The Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Studies is a nondegree program that prepares students to design and conduct rigorous qualitative research. It offers interdisciplinary training in qualitative inquiry and opportunities to engage with active research projects and advanced qualitative methods. Students may add-on the certificate as they earn a graduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill or enroll as a non-degree seeking student.
The certificate is ideal for current graduate students who want to strengthen their qualitative research skills, as well as scholars preparing for careers that involve teaching, consulting, program evaluation, or community engaged research.
The certificate consists of five courses and an additional non-credit activity, all of which most students complete within the span of their graduate program.
Yes. The certificate is designed for current graduate students across the University who want to enhance their qualitative research expertise alongside their primary degree program.
Yes. You will apply for the certificate as a non-degree seeking student through the UNC Graduate School.
Yes. You will need to apply to the certificate as a non-degree seeking student through the UNC Graduate School, while also noting that course credits external to UNC-Chapel Hill are not eligible for transfer credit for graduate certificates.
Yes. Courses taken for the certificate may also count toward other graduate degrees, depending on the requirements of the student’s home program and approval from their academic advisor.
You may apply at any time, as the application is always open. However, please note that applications are reviewed based on the certificate’s official application deadlines. Applicants should review the program’s “How to Apply” page for the most up‑to‑date information, including up-to-date application deadlines.
Applications are submitted online through The Graduate School’s application portal, including a writing sample, resume/CV, and other required materials. Additional instructions are provided on the How to Apply” page.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu or attend an upcoming virtual information session.