Qualitative Research - Graduate Certificate

The Qualitative Research graduate certificate is for students who wish to improve their ability to design, conduct, analyze and quality-assess qualitative approaches to research used in the context of funded research, educational assessment, program evaluation, critical, creative, exploratory or theoretical endeavors or other applications.

The courses in this program offer students inter- and trans-disciplinary opportunities to learn and develop skills in qualitative methodologies, including grounded theory, phenomenology, ethnography and descriptive approach; as well as methods, including observation, interviewing, transcription, data analysis, use of software, analytic memoing and others.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Argue for the value of qualitative methodological approaches and help others understand the value of this form of inquiry to enhance understanding within their respective fields.
2. Critique and review a wide variety of qualitative research in their respective fields.
3. Create and enact a variety of forms of high-quality, ethical qualitative research in their respective fields.

• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendations

Review of applications will be handled by one of the certificate co-coordinators, who will also evaluate prerequisites (if substitute syllabi are submitted by student). For more information about graduate admission, please visit the Graduate Studies website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Argue for the value of qualitative methodological approaches and help others understand the value of this form of inquiry to enhance understanding within their respective fields.
2. Critique and review a wide variety of qualitative research in their respective fields.
3. Create and enact a variety of forms of high-quality, ethical qualitative research in their respective fields.

Submitting your English test score

When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.

• Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
• An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..

All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.

Proficiency Waivers

Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.

¹ Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.

² Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.

³ Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge.  Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.

All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee.  The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.

Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.

Submit an Online Application and Fee

Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply

• Passport biographical page.
• English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
• College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language). 
• College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language). 
• GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
• Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
  • Assistantship application.
  • Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines. 
• Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
• Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
• Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
  • *Financial documents are only required after acceptance. 

Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

Check Your Application Status

Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)

Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.