The students cited here have generously shared their experiences with the Qualitative Concentration, offering insight and inspiration to prospective students. They were invited to reflect on how completing the concentration has enriched their research process and shaped their graduate careers.

Aiyana L. Porter-Cash, PhD candidate in Critical Social Psychology: “The Qualitative Concentration has broadened my perspective on the diverse qualitative methods already employed by various scholars. It has also deepened my understanding of the ethical considerations in conducting qualitative research. I now recognize how the implications of qualitative studies can be deeply personal, with the potential to impact communities and influence policy change.

This concentration has encouraged me to be more creative and intentional in my research approach, from developing research questions to choosing data collection methods and thinking critically about citation practices. Overall, completing the concentration has not only enriched my methodological skills but has also instilled a deeper sense of responsibility and purpose in my research process.”

Lisa Babel, Adjunct Assistant Professor at City College and Qualitative Data Analyst: ” I was so excited when the Qualitative Concentration was created during my graduate program. In graduate school where a lot of the research conducted is quantitative, I appreciated that students had the option to participate in the Qualitative Concentration. Not everyone is interested in quantitative methods, however, qualitative methods offer a more progressive, more in-depth look into a phenomenon. 

I appreciate that the Qualitative Concentration has one required course but students can choose from the other qualitative courses listed to complete the concentration. The Intro to Qualitative Methods course introduces students to the various qualitative methods they may not have otherwise been aware of. The qualitative elective courses students take can then be tailored to what type(s) of qualitative methods they want to learn more about.

During graduate school, I worked on several studies that used qualitative methods. Since I earned my Ph.D. with a concentration in Qualitative Methods, I published one study using narrative analysis, and I have another study in the works. I also work as a thesis advisor where I am the go-to faculty person for students who want to use qualitative methods for their thesis research. Outside of academia, I work for a non-profit where I consult on how to create qualitative assessments, as well as conduct qualitative analysis that is put in reports about after-school learning and extra curriculars for children in New York City Public Schools.”

Ryan Savino, PhD Candidate at GC: “The concentration exposed me to a range of qualitative approaches, both on an ideological and more practical level, which have shaped my research approach. Without it, I doubt I would feel equipped to ask the sorts of research questions that interest me most, let alone attempt to answer them through research. I also appreciated how interdisciplinary the courses were as I feel it helped me to consider how disciplines other than my own might attempt to approach knowledge creation.”

Joshua Adler, PhD Candidate in Critical Social Psychology: “Doing the classes that have made up the qualitative concentration has given me a really robust and wide breadth of both knowledge and skills related to qualitative methodologies. The “Intro to Qual Methods” course certainly gives a good overview of the variety of methods, but taking more specialized classes has allowed me to really dig deep into specific methods and explore them. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to do so and to experiment with methods I wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”

Britton Williams, PhD, LCAT, RDT-BCT: “As someone who didn’t come from a long history of research before entering my doctoral program but who has always had a deep passion for lifting stories and experiences that need to be heard/shared/understood, the qualitative concentration immersed me in the diverse possibilities within and across qualitative research approaches. Most importantly, it contributed to my confidence in fully embracing my identity as a qualitative researcher.”