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Only one enrollment form needs to be completed for all desired courses.
Deadline:
12/01/2026
Format:
Online
Term Offered:
Winter
Overview
The focus of this online, asynchronous course is a general introduction to qualitative methods research, with a particular emphasis on the role of qualitative or open-ended inquiry in health-related implementation research. Implementation research is the study of how research-informed practice change can be fostered and sustained in health systems or community settings. Implementation researchers understand that solutions have to work in real-world conditions, which are inherently complex and changeable. Qualitative methods are essential in implementation research because they enable an in-depth consideration of the dynamic context of implementation – including institutional structures, stakeholder groups’ interests and interactions, human-technology interactions, and...
The focus of this online, asynchronous course is a general introduction to qualitative methods research, with a particular emphasis on the role of qualitative or open-ended inquiry in health-related implementation research. Implementation research is the study of how research-informed practice change can be fostered and sustained in health systems or community settings. Implementation researchers understand that solutions have to work in real-world conditions, which are inherently complex and changeable. Qualitative methods are essential in implementation research because they enable an in-depth consideration of the dynamic context of implementation – including institutional structures, stakeholder groups’ interests and interactions, human-technology interactions, and political, economic, legal, and social conditions.
This course will present multiple qualitative research strategies by way of readings, lectures, case studies, and online discussions. Trainees will gain basic skills in conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations, data analysis, and innovative approaches such as rapid analysis. The course will also cover philosophical foundations, theory, and methodological topics including sampling, generalization, and validity.
Course Details
At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:
- Design and plan a qualitative methods research project.
- Describe the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation.
- Develop an interview and focus group guide.
- Engage in collaborative qualitative data analysis.
- Critically evaluate the use of methodological paradigms and theoretical models to inform qualitative implementation research.
- Explain why a qualitative/open-ended approach is an essential component of all implementation research.
Training or experience in public health, epidemiology, quality improvement, or health care organization leadership. Exceptions for these prerequisites may be made with the consent of the course directors.
This course is designed for clinicians, public health practitioners, and researchers seeking to gain basic knowledge and skills in qualitative methods to inform implementation research. The course may be particularly useful for researchers and practitioners seeking introductory training in qualitative methodologies and guidance on incorporating them into predominantly quantitative projects.
This course is taught fully remotely (online) with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Learners engage with content organized into 10 weekly modules. Each week, learners view recorded lectures, assigned readings, and submit written assignments in an online forum. Weekly synchronous meetings occur over Zoom. When scheduling meetings, faculty strive to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals across multiple time zones. Synchronous meeting attendance is recommended but not required.
Completing this course will take approximately 6-8 hours per module.
Required readings will be posted on the course website.
Suggested resource: Qualitative methods in implementation science. National Cancer Institute.
This course requires learners to have a stable internet connection and access to the Zoom platform for synchronous meetings.
All course materials will be made available on the course website. In developing assignment submissions, students often benefit from using websites and other materials from their selected organizations.
All learners who meet the minimum course requirements will receive a formal letter documenting their successful completion of the course, its objectives, and requirements. Only learners who are matriculated in a UCSF Graduate Division program (e.g., Masters, PhD) may receive a letter grade on their UCSF transcript. UCSF graduate students should complete the ImS enrollment form (see below) and enroll via the UCSF Office of the Registrar – Student Portal.
Trainees are expected to watch all assigned videos, complete assigned readings, complete homework assignments, participate in weekly online forums, submit a final project, and complete course evaluations. Homework assignments will be oriented toward the practical application of course content and the development of a qualitative or mixed methods research plan.
Students will submit either a 3-5 page plan for a research project or health program that incorporates qualitative methods or, in special cases, a draft manuscript based on qualitative data (for students with pre-existing access to a qual data base).
Completing this course will take approximately 6-8 hours per module.
Students who do not turn in weekly assignments on time or do not provide required feedback to peers for more than 2 weeks will have the option to audit or drop the course. In either case, course fees will not be refunded.
Academic Year 2025-2026: The fee for each course is $2,900. A reduced fee of $2,250 is available for individuals affiliated with UCSF, individuals based in countries designated as low- or lower-middle-income-economies (LMIC), and individuals based in areas of ongoing armed conflict. Applicants seeking the reduced fee will be asked to provide support for their status. UCSF affiliation is defined as concurrent enrollment in a UCSF–sponsored residency or postdoctoral fellowship program; or a registered student in one of the UCSF professional schools or graduate programs; or individuals who hold full-time salaried UCSF faculty, academic, or staff positions.
Fees do not include books, supplies, or software. (These costs are minimal as most readings are from open-access journals.)
At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:
- Design and plan a qualitative methods research project.
- Describe the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation.
- Develop an interview and focus group guide.
- Engage in collaborative qualitative data analysis.
- Critically evaluate the use of methodological paradigms and theoretical models to inform qualitative implementation research.
- Explain why a qualitative/open-ended approach is an essential component of all implementation research.
Training or experience in public health, epidemiology, quality improvement, or health care organization leadership. Exceptions for these prerequisites may be made with the consent of the course directors.
This course is designed for clinicians, public health practitioners, and researchers seeking to gain basic knowledge and skills in qualitative methods to inform implementation research. The course may be particularly useful for researchers and practitioners seeking introductory training in qualitative methodologies and guidance on incorporating them into predominantly quantitative projects.
This course is taught fully remotely (online) with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Learners engage with content organized into 10 weekly modules. Each week, learners view recorded lectures, assigned readings, and submit written assignments in an online forum. Weekly synchronous meetings occur over Zoom. When scheduling meetings, faculty strive to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals across multiple time zones. Synchronous meeting attendance is recommended but not required.
Completing this course will take approximately 6-8 hours per module.
Required readings will be posted on the course website.
Suggested resource: Qualitative methods in implementation science. National Cancer Institute.
This course requires learners to have a stable internet connection and access to the Zoom platform for synchronous meetings.
All course materials will be made available on the course website. In developing assignment submissions, students often benefit from using websites and other materials from their selected organizations.
All learners who meet the minimum course requirements will receive a formal letter documenting their successful completion of the course, its objectives, and requirements. Only learners who are matriculated in a UCSF Graduate Division program (e.g., Masters, PhD) may receive a letter grade on their UCSF transcript. UCSF graduate students should complete the ImS enrollment form (see below) and enroll via the UCSF Office of the Registrar – Student Portal.
Trainees are expected to watch all assigned videos, complete assigned readings, complete homework assignments, participate in weekly online forums, submit a final project, and complete course evaluations. Homework assignments will be oriented toward the practical application of course content and the development of a qualitative or mixed methods research plan.
Students will submit either a 3-5 page plan for a research project or health program that incorporates qualitative methods or, in special cases, a draft manuscript based on qualitative data (for students with pre-existing access to a qual data base).
Completing this course will take approximately 6-8 hours per module.
Students who do not turn in weekly assignments on time or do not provide required feedback to peers for more than 2 weeks will have the option to audit or drop the course. In either case, course fees will not be refunded.
Academic Year 2025-2026: The fee for each course is $2,900. A reduced fee of $2,250 is available for individuals affiliated with UCSF, individuals based in countries designated as low- or lower-middle-income-economies (LMIC), and individuals based in areas of ongoing armed conflict. Applicants seeking the reduced fee will be asked to provide support for their status. UCSF affiliation is defined as concurrent enrollment in a UCSF–sponsored residency or postdoctoral fellowship program; or a registered student in one of the UCSF professional schools or graduate programs; or individuals who hold full-time salaried UCSF faculty, academic, or staff positions.
Fees do not include books, supplies, or software. (These costs are minimal as most readings are from open-access journals.)
Meet the Faculty
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Sara Ackerman, PhD, MPH
Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Email
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How to Enroll
Important note: The opportunity to enroll in Winter 2027 and beyond will open when our new enrollment platform goes live this summer. If you have time-sensitive funds and wish to enroll in Winter 2027 or beyond, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Whether you're exploring the field, enhancing your skills, or working toward a larger academic goal, most individual courses are open to everyone. Below, you’ll find details on course fees, how to apply and pay, and the full course schedule. Be sure you understand the enrollment policies and payment process before completing the enrollment form.
And remember: you only need to submit one form for all the new courses you want to take.
Leaners who are matriculated in a UCSF Graduate Division program (e.g., Masters, PhD) may take this course Pass/No Pass or for a letter grade. Please
- Consult with your program manager about taking ImS courses
- Complete the ImS enrollment form (see below), and
- Enroll via the UCSF Office of the Registrar – Student Portal.
Direct any enrollment questions to your program manager.
Enrollment policies and payment process (please read before completing the enrollment form)
See note above. New registration link coming soon.
For returning learners or those who previously created an account, please login to your existing account to select additional courses. To find the unique link to your account, search your inbox for UCSF Implementation Science Program: Registration Link.
For help accessing your existing account, please email [email protected].
Enrollment in selected courses will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. If a course fills ahead of the registration deadline, you will be placed on a waitlist and notified.
If the registration deadline has passed, please inquire about enrollment opportunities: [email protected].
About two weeks before the course begins, enrolled learners will be sent a welcome note that includes course access instructions as well as the syllabus.
The schedule of synchronous meetings (Zoom) will be determined during the first week of the course. Please promptly respond to any inquiries about your availability. Direct any questions to the faculty leader of the small group to which you will be assigned.