PhD 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
Our graduates enjoy careers as faculty members in universities, as psychometricians in the educational testing industry, or as assessment coordinators for government positions at departments of education or in local school districts.
Highlights
- Comprehensive curriculum featuring over 10 regularly-offered doctoral electives
- Less than 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Culture where faculty co-author research with students regularly
- High success rates for graduates attaining faculty positions at universities
Curriculum
Overview of Academic Demands
There is an expectation that students enter the Ph.D. program with a background in statistics and/or mathematics. The Ph.D. requires students to complete 60 hours of course credit, 12 of which may be for dissertation research. The program culminates in the completion of a dissertation that meaningfully advances the field of quantitative methodology.
The 48 hours of coursework require only a few 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:
- Two foundational courses in applied statistics
- Two foundational courses in educational psychology
- A foundational course in theories of educational measurement
- A foundational course in classroom assessment
- A foundational course in instrument design
- Two doctoral seminars (1 credit hour each)
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
Students also often may choose from electives such as
- Other courses within the College of Education including qualitative methodology, program evaluation, or education policy courses
- Statistics courses offered within the College of Arts and Sciences through the Statistics Department at UGA
In addition to coursework, most—and often all—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.
Part 2: Apply to the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Quantitative Methodology)
All specializations for the Ph.D. 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.
Deadline To Apply
Applications for this program are due December 1 for admission the following Fall Semester.
This program only accepts for the Fall Semester.
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
We encourage our quantitative methodology students to get involved in organizations such as the National Council on Measurement in Education, the American Educational Research Association, the Psychometric Society, and the American Psychological Association.
Most students are active in the Graduate Researchers in Educational Psychology student association, and eligible students may be elected to the Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi international honor society.
Our students also benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio. Faculty in the Quantitative Methodology program typically advise 3-5 students.
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