Certificate in Mixed Methods Research Online FAQs

The Online Certificate in Mixed Methods Research is designed to prepare students in social and educational sciences to become effective users who can utilize mixed methods in practice. Mixed methods systematically integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches to researchin order to answer research questions and provide opportunities for the inclusion of a variety of theoretical perspectives. 

Mixed Methods Research is a comprehensive research technique that allows researchers to systemically integrate both quantitative and qualitative research. The results often yield a more complete understanding of complex research topics as well as more accurate and reliable results. The value of using mixed methods research to solve real-world problems is becoming more recognized everyday!

Individuals who work or aspire to work in positions involving K-12 education, higher education, legislative affairs, educational professional organizations, non-governmental and civic organizations, foundations, think tanks focused on education and public health issues, grant writing, etc. If your work involves finding solutions to complex issues, this certificate is for you!

To successfully complete this non-degree certificate, participants are required to complete three (3) online courses. It can be completed in as little as one year.

The program launches during the fall semester each year and one course is offered per semester. Students should complete this certificate by sequentially taking EDRE 7700 Introduction to Mixed Methods and EDRE 7710 Advanced Mixed Methods. Students can take EDRE 6920 Special Projects simultaneously with EDRE 7710 after completion of EDRE 7700.

This program is designed to build from one course to the next. Therefore, participants will be required to take all courses in sequence and will not be able to pick and choose courses.

For the 2023-24 academic year, the cost for the online certificate is approximately $536/credit hour for Ohio residents, not including textbooks. Out-of-state students have a $19/credit hour surcharge. Find full details of the tuition and fees on the Bursar's website  - you can find the program information under the heading "OHIO Online (eCampus) Graduate Tuition."

Participants will receive a term bill following registration each semester. However, it is possible to make monthly payments using the university's monthly payment plan . Students can address specific billing questions to the Office of the Bursar via their website or contact them via email: Office of the Bursar .

This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. However, some employers offer tuition reimbursement, other scholarships, and professional development funds that can be used to cover the costs of the certificate program. Be sure to check with your employer's human resources office (Ohio University employees are able to apply the university's Employee Education Benefit to this certificate).

Another potential resource may be seeking funding from professional organizations for your field, as those organizations may make scholarship funds available. 

The Ohio University Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships external scholarships web pages  can be a good starting point to look for additional support. Please read the application requirements carefully as not all of the programs listed there will be available for graduate study. The US News article "How to Find Free Money for Graduate School" may be a helpful resource as well.  

Finally, there are loan options that can be available to non-degree students if employer reimbursement is not available. OHIO uses a tool called  FastChoice that provides a list of institutions our students have used recently and that allows a student to search for loan options based on their circumstances. Once inside FastChoice, a student is able to filter loans by those that are available to graduate students in a non-degree seeking program.

Please  contact the Office of Student Financial Aid  for more information and to determine what options are best for you.

The next cohort is slated to launch Fall Semester 2024 and online classes will begin August 26, 2024. The application is open now and the first-priority enrollment deadline is July 15, 2024.

OHIO faculty will deliver engaging course sessions with guest lectures from practitioners and leaders in Mixed Methods Research. Faculty include:

• Dr. Yuchun Zhou , program coordinator and associate professor in the Department of Educational Studies
• Dr. Krisanna Machtmes , associate professor in the Department of Educational Studies

The program offers individuals a foundation for conducting mixed methods research to address complex research topics. Participants will gain applied knowledge of how to design, conduct, and evaluate mixed methods research, how to use mixed methods to inform a meaningful intervention, and how to write a mixed-methods grant proposal.  This certificate prepares professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to work independently and collaboratively in mixed methods research community.

Students need to have essential research experience in qualitative and quantitative methods to apply for the Certificate in Mixed Methods Research because this certificate program will not cover the topics of qualitative or quantitative research but focuses solely on how to design and implement effective integration of qualitative and quantitative methods and data. No GRE is required!

Admission requirements include the following: 

• Evidence of research experience in qualitative and quantitative research. This could be a transcript of research courses and research projects that used qualitative or quantitative methods and data. You also may wish to support your application by supplying recommendation letters that support your expertise in qualitative and quantitative research.
• Bachelor’s degree (evidenced by official undergraduate transcript(s))
  • Please review the  International Credential Requirements  if you attended a higher education institution outside of the United States.
• Proof of English proficiency (required for those who are not native English speakers)
• The non-degree  application is submitted online and all supporting materials are requested or attached through the application form. 

Graduate College will have the ultimate decision, however, it may be possible to add an additional certificate. Visit the graduate application webpage to find the appropriate application link.

Participants will need reliable access to a computer and the Internet to participate in the program.

Completing this certificate allows you to enhance your ability to solve complex problems in all fields. Certificate holders can pursue opportunities in government, higher education, non-profit, and industry job markets. 

For example, a recent search for "mixed methods" on LinkedIn returned 1,623 results from companies such as Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Apple, IBM, and Microsoft, as well as higher education institutions. Posted job titles included "Mixed Methods Leader," "Lead Usability Researcher (Mixed-Methods)," and “UX Researcher – Mixed Method.”  Most of these positions require an undergraduate degree and specify the requirement of mixed methods research experience.  Our certificate is a perfect fit for researchers who hold undergraduate degrees and desire to gain knowledge and expertise in mixed methods without the need to seek a graduate degree.

Here are a few reasons to add the online Certificate in Mixed Methods Research to your arsenal:

• To enhance your ability to solve complex problems in all fields, from education to social sciences to civil engineering.
• To boost your powers of data-driven persuasion and become a grant-writing superhero. 
• The online coursework can serve as a solid launching point that can help you become acclimated to being a student again (if needed) and puts you on track to enter a degree-granting graduate program , be it for a master's or doctoral degree.