MA in Educational Psychology (Quantitative Methodology)

The Quantitative Methodology program offers training in measurement, assessment, and statistics. Our major goals are to develop and disseminate advances in the theory and practice of:

• Measurement in the social and behavioral sciences
• Assessment in education
• Statistical methodology in educational research

Our faculty are leaders in their field, with expertise in areas such as:

• Assessment Design
• Computer Adaptive Testing
• Diagnostic classification modeling
• Hierarchical linear modeling
• Item response theory
• Measurement invariance
• Programming and estimation
• Psychometrics
• Structural equation modeling
• Psychometrics
• Structural equation modeling

In the M.A. program, students will develop proficiency in applied statistics, research design, and fundamental concepts of test theory and psychometrics.

Our program prepares you for advanced study in a doctoral program, the path most of our students take. Graduates who do not pursue a doctoral degree go on to work in a variety of settings, such as data analysts in testing companies, research coordinators, or assessment specialists in P-12 school systems and higher education.

Highlights

1. World-renowned faculty
2. Less than 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio
3. Complete master’s thesis in a research-oriented program

Curriculum

The M.A. requires students to complete 30 hours of course credit, 6 of which may be for thesis research. The program culminates in the completion of a thesis that meaningfully advances the field of quantitative methodology.

The 24 hours of coursework require some foundational courses to be the same for all students. For remaining courses, students will work with their closely with advisors to tailor a program of study that provides students with the training they need to be successful in a future career. The required courses include:

• Four foundational courses in applied statistics
• A foundational course in educational psychology
• A foundational course in classroom assessment
• A Master’s seminar (1 credit hour)

Within our program, students typically take electives such as

• Statistics courses including multivariate data analysis, categorical data analysis, and multilevel modeling, as well as a course providing a mathematical statistics toolkit for psychometrics
• Psychometrics/measurement courses including Item Response Theory (two-course sequence), Rasch modeling, structural equation modeling (two-course sequence), factor analysis, diagnostic classification modeling, computer adaptive testing
• A programming course that focuses on R

In addition to coursework, many of our students are provided a Graduate Assistantship that comes with a stipend and tuition waiver. Through assistantships, students have opportunities to assist with teaching a course or assist faculty on grant-funded research projects. Students also have many practical opportunities, such as:

• Intern with internal or external agencies
• Working with faculty outside of the QM program on grant-funded research projects that require research design and data analysis

See the Resources at the bottom of the page for a sample Program of Study that gives an example of a typical course sequence in the program that is organized by semester. Under Resources, there is also the Advising Checklist that organizes degree requirements in a list.

How to Apply

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the M.A. in Educational Psychology (Quantitative Methodology)

All specializations for the M.A. in Educational Psychology require GRE scores (and TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants). While completing your Graduate School application, please include the following documents:

• Current resume/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three (3) letters of recommendation

Students are assigned an advisor when they are admitted. Please indicate in your statement of purpose one or more Quantitative Methodology faculty members with whom you would like to work.

Your 3 letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably, at least 2 of the 3 letters will be from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study.

Admission to any specialization depends on factors including research interests, test scores, and availability of an appropriate advisor. Only students who are considered possible future candidates for the doctoral program are recommended for admission to the master of arts (M.A.) program.

Deadline To Apply

The application deadline for this program is December 1 for admission for the following Fall Semester.

All application materials must be received by December 1 to be considered for admissions and all graduate assistantships.

Log Into Existing Application

Useful Links

• Advising Checklist: Quantitative Methodology (PDF)
• Assistantship application (PDF)
• Careers in Quantitative Methodology (PDF)
• Department of Educational Psychology
• EPSY Departmental By-laws (PDF)
• Probation and Dismissal Policies (PDF)
• Quantitative Methodology Programs
• Student Handbook (PDF)