Qualitative data and methods are essential for uncovering context, meaning, and insights that quantitative analysis alone can't capture. This course empowers professionals to design, collect, analyze, and use qualitative evidence in monitoring, evaluation, and program learning.
 
You'll explore foundational principles of qualitative research and engage in hands-on practice with tools such as interviews, focus groups, observation, and case studies. Through real-world examples, you'll sharpen your ability to interpret nuance, assess validity, and translate qualitative findings into actionable recommendations.
 

What You Will Learn & Be Able To Do
 

• Master core qualitative research designs: case studies, ethnography, participant observation, narrative, and more
• Frame strong research questions and draft well-structured proposals
• Develop qualitative data collection instruments (interview guides, focus group protocols, observation templates)
• Execute data gathering through interviews, focus groups, observations, and document reviews
• Analyze qualitative data (coding, thematic analysis, narrative synthesis) Evaluate evidence quality: trustworthiness, credibility, triangulation, and validity
• Integrate qualitative findings with monitoring and evaluation frameworks to inform program decisions, learning, and adaptation

 

Why This Course Matters for Professionals
 
In evaluation, qualitative methods bring richness, depth, and context to your understanding of how programs function—and why they succeed or struggle. Employers in NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and consultancies value professionals who can translate lived experience, stakeholder voice, and narrative data into policy-relevant insights.
 

Format
 

• Delivered in a virtual format with asynchronous modules and weekly live sessions
• Students must attend at least 3 of 7 synchronous sessions

 

Please note that Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation and Program Design for Monitoring and Evaluation are prerequisites for this course. Students who would like to receive special consideration to join this course without enrolling in the full Certificate should contact Michelle D'Amico at mcd231@nyu.edu.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) : 3

You'll walk away with

• Knowledge of quantitative methods for use in program evaluation
• Familiarity with the basics of measurement
• An understanding of measurement tools

Ideal for

• Professionals interested in the field of monitoring and evaluation
• Students pursuing the Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation