Interdisciplinary Research Skills
The Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Studies (GCQS) is for any graduate student interested in conducting methodologically sound, rigorous, evidence-based qualitative research. You will learn a variety of techniques from faculty members across campus and be able to tailor the focus of your studies towards your research and career goals.
Expanding Career Opportunities
Many of our graduate students matriculate, complete their programs, and compete in the job market for positions to teach, conduct research, supervise, consult, and perform community services related to qualitative research. A Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Studies puts new graduates ahead of the competition for employment in these fields. You can gain the skills to become professional research consultants, program evaluators, and academicians who understand a variety of qualitative research approaches and are able to conduct qualitative research studies.
Interpretive Research Suite & Carter Qualitative Thought Lab (QuaLab)
The QuaLab is a space where you have the opportunity to practice qualitative research methods on cutting-edge software within the context of active research projects.
All certificate students are required to participate in activities sponsored by the QuaLab. This may include working on research projects, teaching software skills, contributing to the lab’s repertoire of online resources, and attending guest lectures, workshops and discussion groups.
Complementary Certificates
There is a Graduate Certificate in Participatory Research currently housed in the Department of Communication. These are complementary but not overlapping certificates. For information about the Graduate Certificate in Participatory Research (GCPR), please contact Dr. Patricia Parker, Associate Professor, Department Chair, and Director of the GCPR Program (psparker@email.unc.edu), or visit their website.