Research Methods and Statistics

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Description 1

Students from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds find their place in the Morgridge College of Education's Research Methods and Statistics PhD program. Interested in working as a professor or a researcher in an academic environment? Want to develop strategy and conduct and analyze research studies that can improve our world? If so, our PhD program is for you. We focus on both qualitative and quantitative research, and our hands-on approach to research means you're able to have close collaboration with our renowned faculty and community partners and start your research immediately.

Description 2

We go beyond just educational research, delving into social, behavioral, and health areas as well, giving you the necessary background to develop analytical skills that can help you use data to promote social justice and the public good. You can specialize in one of two areas: Applied Statistics, for professionals pursing career goals in academic or applied research; or Institutional Research, for those who aspire to conduct institutional research in applied settings. Over the course of the program you'll be able to develop quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research skills, with application in education, nonprofits, athletics, government settings, and business.

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Interested in working as a professor and/or researcher in academia? Want to design, conduct, and analyze research studies that make an impact on our world? Or maybe it’s time to add qualitative research to your expertise? Our Ph.D. program is for you.

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Areas of Specialization

Institutional Research (IR)

This high-demand concentration is for professionals who want to conduct institutional research in applied settings. You will develop strong quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research skills, which you can apply in higher education, K–12 schools, nonprofits, athletics, government settings and business.

You will choose your area of focus: higher education, business analytics or library information science. Along with our foundational coursework, you will take institutional research content knowledge courses in management, business intelligence and public policy.

Qualitative Research (QR)

This versatile concentration is for any professional that recognizes today’s need for high-level qualitative research. From theory and design to implementation and evaluation, skills acquired can be used in non-profit, government, healthcare, education and marketing fields.

In addition to foundational coursework, you will take qualitative courses in:

  • Ethnographic Methods
  • Arts-Based Research
  • Critical Methods Studying Culture
  • Community-Based Research

Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes for the Ph.D. in Research Methods and Statistics are as follows:

  • Students will be able to apply statistical techniques to model, think critically and design their own studies.
  • Students will create and evaluate quantitative and qualitative instruments/protocols using psychometric models and conceptual approaches.
  • Students will communicate research design and methods with clarity both orally and in writing according to APA format.
  • Students will be able to explain both quantitative and qualitative approaches and integrate design, analysis and interpretation.
  • Students will demonstrate professionalism by employing research ethics and adhering to an ethical code of conduct when engaging with professional and local communities.

Program Requirements

You’ll need to complete 90-quarter credit hours. Other requirements include a:

  • Research practicum
  • Comprehensive exam
  • Dissertation

Admission to our Ph.D. program requires an MA degree.

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