Teaching Qualitative Research in Public Health

By Katherine Clegg Smith, Caitlin Kennedy, Jill Owczarzak

Qualitative methods are increasingly seen as key to addressing critical public health problems. How should instructors introduce qualitative methods to public health students and prepare them to conduct and critically engage in a meaningful way? Teaching public health students about qualitative research is more than just training students to run a focus group or explaining how to know how many in-depth interviews are "enough". It starts with helping students understand the power of qualitative methods and why they can be useful in population health.

Designed as a resource for instructors teaching qualitative methods courses and classes for public health audiences, Teaching Qualitative Research in Public Health offers practical, creative ideas for designing both introductory and advanced courses and addressing the diverse learning goals of public health students inside and outside of the formal classroom. Written by experienced educators and qualitative researchers, this book discusses ways in which faculty can assist students in exploring different qualitative methods, how they should be undertaken, and how findings from qualitative studies can be analyzed and disseminated to inform public health programs and policies.

This teaching companion offers numerous adaptable strategies, classroom-tested activities, and expert guidance to help instructors tailor their courses to diverse learning objectives and educational environments. With a focus on experiential learning, it equips educators to prepare the next generation of public health professionals with a strong foundation in qualitative research. Whether you're teaching a semester-long course, leading short-term training, or mentoring students in applied research, this book provides the tools needed to foster deep engagement and critical thinking in qualitative public health research.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0197662447
• ISBN13: 9780197662441
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 304 Pages