Interdisciplinary Research Methods Certificate

A qualitative research methods course:

• POSC - 178. Research Design & Qualitative Methods 4 credit(s)   OR
• SOCI - 306. Research Methods II 3 credit(s)

Electives with the INRM attribute: 9-13 credits

• ATDV - 110. Statistics for Social Science 3 credit(s)
• COMD - 210. Community Research and Consulting 3 credit(s)
• CSIS - 011. Problem Solving with Spreadsheets 1 credit(s)
• CSIS - 110. Introduction to Computer Science 3 credit(s)
• CSIS - 120. Software Development 4 credit(s)
• CSIS - 210. Data Structures 3 credit(s)
• ECON - 430. Econometrics 3 credit(s)
• ENVA - 210. Environmental Research Methods 2 credit(s)
• MATH - 275. Introductory Statistics with Computation 3 credit(s)
• MATH - 371. Probability for Statistics 3 credit(s)
• MATH - 470. Mathematical Statistics 3 credit(s)
• MGMT - 336. Management Research Methods 3 credit(s)
• MGMT - 425. Leading Organizational Change 3 credit(s)
• MRKT - 336. Marketing Research Methods 3 credit(s)
• MRKT - 437. Applied Research Methods 3 credit(s)
• POSC - 182. Statistical Applications in Quantitative Research 4 credit(s)
• POSC - 325. Public Opinion 3 credit(s)
• QBUS - 200. Business Statistics I 4 credit(s)
• QBUS - 210. Business Statistics II 3 credit(s)
• SWRK - 430. Social Work Research 3 credit(s)
• SOCI - 304. Research Methods I 3 credit(s)

A culminating experience: 0-3 credits

The culminating experience can be a credit or a non-credit learning experience that involves the use of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies. Students must formally request the recognition of their learning experience by applying to the Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Methods Program. In the request, students will describe how each of the five following program learning goals will be met.

1. understanding of the philosophical assumptions upon which different methodological approaches are based;
2. sensitivity to the important ethical issues that arise when doing research with human subjects, and an understanding of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) application process;
3. understanding of the basic differences and similarities between qualitative and quantitative approaches to doing research, and how different methodologies are used within different disciplines;
4. appreciation for the integration of different methodologies when doing research;
5. the ability and commitment to conduct research that protects the rights of participants, demonstrates responsibility to research and sponsoring organizations, credits the work of others, and respects stakeholders and the natural environment.

Upon completion, students must submit a report that discusses in detail their learning experience and its relevance to the five program learning goals. If the learning experience is taken for credit, the credits can be applied towards fulfilling the 18-19 credit requirement of the program. Examples of culminating experiences may include: a capstone course in the major (3 credits), an honors thesis course (3 credits), participation in the Siena Summer Scholars Program, independent study (1 to 3 credits), and experiential learning (e.g., a Siena Research Institute internship, other research based internships, community based research).

**No more than nine credits in one department count towards fulfilling the requirements for the program.