phd quantitative methods

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Quantitative methods, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a doctoral program focused on measurement and evaluation that trains students to create new research methodologies and design empirical data analyses. .

The Quantitative Methods Ph.D. program is designed to prepare future professors at research universities and principal investigators at research and assessment organizations in education, psychology, and related human services fields.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

Rigorous coursework across the field of education will prepare students with the tools needed to conduct cutting-edge research and assessment.  

Fall: 4 courses; Spring: 4 courses

Research apprenticeship Yes

Culminating experience Dissertation

The Ph.D. program in Quantitative Methods is designed to prepare students for faculty positions at universities as well as important responsibilities at research and assessment organizations. Graduates will be prepared to design first-rate empirical research and data analyses and to contribute to the development of new research methodologies. Students who apply directly to the doctoral-level study program following a baccalaureate degree will enroll in the core courses described for the  M.S.Ed. degree in Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Technology (SMART)  and the more advanced courses for the Ph.D. degree. This will include the development of independent empirical research projects.

Doctoral degree studies include advanced graduate coursework, a research apprenticeship, a Ph.D. Candidacy Examination, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation that represents an independent and significant contribution to knowledge. The research apprenticeship provides students with an opportunity to collaborate with a faculty sponsor on an ongoing basis and to participate in field research leading to a dissertation. 

For information about courses and requirements, visit the  Quantitative Methods Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Our Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Eric T. Bradlow K.P. Chao Professor, The Wharton School Ph.D., Harvard University

Timothy Victor   Adjunct Associate Professor, Penn GSE 

"Penn GSE’s Quantitative Methods Ph.D. program equipped me with the methodological skills to do impactful applied education research as soon as I graduated."

Anna Rhoad-Drogalis

Our graduates.

Graduates go on to careers as university professors, researchers and psyshometricians for government agencies, foundations, nonprofits organizations, and corporations. 

Alumni Careers

• Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Associate Director, Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Lead Psychometrician, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Research Analyst, Penn Child Research Center, University of Pennsylvania
• Senior Director, Educational Testing Service
• Senior Researcher, Mathematica

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Christine P. Lee Program Manager (215) 898-0505 [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Education Policy M.S.Ed. 
• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. 
• Higher Education Ph.D. 
• Quantitative Methods M.Phil.Ed.
• Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Research Technology M.S.Ed.

Related Topics

College of Education

Measurement, quantitative methods, & learning sciences doctoral program.

The University of Houston's Measurement, Quantitative Methods, & Learning Sciences (MQM-LS) doctoral program equips students with the skills necessary to design, conduct and interpret quantitative research projects that help solve our society's most difficult problems. Students develop a broad understanding of psychological and learning theories while also receiving strong quantitative methods training. With these skills, our graduates can measure and analyze a wide variety of topics and issues in psychology and education with unique insights. Students received a wide variety of research opportunities within the Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences; the College of Education and UH. Our mix of quantitative methods training and learning sciences training produces strong candidates ready to compete in a competitive job market.

• PHLS Faculty
• Mission & Values
• Student & Alumni Profiles

About the Program

• 69 hours of minimum required coursework
• 4 years to complete program when enrolled full-time (at least 9 hrs/semester)
• MQM-LS Student Handbook
• MQM-LS Program at a Glance
• Factors Considered in Graduate Admissions and Awarding of Fellowships
• UH Graduate School

What will I learn while attending the MQM-LS program?

MQM-LS students gain knowledge of measurements and quantitative research methods and theoretical foundations in human development and learning theory through:

• Candidacy research project
• Comprehensive Examination Portfolio
• Dissertation

What can I do with my degree?

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be qualified to enter careers in a varity of roles and settings, including:

• University and college professors
• Researchers in Research and Accountability Divisions of public school systems
• Data analysts or research specialists
• Independent consultants

Important MQM-LS Resources

The following is a collection of important program resources:

• American Psychological Association Division 5 (Quantitative and Qualitative Methods)
• American Psychological Association Division 15 (Educational Psychology)
• American Psychological Association Division 45 (The Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race)
• American Educational Research Association Division C (Learning and Instruction)
• American Educational Research Association Division D (Measurement & Research Methodologies)

MQM-LS Faculty

The following is a list of current mqm-ls faculty:, dr. weihua fan.

Measurement, Quantitative Methods & Learning Sciences

Faculty Profile | Email

Dr. Allison Master

Dr. margit wiesner.

• PHLS Homepage
• Our Programs

The MQM-LS faculty's research seeks to develop and improve research approaches and techniques while applying them to better understanding issues in psychology, education and youth behavior. Visit the PHLS Research Portal to learn more about our diverse interests and discover faculty pursuing answers to the questions that matter to you. 

Feel free to contact faculty directly to learn more about their research. You can find contact information in the Research Portal or by visiting the COE Faculty Directory .

• PHLS Research Portal

Financial Aid

All MQM-LS doctoral students are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the UH and the College of Education. To learn more about how to fund your graduate studies, visit the Graduate Funding page .

Graduate Tuition Fellowship

Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) provides tuition remission for 9 credit hours, during the academic year, to students who enroll in at least 9 credit hours. During the summer term, GTFs are contingent upon available budget. Not all years in the graduate program may be covered by this program.

Assistantships

Graduate appointments are usually available to students during the first two years of graduate studies. The program doesn't cover mandatory fees or course fees. Not all years in the graduate program are covered by this program. 

To learn more about funding your education, contact the COE's College of Graduate Studies at  [email protected]  or call 713-743-7676.

• COE Financial Aid and Scholarships
• UH Graduate Funding
• UH Graduate Financial Information

Houston, Texas

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and one of the nation's most diverse cities. This fact benefits our students and faculty both personally and professionally. Home to more than 100 different nationalities and where more than 60 different languages are spoken, Houston is the perfect environment to practice what you're learning in the classroom. The city also boasts more than 12,000 theater seats and 11,000 diverse restaurants featuring cuisines from around the globe (Don't know where to start? Just ask a Houstonian, and they're sure to bombard you with at least a dozen places to eat.) 

Houston is bustling with culture, energy and offers something for everyone inside and outside the classroom.

(Background photo: “ Metropolis ” by eflon is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .)

• Student Housing & Residential Life
• Greater Houston Partnership - Welcome to Houston

Ready to Apply?

Mqm-ls program application deadline: feb. 1 (domestic students), mqm-ls program application deadline: feb. 1 (international students).

Are you ready to apply to the University of Houston MQM-LS doctoral program ? Yes? You can learn more about the application process by visiting the College of Education's Graduate Admissions page  or jump right into the application process by visiting the UH's How to Apply to Graduate School page .

If you need more information about the MQM-LS program, we are here to help. You can always contact the COE Office of Graduate Studies by phone at 713-743-7676  or by email .

The Measurement, Quantitative and Learning Sciences doctoral program is a member of UH's Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences department .

Program Director:  Dr. Margit Wiesner

UH College of Education Stephen Power Farish Hall 3657 Cullen Blvd., Room 491 Houston, TX 77204-5023

Undergraduate: [email protected] or 713-743-5000 Graduate: [email protected] or 713-743-7676 General: [email protected] or 713-743-5010

Quantitative Methods

The Quantitative Methods (QM) field of study provides students with the neces­sary quantitative and analytical skills to approach and solve prob­lems in public health and clinical research and practice. This field is designed for mid-career health professionals, research scientists, and MD/MPH specific dual/joint-degree students.  

Through a competency-based curriculum, health professionals in the MPH-45 receive the analytical and statistical knowledge and skills required for successful public health prac­tice and research. In addition to providing broad perspectives on general aspects of public health, the QM field of study provides an excellent foundation for those interested in pursuing academic careers in the health sciences.  

Degree programs  

The Master of Public Health 45-credit degree provides established professionals with the specialized skills and powerful global network needed to progress their careers in public health.  

• Abbreviation: MPH-45 QM  
• Degree format: On campus  
• Time commitment: Full-time or part-time  
• Average program length: One year full-time; two years part-time  

Student interests  

The Quantitative Methods (QM) field of study is uniquely designed for mid-career health professionals, research scientists, and MD/MPH students. Students who choose QM are passionate about clinical and population-based health research, and dedicated to learning the tools necessary for implementation.    

Career outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Public Health (MPH) 45-credit program with the Quantitative Methods (QM) field of study are prepared to fulfill professional positions in clinical and population-based health research in government, health care institutions, and private industry.  

Psychology (Quantitative Research Methods), PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Psychology (Quantitative Research Methods)

The PhD program in psychology with a concentration in quantitative research methods offers an immersive education in advanced statistical techniques and research methodologies that are employed in the conduct of both basic and applied psychological research.

A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to research empowers students to deepen their understanding and tackle key issues, such as exploring the limits of existing methods, pushing the methodological frontiers forward, evaluating the effectiveness of established and emerging methodologies, and improving the robustness of psychological research through innovative measurements and analytical methods.

What sets this program apart is its distinguished, award-winning faculty, known for their expertise and dedication to training the next generation of psychological methodologists. Alongside the faculty, students gain practical experience and master techniques in the areas of measurement, study design, data analysis, statistical modeling, and evaluation of the utility of new and existing methods.

Graduates of this program emerge as experts in quantitative research who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field by developing and applying sophisticated statistical and methodological solutions to address pressing research issues.

Quantitative Faculty       Research Labs

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours) PSY 502 Professional Issues in Psychology (3) or PSY 531 Multiple Regression in Psychological Research (4)

Concentration (3 credit hours) PSY 533 Structural Equation Modeling (3)

Other Requirements (31 credit hours) PSY 530 Intermediate Statistics (4) PSY 532 Analysis of Multivariate Data (3) PSY 534 Psychometric Methods (3) PSY 536 Statistical Methods in Prevention Research (3) PSY 537 Longitudinal Growth Modeling (3) PSY 538 Advanced Structural Equation Modeling (3) PSY 539 Multilevel Models for Psychological Research (3) PSY 540 Missing Data Analysis (3) PSY 543 Statistical Mediation Analysis (3) PSY 555 Experimental and Quasi-experimental Designs for Research (3)

Electives (22 or 23 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) PSY 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Electives are determined in consultation with the student's supervisory committee.

Other requirements courses may be substituted for other courses based on consultation with the student's supervisory committee.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• SlideRoom application and fee
• statement of purpose form
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

To apply to the doctoral program, applicants must follow the instructions on the doctoral program admissions instructions and checklist. It is strongly recommended that applicants download and print the instructions and checklist to ensure completion of the application process and that all required supplemental forms are included.

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through ASU's graduate admission services, which includes the application form and official transcripts. Application to the Department of Psychology doctoral programs is also completed via SlideRoom, for processing of supplemental application materials. The SlideRoom account requires an additional fee.

Applicants must submit three academic letters of recommendation from faculty members who know the student well. Three letters are required, but four letters of recommendation may be submitted.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Quantitative psychologists possess advanced statistical and methodological expertise applicable to various research challenges. While rooted in psychology, their skills find broad applications in fields such as education, heath, neuroscience and marketing. Graduates of the doctorate in psychology (quantitative research methods) program excel in interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication of complex ideas.

Potential careers induce roles as:

• consultants
• data scientists
• policy analysts
• psychology professors
• psychometricians
• research scientists

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/727-4561

PhD Programs with Quantitative Concentrations

Public policy.

• Social Sciences

Public Health Sciences

Comparative human development, political science.

The University has PhD degree programs in various departments and schools that provide a concentration on quantitative methods. New doctoral applicants who are interested in developing specialty in quantitative methods, depending on their disciplinary interests, may look into one of these degree programs.

Doctoral Programs in Quantitative Methods

Business administration.

Econometrics and Statistics , one of the eight dissertation areas in the Booth School PhD program, is concerned with the combination of economic, mathematical, and computer techniques in the analysis of economic and business problems such as forecasting, demand and cost analyses, model-building, and testing empirical implications of theories. Study in this area integrates a comprehensive program of course work with extensive research. The program is designed for students who wish to do research in statistical methods that are motivated by business applications. Students are able to design an individual program of study by combining courses in specific areas of business, such as economics, finance, accounting, marketing, or international business with advanced courses in statistical methods.  Empirical work has always been an important part of the research effort at Chicago Booth in all fields of study. Econometrics and statistics courses are thus useful choices in satisfying the basic discipline or coordinated sequence.

Quantitative Methods  are a key component of the Core curriculum. Specialized Fields in Quantitative Methods include:

• Quantitative Study of Inequality
• Applied econometrics

          Tools of Policy Analysis provides in-depth and technical expertise that can be applied to a broad range of subject          areas.The following are included among the five specialties: Program evaluation, statistics, and survey methods. 

Methods in Human Development Research . Research on human development over the life span and across social and cultural contexts thrives on multiple theoretical perspectives. This research requires creation and improvement of a wide range of research methods appropriately selected for and tailored to specific human development problems. Faculty in the department employ research methods that span the full range from primarily qualitative to primarily quantitative and to strategic mix of both. Across all the substantive domains in Comparative Human Development, theoretical understanding is greatly advanced by methodology; therefore the Department pays serious attention to research design, data collection, analytic strategies, and presentation, evaluation, and interpretations of evidence. The Department has contributed some of the most influential work on psychological scaling on the basis of the item response theory (IRT), multivariate statistical methods, analysis of qualitative data, modeling of human growth, and methods for cross-cultural analysis. Current research interests include (a) assessment of individual growth and change in important domains of development that are often intertwined, (b) examination and measurement of the structure, process, and quality of individual and group experiences in institutionalized settings such as families, schools, clinics, and neighborhoods, and (c) evaluation of the impact of societal changes or interventions on human development via changes in individual and group experiences, with particular interest in the heterogeneity of growth, process, and impact across demographic sub-populations and across social cultural contexts.

Concentration in Biostatistics ,The PhD program in the Department of Public Health Sciences is supported by a core methodological curriculum in population-based research on human health. Students completing a concentration in biostatistics will be prepared to develop state-of-the-art quantitative reasoning and techniques of statistical science, mathematics, and computing, and to apply these to current and future research problems in biomedical science and population health. In addition, these students will complete a minor program of study in a substantive area of application. As such they will be particularly well prepared to engage in collaborative population-based health research. 

Methodology  is one of the five fields in the department. Many students choose the department’s introductory sequence in quantitative methods, followed by more advanced seminars in data analysis and model building. Students with more advanced methodological skills can take further coursework in the department or related courses in economics, public policy or statistics.

Special Fields in Methodology . The Department of Sociology at the University of Chicago has a rich group of faculty members who provide graduate training and conduct research in methods and models for sociological research. These methods can be divided roughly into four categories: Field and ethnographic methods; statistical methods; survey and related methods; and mathematical modeling methods. PhD. students are required to demonstrate competence in two special fields. The Special Field Requirement is generally met during the third and fourth years of graduate study. Students must pass the Preliminary Examination at the PhD. level before meeting the Special Field Requirement. This requirement may be met in three ways: by examination, with a review essay, or through a specified sequence of methods courses. Five types of special fields in methodology are recognized: (1) social statistics, (2) survey research methods, (3) qualitative methods (4) methodology for social organization research, and (5) mathematical sociology.

Psychology (Quantitative Research Methods), PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Data Analysis, Data Analytics, Data Mining, Data Science, Data analysis and mining, Machine Learning, Psychology, Quantitative Science, Research Methods, analysis, approved for STEM-OPT extension, statistics

Elevate your expertise in psychology research methodologies at one of the top-ranked programs in the nation. You'll collaborate with esteemed faculty to master cutting-edge statistical techniques, innovate in psychological research and become a leader in shaping the future of the field.

The PhD program in psychology with a concentration in quantitative research methods offers an immersive education in advanced statistical techniques and research methodologies that are employed in the conduct of both basic and applied psychological research.

A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to research empowers students to deepen their understanding and tackle key issues, such as exploring the limits of existing methods, pushing the methodological frontiers forward, evaluating the effectiveness of established and emerging methodologies, and improving the robustness of psychological research through innovative measurements and analytical methods.

What sets this program apart is its distinguished, award-winning faculty, known for their expertise and dedication to training the next generation of psychological methodologists. Alongside the faculty, students gain practical experience and master techniques in the areas of measurement, study design, data analysis, statistical modeling, and evaluation of the utility of new and existing methods.

Graduates of this program emerge as experts in quantitative research who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field by developing and applying sophisticated statistical and methodological solutions to address pressing research issues.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours) PSY 502 Professional Issues in Psychology (3) or PSY 531 Multiple Regression in Psychological Research (4)

Concentration (3 credit hours) PSY 533 Structural Equation Modeling (3)

Other Requirements (31 credit hours) PSY 530 Intermediate Statistics (4) PSY 532 Analysis of Multivariate Data (3) PSY 534 Psychometric Methods (3) PSY 536 Statistical Methods in Prevention Research (3) PSY 537 Longitudinal Growth Modeling (3) PSY 538 Advanced Structural Equation Modeling (3) PSY 539 Multilevel Models for Psychological Research (3) PSY 540 Missing Data Analysis (3) PSY 543 Statistical Mediation Analysis (3) PSY 555 Experimental and Quasi-experimental Designs for Research (3)

Electives (22 or 23 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) PSY 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Electives are determined in consultation with the student's supervisory committee.

Other requirements courses may be substituted for other courses based on consultation with the student's supervisory committee.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• SlideRoom application and fee
• statement of purpose form
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

To apply to the doctoral program, applicants must follow the instructions on the doctoral program admissions instructions and checklist. It is strongly recommended that applicants download and print the instructions and checklist to ensure completion of the application process and that all required supplemental forms are included.

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through ASU's graduate admission services, which includes the application form and official transcripts. Application to the Department of Psychology doctoral programs is also completed via SlideRoom, for processing of supplemental application materials. The SlideRoom account requires an additional fee.

Applicants must submit three academic letters of recommendation from faculty members who know the student well. Three letters are required, but four letters of recommendation may be submitted.

Quantitative psychologists possess advanced statistical and methodological expertise applicable to various research challenges. While rooted in psychology, their skills find broad applications in fields such as education, heath, neuroscience and marketing. Graduates of the doctorate in psychology (quantitative research methods) program excel in interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication of complex ideas.

Potential careers induce roles as:

• consultants
• data scientists
• policy analysts
• psychology professors
• psychometricians
• research scientists

Department of Psychology | PSY 201 [email protected] 480-727-4561

PhD in Educational Psychology: Quantitative Methods

The Department of Educational Psychology offers the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in educational psychology. The programs for the M.S. and Ph.D. in educational psychology provide comprehensive knowledge of the field and intensive specialization in one of three areas of study and research: human development, learning sciences, quantitative methods. The program also offers a Ph.D. in School Psychology.

The department provides training in research. Many faculty members in the department conduct controlled research studies with human participants; schools and other agencies in the Madison area cooperate in facilitating such research projects. Principal research facilities include the School of Education's Wisconsin Center for Education Research and the multidisciplinary Waisman Center.

Areas of Specialization 

Quantitative methods.

Professors: Bolt, Kaplan, Kim, Pustejovsky, Wollack 

Educational research has a strong tradition of employing state-of-the-art statistical and psychometric (psychological measurement) techniques. Researchers in all areas of education develop measuring instruments, design and conduct experiments and surveys, and analyze data resulting from these activities. Because of this tradition, quantitative methods have long been an area of specialization within educational psychology. Graduates in this area teach, serve as consultants to educational researchers, and conduct research on statistics and psychometrics in education-related fields. Within the program, the quantitative methods area offers the two major specializations of statistics and measurement.

The study of quantitative methods takes advantage of the range of resources at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and includes coursework in statistics, mathematics, and computer sciences, and in other units of the School of Education.

School Psychology

The Department of Educational Psychology also administers a Ph.D. in School Psychology and M.S. in School Psychology.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Students are eligible to compete for UW–Madison fellowships. A limited number of teaching and project assistantships are available within the department, and prospective students are encouraged to refer to the instructions for fellowships and assistantships contained in the program application information.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Required courses, quantitative methods pathway 1.

• Educational Statistics and Research Methodology subarea

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

• Educational Measurement subarea

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate work from other institutions.

With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements. 

UW–Madison Undergraduate

No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the degree.

UW–Madison University Special

With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 9 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements. 

This program follows the Graduate School's Probation policy.

ADVISOR / COMMITTEE

This program follows the Graduate School's Advisor policy and  Committees policy .

CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED

Time limits.

This program follows the Graduate School's Time Limits policy.

grievances and appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

School of Education Grievance Policy and Procedures

The following School of Education Student Grievance Policy and associated procedures are designed for use in response to individual student grievances regarding faculty or staff in the School of Education.

Any individual student who feels they have been treated unfairly by a School of Education faculty or staff member has the right to file a grievance about the treatment and receive a timely response addressing their concerns. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these grievance procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies. The grievance may concern classroom treatment, mentoring or advising, program admission or continuation, course grades (study abroad grade complaints are handled through International Academic Programs ), or issues not covered by other campus policies or grievance procedures. 

For grievances regarding discrimination based on protected bases (i.e., race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, etc.), contact the Office of Compliance ( https://compliance.wisc.edu/eo-complaint/ ).

For grievances or concerns regarding sexual harassment or sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking and sexual exploitation), contact the Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program within the Office of Compliance.

For grievances that involve the behavior of a student, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards in the Dean of Students Office at https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/ ).

For grievances about, or directed at, faculty or staff in a School of Education department, unit, or program, students should follow these steps:

• Students are strongly encouraged to first talk with the person against whom the concern is directed.  Many issues can be settled informally at this level.  If students are unable to resolve concerns directly or without additional support, step 2 or 3 should be pursued.
• If the concern is directed against a teaching assistant (TA), and the student is not satisfied, the student should contact the TA's supervisor, who is usually the course professor.  The course professor will attempt to resolve the concern informally.
• If the concern involves a non-TA instructor, staff member, professor, academic department, or School of Education office or unit, the student should contact the chair of the department or the director of the office or unit, or their designee. The chair or director, or their designee, will attempt to resolve the concern informally. If the concern is about the department chair or office/unit director, the student should consult the School of Education Senior Associate Dean for guidance.
• If the concern remains unresolved after step 2, the student may submit a formal grievance to the chair or director in writing within 30 business days 1 of the alleged unfair treatment. To the fullest extent possible, a formal written grievance shall contain a clear and concise statement of the issue(s) involved and the relief sought.  
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will notify the person at whom the grievance is directed with a copy of the written grievance. The person at whom the complaint is directed may submit a written response, which would be shared with the student.
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will refer the matter to a department, office, or unit committee comprised of at least two members. The committee may be an existing committee or one constituted for this purpose. The committee, or delegates from the committee, may meet with the parties involved and/or review any material either party shares with the committee.  
• The committee will provide a written description of the facts of the grievance and communicate recommendations to the department chair or office/unit head regarding how the grievance should be handled.

For the purpose of this policy, business days refers to those days when the University Offices are open and shall not include weekends, university holidays, spring recess, or the period from the last day of exams of fall semester instruction to the first day of spring semester instruction. All time limits may be modified by mutual consent of the parties involved.

If the grievance concerns an undergraduate course grade, the decision of the department chair after reviewing the committee’s recommendations is final. 

Other types of grievances may be appealed using the following procedures:

• Both the student who filed the grievance or the person at whom the grievance was directed, if unsatisfied with the decision of the department, office or unit, have five (5) business days from receipt of the decision to contact the Senior Associate Dean, indicating the intention to appeal.   
• A written appeal must be filed with the Senior Associate Dean within 10 business days of the time the appealing party was notified of the initial resolution of the complaint.
• On receipt of a written appeal, the Senior Associate Dean will convene a sub-committee of the School of Education’s Academic Planning Council. This subcommittee may ask for additional information from the parties involved and/or may hold a meeting at which both parties will be asked to speak separately (i.e., not in the room at the same time).
• The subcommittee will then make a written recommendation to the Dean of the School of Education, or their designee, who will render a decision. The dean or designee’s written decision shall be made within 30 business days from the date when the written appeal was filed with the Senior Associate Dean.  For undergraduate students, the dean or designee’s decision is final.

Further appealing a School of Education decision – graduate students only

Graduate students have the option to appeal decisions by the School of Education dean or designee by using the process detailed on the Graduate School’s website .

Questions about these procedures can be directed to the School of Education Dean's Office, 377 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, 608-262-1763.

• Office of Compliance (for discrimination based on protected classes, including misconduct) 179A Bascom Hall, 608-262-2378
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts between students, or academic integrity violations) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Bias or Hate Reporting (for students who experience or observe bias or hate incidents)  70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Graduate School (for graduate students who need informal advice at any level of review; for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions, see Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures ) 217 Bascom Hall, 608-262-2433
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for UW-Madison employees, including graduate students) 523-524 Lowell Center, 608-265-9992
• Employee Assistance (for conflicts involving graduate assistants and other employees) 256 Lowell Hall, 608-263-2987
• Dean of Students Office (for any students needing advice or support) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Office of Human Resources for policies and procedures to address workplace conflict) 21 N Park Street Suite 5101, 608-265-2257
• School of Education, Office of Student Services (for students, particularly undergraduates, in the School of Education) 139 Education Building, 608-262-1651
• School of Education, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) 145 Education Building, 608-262-8427

For the Ph.D. program, the department offers assistantships to incoming students.

• Acquire a strong foundation in current and past theories, research findings, and methodologies in their program area. Use critical thinking skills to synthesize existing knowledge, evaluate strengths and limitations in existing theory and research, and identify issues in need of additional inquiry - including conceptual and methodological approaches available to address these issues.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of and sensitivity to human diversity in terms of individual abilities and orientations and sociocultural backgrounds.
• Retrieve, evaluate, and interpret professional and scientific literature; use this information to develop or adapt theoretical frameworks and derive testable hypotheses or predictions for their own research / program evaluation projects.
• Learn to design realistic and feasible research or assessment projects in their program area and to prepare necessary protocols that are sensitive to the backgrounds of individuals who are the focus of their work.
• Conduct independent research and analyze and interpret resulting data.
• Create clear and concise reports of their research or program evaluations that are appropriate to the intended audiences, which may include fellow scholars (via scholarly journals), practitioners (via practitioner journals or reports), and lay audiences (via online or other published reports).
• Communicate effectively in collaborative work, instructional activities, and/or consultation settings with students and professional colleagues.
• Conduct research or program implementation / evaluation in accordance with ethical standards established in their field of inquiry.

Program Links

Program Objectives

Program Requirements and Course of Study

Research Emphasis and Training

Quantitative Methods Courses

Ed Psych Graduate Student Handbook

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Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods, PhD

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Thursday, Nov. 9 Event Details Register Now

Our doctoral program in educational psychology and quantitative methods focuses on preparing you to research problems in diverse educational settings. Educational psychologists improve educational processes through the collection and analysis of empirical data. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve teaching and learning, classroom and school organization, inequities in opportunities to learn, the assessment of educational outcomes, and a wide array of other pressing educational issues.

On this page:

Why educational psychology at ub.

The features of our program include:

• preparing researchers to solve problems in diverse educational settings
• rigorous preparation in quantitative research methods (statistics, measurement, secondary analysis of large-scale data sets, and research design)
• substantive study of learning in schools and classrooms, educational policies, programs, practices, and interventions developed to promote student learning

Program Overview

Program coursework, required courses (16 credits).

• CEP 500 Fundamentals of Educational Research
• CEP 510 Psychometric Theory in Education
• CEP 523 Statistical Methods: Inference II (prerequisite: CEP 522 or equivalent)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods Course, e.g., CEP 525 or CEP 529
• CEP 541 Human Growth and Development
• CEP 560 Psychology of Learning and Instruction

Distribution Requirements

Cognition, development, learning and technology (choose two).

• CEP 506 Introduction to Educational Technology
• CEP 564 Cognitive Psychology
• CEP 566 Seminar in Learning, Cognition and Technology

Research Design, Measurement and Assessment, Statistics and Data Analysis (choose three)

• CEP 524 Experimental Design
• CEP 525 Applied Multivariate Analysis
• CEP 526 Structural Equation Modeling 
• CEP 527 Analysis of Large-Scale Data Bases
• CEP 528 Hierarchical Linear Modeling: Multilevel and Longitudinal Data Analysis 
• CEP 529 Applied Regression Analysis
• CEP 530 Introduction to Meta-analysis
• CEP 531 Survival Analysis

Qualitative Methods (choose two)

• APY 554 Applied Cultural Analysis
• ELP 593 Qualitative Research Methods (must take Part I and Part II)
• LAI 625 Discourse Analysis Research
• LAI 626 Advanced Qualitative Research in Field Methods
• LAI 669 Qualitative Techniques in Educational Research
• NUS 697 Advanced Qualitative Methods
• PD 561 Methods of Community Analysis and Management (Department of Urban and Regional Planning)

Substantive Issues of Educational Policy and Practice (choose two)

• CEP 533 Topical Seminar
• ELP 566 Comparative and Global Studies in Education
• ELP 585 Sociological Bases of Education
• ELP 592 American Education for International Students

Thesis/Dissertation

• CEP 700 Individual Guidance Project (PhD Qualifying Paper)
• CEP 702 Individual Guidance Dissertation

Recommended Electives

• CEP 594 Practicum in Teaching
• CEP 703 Independent Study
• ELP 589 Education and Socialization

Research Design, Measurement and Assessment, Statistics and Data Analysis

• CEP 502 Assessment of Learning and Instruction
• COM 636 Research Procedures in Communication
• LAI 638 Using Rasch Modeling to Develop Measurement Instruments
• NUS 695 Advanced Statistical Techniques
• NUS 706 Psycho-Social Measurement and Questionnaire Construction
• SOC 608 Social Statistics II: Causal Models (Advanced regression techniques)

Research and Assessment Courses in the Disciplines

• LAI 547 Assessing Mathematics
• LAI 569 Introduction to Research in Music Education
• LAI 623 Research Seminar in English Education
• LAI 637 Research in Science Education
• LAI 640 Seminar in Mathematics Education Research
• LAI 657/658 Analysis of Quantitative Research in Learning and Instruction
• LAI 686 Critical Interpretations of Research (multiple disciplines)

Program Handbook

Application requirements.

In an effort to make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.

You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

Submit your completed online application, which includes:

• Application fee:  A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
• Contact information for at least three individuals  who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
• Unofficial transcripts  from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
• Statement of interest: Statement of your career goals and objectives.

Former/Maiden Name : Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.

Admission Decision:  The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.

If accepted, you will need to upload 3 documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application  for more information. 

• Official original proof of your degree
• A copy of your passport biographical page
• TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 79 for the Internet based test
• IELTS Academic Test minimum score is 6.5 overall
• PTE minimum score is 55 overall
• DET minimum score is 120 overall
• Financial documentation  — International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
• An official bank statement

All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.

Program Faculty

Seong Won Han

Associate Professor Educational Leadership And Policy

431 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1080

Email: [email protected]

Associate Professor Counseling, School And Educational Psychology

Associate Professor Learning And Instruction

423 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1127

Email: [email protected]

Jaekyung Lee

Professor Counseling, School And Educational Psychology

Professor Educational Leadership And Policy

409 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2484

Email: [email protected]

Xiufeng Liu

Distinguished Professor Learning And Instruction

518 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-4050

Email: [email protected]

Michele E. Shanahan

Clinical Associate Professor Counseling, School And Educational Psychology

Phone: 716-645-1109

Email: [email protected]

Questions about the program?

Program Director

--------------------- Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology 409 Baldy Hall

716-645-2484 [email protected]

We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office .

Questions About the Admission Process?

Office of Graduate Admission

Graduate School of Education 366 Baldy Hall, North Campus 716-645-2110 [email protected]

Program Details

Program requirements .

• Complete Required Coursework
• Pass Preliminary Examination
• Serve as Teaching or Research Assistant
• Complete 2 Research Papers
• Write & Defend Dissertation

Funding is available for up to five years , provided the student maintains satisfactory progress in the program. Funding beyond five years is up to the discretion of the department.

For more information, review our standard funding package .

The Quantitative Methods PhD students typically take courses in CS, Economics, IE, Management, and Statistics.

For detailed descriptions of the courses, please visit Purdue’s Online Course Catalog .

Graduate Assistantship Appointments

Quantitative Methods PhD students will participate as a graduate research assistant (RA) or graduate teaching assistant (TA) each semester for four years.

Graduate Research Assistant (RA)

RA roles involve a PhD student in a faculty research project.

Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA)

TA roles often begin with tasks such as grading and helping in computer lab sessions and progress to course delivery responsibilities. All students are required to teach at least one course during their time in the program.

Graduates of Purdue’s Quantitative Methods PhD program have gone on to secure post-doctoral and teaching  placements at the following institutions:

• Sejong University
• University of North Carolina Pembroke
• University of South Alabama
• University of Western Ontario
• Yuan Ze University

Others have secured placement in industry working in the financial, retail fields, and technology fields.

• Cummins, Inc
• JP Morgan Chase & Co
• Sam’s Club

About the Department

Contact us for more information.

[email protected]

Explore areas of research

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Ph.d. in educational statistics and research methods.

The Ph.D. in Educational Statistics and Research Methods (ESRM) prepares students interested in education data science, research methods, statistics, causal inference, psychometrics, and evaluation to develop, critically evaluate, and properly use sophisticated quantitative and mixed methodologies to solve important problems in education.

The Ph.D. in ESRM is a STEM-designated degree program .

Many of our ESRM students and faculty are affiliates of the Data Science Institute , where they participate in seminars, courses, and research projects. ESRM students may elect to earn their Master of Data Science or  Masters in Applied Statistics along the way to their PhD in ESRM.

Students will:

• Design research projects, focusing either on advancing research methodologies or on applying advanced methods to education issues
• Develop assessment instruments
• Implement program evaluation
• Understand psychometric theory, as well as technical issues underlying construction and use of tests for selection, placement, and instruction
• Develop skills in advanced statistical modeling using a variety of software
• Examine how these statistical models are applied to areas such as school effectiveness, economic and social stratification, the structure of human abilities, and achievement growth

Doctoral students also present research at conferences, collaborate with faculty on peer-reviewed publications, engage in the work of interdisciplinary research centers through graduate assistantships, and learn in an environment with small class sizes and supportive faculty.

Our graduates accept tenure-track or research faculty positions in research universities as well as research positions in state departments of education, school districts, and organizations such as the Educational Testing Service, Pearson, and Mathematica.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Kenneth Shores

Program Faculty

Program Requirements

• Core Content Courses: Core coursework includes two Proseminars ( EDUC 805 ,  EDUC 806 ) that students take in the first two semesters of their program. These courses introduce the key domains of education research, examined through qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and analyses. Topics include learning and development, curriculum and instruction, school reform, and social contexts of education. These courses also allow students to interact with PhD in Education students across all 6 specializations and PhD in Economic Education students.
• Research Methods Core Courses: Students take 15 credits of research methods core courses, including EDUC 856 : Introduction to Statistical Inference, EDUC 812 : Regression and Structural Equation Modeling, EDUC 865 : Educational Measurement Theory, EDUC 874 : Applied Multivariate Data Analysis, and EDUC 850 : Qualitative Research in Educational Settings. These courses combine sophisticated theory with practical application, beginning with an introduction to statistical inference and extending to structural equation modeling, multiple regression, and the use of applied multivariate data analysis.
• Additional Required Methods Courses: Students take 9 credits of additional required methods courses, including EDUC 826 : Mixed Methods in Social Science Research, EDUC 863 : Program Evaluation in Education, and EDUC 873 : Multilevel Models in Education.
• Elective Methods Courses: Students take 3 or more credits of additional elective methods courses. Topics include Advanced Structural Equation Modeling, Bayesian Analysis and Monte Carlo Simulation, Causal Inference, Data Mining in Education, Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Design, Item Response Theory, Longitudinal Data Analysis, Randomized Field Trials, Secondary Analysis of Large-Scale Survey Data, and Social Network Analysis.
• Education Specialization Courses: Students take 6 additional credits of content courses from a specialization area within the PhD in Education. View specialization courses online .
• Colloquium Series Course: A one-credit course ( EDUC 840 ) is offered each semester in conjunction with the colloquium series , and students complete a minimum of 4 credits of colloquium. The research colloquia introduce students to the foremost thinkers and researchers in the field of education. Guest scholars are invited to share their research findings with doctoral students and faculty in a setting that encourages collegiality and familiarizes students with a number of scholarly presentation styles and content areas.
• Dissertation credits: Nine hours of dissertation credit ( EDUC 969) is required of all PhD students, and additional coursework may be specified by a student’s advisory committee as part of the student’s Individual Program Plan.
• Total credits: A minimum of 55 credit hours is required to complete the program.

Download a sample student schedule for this program or view the schedule of course offerings .

Apprenticeship Activities

All of our PhD students are offered full funding for four years. Funded students participate in a 20-hour a week assistantship where they work closely with one or more UD professors, and have opportunities to learn and practice multiple methodologies, analyze data, and co-author academic papers. All students participate in the Steele Symposium, an annual college research forum; submit a publication to a peer-reviewed journal on which they are a coauthor; present their work at a national conference; and develop skills in university teaching.

Most of our students are in residence for all four years of the program (assistantships typically require residency, though there are exceptions). Students are required to complete at least one year in residence (one continuous academic year with 9 credit hours per semester). Students are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement in the first year.

Examinations

All students must pass an assessment based on the work completed in the Proseminars at the end of the first year. After students successfully pass the First Year Assessment, they may enroll in second-year courses. This First Year Assessment fulfills the University requirement for a qualifying examination.

Students must also pass the Fourth Year Exam in order to proceed to the dissertation. The exam assesses student proficiency in integrating various aspects of research methodology to address substantive issues in education.

Dissertation Proposal

Students complete a written proposal for their capstone dissertation project and defend it orally before their advisory committee.

Dissertation and Defense

Students complete a dissertation, an original work of scholarship, meeting SOE, College, University, and professional requirements. They also complete an oral defense of the work before their advisory committee.

Program Policy Document

Students may download the program policy document for complete information about this degree.

Program Requirements for the Master of Arts in Education

The MA in Education provides a master’s degree option for PhD students in good standing who want to obtain a master’s degree in conjunction with their doctoral degree, or for students in good standing who must leave the doctoral program prematurely because of family, health, or personal reasons. Students will not be admitted directly to the MA program, since the program requirements are embedded within the PhD requirements.

Admission Information

To apply to the PhD in ESRM program, complete the steps of the UD online graduate application process .

Application Requirements

Some application items specific to the PhD in ESRM program include:

• Transcripts of all previous academic work at the undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) level. Applicants may upload unofficial copies of their transcripts and if admitted, all transcripts will be verified by the Graduate College. Applicants who previously attended the University of Delaware still need to upload an unofficial transcript, but do not need to provide official transcripts for verification. Please do not send any transcripts to the School of Education.
• GRE scores are required. Students typically are expected to have minimum scores of 150 on the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.0 on the analytic writing section. Most admitted students have far higher than the minimum scores. The GRE is optional for Fall 2025 applicants. Please see the note at the top of this section.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. Applicants should select recommenders who can comment on their potential to succeed in doctoral work.
• Applicants should introduce themselves and discuss educational and career goals related to the PhD in ESRM program and how this program is a good match for their interests. Applicants should identify their focus area and potential research interest.
• While there are no requirements set by the School of Education, personal statements are generally 2-5 pages in length.
• A resume is required.
• No writing samples or supplemental documents are required.
• International applicants must submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or iTEP Academic Plus. Scores more than two years old cannot be validated or considered official. Required minimum scores for the TOEFL are 100 (internet-based test-iBT), 600 (paper-based test), or 250 (computer-based test). For the IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0. For the iTEP Academic Plus, the minimum score is 4.5.

Application Deadline

The deadline for all applications is December 1  for study beginning the following Fall term.

In general, it is not possible to take required core courses before becoming admitted. The required core courses are generally restricted to students already admitted into the program.

Cost and Financial Support

Our full-time PhD in ESRM students receive guaranteed financial support for four years through a variety of sources, including assistantships and tuition scholarships. Students with assistantships receive 100% tuition scholarship and a 9-month stipend, plus health insurance. Merit-based supplemental funding is available. For more information about this financial support, visit CEHD’s graduate tuition page .

Graduate student assistants work 20 hours a week, engaged closely with their faculty mentors in research and teaching activities. Prospective students can learn more about PhD assistantship experiences through our PhD student spotlights and our PhD student directory .

We also have conference travel funding available through the the SOE and the UD Graduate College.

Graduate Placements and Jobs

Graduates of this STEM-designated degree program will be well prepared for careers in applied education research in several arenas in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, such as:

• Tenure-track or research faculty at Research-I universities
• Research/evaluation staff at national research organizations (e.g., Abt, AIR, Mathematica, MDRC, RAND, Westat)
• Research/evaluation staff at local research organizations (e.g., Research for Action, Branch Associates, Research for Better Schools)
• Research/psychometric staff at national measurement organizations (e.g., College Board, CTB, ETS, Harcourt/Riverside, Pearson)
• Research/evaluation Staff in federal agencies (e.g., Institute of Education Sciences) and regional agencies (e.g., REL Mid-Atlantic)
• Research/evaluation Staff at local school districts and state education agencies

How to Apply

Applications for all graduate programs at the University of Delaware are done online through the UD Graduate College. To apply to the PhD in ESRM program, complete the steps of the UD online graduate application process . For information about graduate tuition, visit UD’s graduate tuition page for CEHD programs.

Student Spotlight

Kati Tilley

“Through my assistantship, I have gained critical experience in communicating research findings. One of the most valuable experiences I have had was learning to write and present results to a non-academic audience. I led the development of an individualized report of survey results and presented them in person to the schools who participated in our study.”

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Quantitative Methods (M.Ed.)

Quantitative analysis and data science lie at the heart of some of today’s most modern and exciting professions. Develop skills in design, measurement, and statistical modeling in applied research, educational, business, and health analytics settings through our master of education program in Quantitative Methods.

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Across industry and academia, quantitative methods, psychometric, and analysis experts are needed who can develop techniques for measuring human behavior, designing research studies, building models of behavioral processes, and evaluating the efficacy of treatments.

Quantitative Methods (M.Ed.) Program Overview

In our full-time or part-time program, you will work closely with Quantitative Methods faculty members to develop expertise in both the theory and application of quantitative analysis in behavioral, social and educational sciences. In your internship, you will practice providing design, measurement, and statistical support and explore or refine your specialization interests. Upon graduation, you will be equipped to apply your psychometric and data analysis skills in health and medical settings; business, government and industry positions; dedicated research institutes; school systems; and other academic settings.

Graduates of this program find employment in research and data analysis settings such as:

• healthcare analytics
• medical school research
• business analytics
• psychometric assessment and testing companies
• university research programs
• industrial organizational research
• government research laboratories
• social/behavioral research laboratories
• public school systems

Additionally, graduates of this program frequently elect to continue with doctoral studies. Students from this program have been accepted to prestigious universities across the country.

Quantitative Research Careers

Of job-seeking Quantitative Methods graduates, 94% were employed or attending graduate school within four months of graduation. Recent career placements include:

• Biostatistician, Cleveland Clinic
• Data Science Manager, Capital One Financial Services
• Research Data Analyst, HCA Healthcare
• Data Analyst, Tennessee Department of Health
• Health Policy Analyst, Vanderbilt University Medical School
• Artificial Intelligence Designer, 1st Edge
• Statistical Research Analyst, Tennessee Department of Health
• Quantitative Research Associate, Habitat for Humanity
• Data Visualization Engineer, Dallas College
• Statistical Programmer, RAND Corporation

"I would not be where I am today without every aspect of the Peabody experience."

Yudong Cao, M .Ed., Data Science Manager, Capital One

Explore how to use research design and data analysis for the social good with our digital guidebook.

• Get the Guide

Quantitative Degree Program Facts

Program Director: Shane Hutton Admissions Coordinator: Ally Jacobs Admission Term: Fall Credit Hours: 33

Application Dates

Application deadline 1.

Jan 3, 2024

Application Deadline 2

Feb 3, 2024 

Rolling Admissions

After Feb 3, 2024*

*We will continue to accept applications after this Feb 3, but applications will be evaluated for admission and scholarships as space and funds are available.

Quantitative Methods Program Curriculum

You will take three required core courses in Quantitative Methods during this 33-hour program, one required hour of seminar activity, two required hours of internship activity and seven additional courses, one of which may be a content course outside the Quantitative Methods program and one Quantitative Methods course outside of the Psychology and Human Development Department.

• While most students attend the program full-time, a part-time option is offered where students are expected to enroll in at least one course per semester.

Required Courses:  9 hours

You will be required to complete PSY-GS 8861 Statistical Inference, PSY-GS 8870 Correlation and Regression, and PSY-GS 8878 Statistical Consulting.

Required Seminar Enrollment:  1 hour

You must enroll in one hour for the Quantitative Methods seminar series during your last semester, PSY-GS 8855 Quant Methods Forum.

Required Internship Enrollment:  2 hours

You must enroll in two hours for the required internship during your last semester, PSY-PC 7982 Quantitative Methods Internship, typically in the spring of your final year.

• Partnerships: The Quantitative Methods program partners with multiple sites that afford internships, for instance, in health policy analytics at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, marketing analytics at the Owen Graduate School of Management, and institutional analytics at the Vanderbilt Office of Data and Strategic Analytics.
• Students can also define their own internship and have served as interns in a wide variety of other disciplines (including Computer Science, Engineering, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Neuroscience, Education, and Psychology), government agencies, private and public companies, and non-profit organizations.
• Additionally, students have the opportunity to identify a quantitative methods internship project related to methodological, data analytic, and/or statistical modeling/software aspects of an existing or newly accepted job, subject to the approval of the PSY-PC 7982 instructor.

Elective Courses:  21 hours

Of the seven 3-hour elective courses, at least five must come from within the Psychology and Human Development Quantitative Methods curriculum, including:

• PSY-GS 8867 Multivariate Analysis
• PSY-GS 8873 Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
• PSY-GS 8850 Advanced SEM
• PSY-GS 8875 Behavioral Data Science
• PSY-GS 8876 Psychological Measurement
• PSY-GS 8879 Factor Analysis
• PSY-GS 8882 Multilevel Modeling
• PSY-GS 8850-01 Applied Bayesian Analysis for Latent Variable Modeling
• PSY-GS 8850-02 Survival Analysis
• PSY-GS 8880 Introduction to Item Response Theory
• PSY-GS 8881 Advanced Item Response Theory
• PSY-GS 8850-04 Applied Nonparametric Statistics
• PSY-GS 8864 Analysis and Design of Experiments
• PSY 8120 Categorical Data Analysis
• PSY-GS 8888 Latent Growth Curve Modeling
• PSY-GS 8850-03 Exploratory and Graphical Data Analysis
• PSY-GS 8885 Latent Class and Mixture Modeling

Of the seven electives, one quantitative methods course can come from outside the Quantitative Methods program (e.g., from biostatistics or from other quantitative methods offering within Peabody, such as Natural Language Processing, NLP or Meta-Analysis). One course can be a content course from within the Psychology Department (e.g. Neural Network Models of Cognitive Development; Computational Cognitive Modeling; or Research Methods in Clinical Psychology). 

"I believe Peabody excels at equipping students with the skills needed to be exceptional in their field after graduation."

Stephen Robinson, M.Ed., Data Scientist for Aerospace Applications, Dynetics

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Quantitative Methods M.Ed. recognizes and respects differences across students' backgrounds, circumstances, and personal and social identities. We understand that our concept of diversity and what constitutes an inclusive climate will evolve as we welcome new students. We are committed to creating academic experiences that address issues of justice and equity, working within our classrooms and program to increase the participation and contributions of persons who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the pursuit of knowledge.

• Application Process