Fifty percent of social science and education doctoral students in the United States fail to complete their programs. Within this context, studies addressing research methods pedagogy and qualitative methods in particular, continue to be limited. Even more limited are accounts of experiences in which students learn through individually chosen projects. This single instrumental case study sought to addresses these issues by: 1) using the Ready Develop Integrate Perform (RDIP) model to frame, design, and implement an immersive competency-based introductory qualitative core course and its supporting learning management system; and, 2) describing the resulting student learning experience as illustrated by assignment scores and course reviews. A sample of online and face-to-face students, representing 37% of eligible participants (n=23) developed research competences and reported a stronger sense of readiness for independent research and dissertation work. This paper adds to the qualitative methods pedagogical literature by addressing improvements to doctoral research methods education. The competency-based design may be implemented in any disciplinary setting. The detailed blueprint and implementation advice for university teachers may also add value to a variety of disciplinary contexts.