Program Overview

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming an expert in research methodology, measurement, applied statistics, or program evaluation. The program targets experienced educators who hold a masters degree in a related educational field.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this program may find job opportunities in:

• Academia (university or college professor of educational research)
• Institutions and organizations that focus on research and evaluation
• Testing companies
• Offices of assessment, research, and accountability at college/university, school district, or state levels

Program Structure

• Both full-time and part-time students are welcome.
• Full-time admission is only available in the fall semester, while part-time admission occurs year-round (Fall, Spring, Summer).
• Full-time students can expect to complete the program within 3-4 years and part-time students within 4-6 years.
• Most courses are offered online and hybrid in the evening to meet student needs.
• A limited number of courses are offered in summer.

Program Details

• Delivery: On Campus
• Credit hours: 60 credit hours
• Admission: Full Time Students: Fall; Part Time Students: Rolling
• Deadline: Priority Fall January 15; Priority Spring October 1

Program Objectives

Graduates of the ERME program will demonstrate:

• In-depth knowledge of educational research, measurement, and evaluation and be able to apply knowledge and skills specific to their discipline
• Ability to conduct independent research to answer relevant questions in their area of specialization and add to the body of knowledge in the field of education
• Skills in reflective practice on teaching that addresses diverse learners, research using evidence-based practices, working and collaborating with diverse partners, and using leadership skills
• Skills in research consultation with external agencies, including needs assessment, communication, and report writing

Admission Requirements

Applications for admission are accepted twice a year to begin doctoral studies in the Fall or Spring semester. The following documents/activities must be submitted in support of the application:

• Official transcript(s) of all academic work attempted since high school indicating a GPA of 3.5 (on a scale of 4.0) in a graduate degree program
• Official report of score on the GRE or MAT that is no more than 5 years old
• At least three references of someone who knows the applicants current work and/or academic achievements in previous degree work
• A two-page essay describing prior educational and research experiences and objectives for pursuing doctoral studies
• A current resume or vita
• A professional writing sample (e.g., published article, manuscript submitted for publication, term paper submitted in prior coursework, abstract of thesis, teaching manual)
• International students must submit official and acceptable English language proficiency test scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Courses

Core Courses (9 credit hours)

• RSCH 8196 Program Evaluation Methods (3)
• RSCH 8210 Applied Research Methods (3)
• RSCH 8220 Educational & Psychological Measurement (3)

Research Methods and Advanced Content Courses (21 credit hours)

• RSCH 8110 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics (3)
• RSCH 8111 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• RSCH 8120 Advanced Statistics (3)
• RSCH 8121 Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis (3)
• RSCH 8197 Design and Analysis of Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Evaluations (3)
• RSCH 8230 Theory and Applications of Measurement (3)
• RSCH 8140 Multivariate Statistics (3) or
• RSCH 8150 Structural Equation Modeling (3) or
• RSCH 8160 Hierarchical Linear Models in Education (3)

Major Area of Focus Courses (21 credit hours)

Students select an area of specialization in the research degree program. This offers students the opportunity to develop advanced expertise in an area relevant to their future professional research practice. The 21-credit-hour area of focus is approved by the students advisor and the Graduate Program Director and must align with the themes in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation.

Proposal Design (3 credit hours)

• RSCH 8699 Dissertation Proposal Design (3)

Dissertation (minimum 6 credit hours)

The purpose of the dissertation is for doctoral students to demonstrate their ability to synthesize the professional literature and generate new knowledge for the profession through the use of well-established research tools. For the Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation, the dissertation may be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.

Portfolio Requirement

In addition to coursework and the dissertation, students must complete a portfolio that serves as a Qualifying Examination and includes demonstration of writing, collaboration, and research skills. Students receive opportunities to build this portfolio through the research and practice coursework. Products in the portfolio include: reflective statement, literature review, empirical journal article submission, empirical journal article review, conference presentation, and professional organization involvement.