Educational Measurement and Statistics

Dear Prospective Student,

The graduate programs in Educational Measurement and Statistics at the University of Iowa prepare students for positions in educational measurement, evaluation, research, and statistical methods. Positions are found at universities, state and federal agencies, test publishing organizations, larger school systems, state departments of education and research centers.

Educational measurement is a major focus of our graduate programs. The field of educational measurement is undergoing considerable growth and change. Growth is due to the increasing role that measurement and assessment is playing in education and educational policy. The recent initiatives by the federal government to test all third through eighth grade students in reading and mathematics is one example. The increasing use of computers in testing, such as the computer-based GRE, is changing the field. The rapid change and growth is creating many opportunities for individuals who decide to enter the field.

Applied statistics is also a major focus of our graduate programs. Individuals with skills in applied statistics analyze data in education and other fields. Many opportunities exist for individuals with skills in applied statistics. In addition, students in our programs develop skills in evaluating educational programs.

The Measurement and Statistics graduate programs have faculty affiliated with the Iowa Testing Programs. The Iowa Testing Programs develops the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills and the Iowa Tests of Educational Development, which are used throughout the US and Canada. The Iowa Testing Programs faculty support many research assistants who work with faculty on research and development activities associated with the Iowa Tests. Our graduate programs also have faculty affiliated with the Center for Evaluation and Assessment and the Center for Advanced Studies in Measurement and Evaluation that also provide support for graduate assistants. Adjunct faculty in our program work at ACT, located in Iowa City. ACT also supports graduate assistants.

The graduate programs in Educational Measurement and Statistics at The University of Iowa prepare students for interesting careers in a changing and exciting field. This website provides specific information. Please contact me if you have questions about our programs.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Kolen
Professor and Coordinator of Educational Measurement and Statistics
Email: michael-kolen@uiowa.edu

 

World-renowed

The College’s Educational Measurement and Statistics program is world-renowned. One fund, used to attract outstanding doctoral students, is named in honor of professors Paul Blommers, Albert N. Hieronymus, and Leonard Feldt (pictured above). The fund received more than $11,000 last year in memory of Professor Feldt, who passed away Oct. 25, 2011; the fund now totals $200,000. To contribute to this fund or others, go to: uifoundation.org/education.

M.A. Program

The master of arts (MA) degree is offered on a nonthesis and a thesis basis. The nonthesis program is intended for students who seek to qualify for positions that call for competence in educational measurement and research methodology. Such positions are typically found in school districts, state departments of education, test organizations, and research centers. The purpose of the thesis program is in general the same. However, the program is primarily intended for students who plan to take advanced work in statistical methods or educational measurement at the Ph.D. level. 

Ph.D. Prgram

The purpose of the Ph.D. program is to prepare students for upper-level professional positions in the fields of educational measurement, evaluation, and statistical methods. Such positions are generally found in colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, large public and private school systems, test publishing firms, and research and evaluation centers.