
*NOTE: This program is exclusively for current University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education doctoral students. UB GSE master's students may seek permission to apply.
- This program is exclusively for current University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education doctoral students. UB GSE master's students may seek permission to apply.
- You must have a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in any discipline from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (with some possible exceptions).
Submit your completed online application (UBIT login required), which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Statement of education and career goals
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In-State Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Test, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic, or DET (Duolingo English Test).
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 79 for internet-based test
- IELTS Academic Test minimum score is 6.5 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- DET minimum score is 120 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.