Ph.D. in Educational Measurement and Statistics

The Doctor of Philosophy in educational measurement and statistics prepares students for senior professional positions in educational measurement, evaluation, and statistical methods. Graduates find employment in colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, large public and private school systems, test publishing firms, and research centers.

ADMISSION

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They must have a combined verbal and quantitative score of at least 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. They also must hold an M.A. from an accredited institution. At least one year of professional experience in teaching, research, or a related field is desirable. Applicants who expect to concentrate in statistics should have training in college mathematics through differential and integral calculus. Applicants who do not meet these requirements but who show offsetting evidence of superior ability may be granted conditional admission.
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose that explains how the educational measurement and statistics program will help them accomplish their educational and vocational goals.
For information about admission dates, contact the educational measurement and statistics program coordinator.

REQUIREMENTS

The Ph.D. in educational measurement and statistics requires a minimum of 90 s.h. of graduate credit, including at least 12 s.h. of thesis credit.
During the first year of graduate study, the student and his or her advisor plan a program of study appropriate for the student's interests and vocational objectives. The typical program involves advanced work in educational measurement, data analysis methods, research methodology, and educational psychology. Work in other departments of the University is encouraged.
Students who concentrate in statistics and intend to teach at the college level take courses in the mathematical theory of statistics. Those who concentrate in educational measurement and evaluation take appropriate courses in curriculum, counseling, or higher education.
All students are required to develop familiarity with computer programming techniques and equipment.
Students who enter the program without completing an M.A. thesis must complete a substitute project before taking the Ph.D. comprehensive examinations.
After completing most of their course work, students take the comprehensive examination, which typically consists of three 3-hour written examinations on educational measurement, applied statistics, and program evaluation, or approved substitute areas, such as educational psychology or mathematical statistics, in which the student has completed at least 9 s.h. of course work. In place of one written examination, the student's committee may assign a project involving analytical and evaluative skills, or research creativity. The written examinations are followed by an oral examination in which the committee seeks further evidence of the student's command of the three fields. A single decision is made on all aspects of the comprehensive examination.