Now accepting applications through April 13 for Summer 2012.

The purpose of this professional degree program is to provide students with a basic understanding of applied quantitative research methodologies as well as approaches to program and policy evaluation so as to make them both better consumers of quantitative information and better able to use such information in decision making. We envision this program to provide a cost-effective professional development opportunity that is accessible to all qualified applicants who are interested in becoming conversant in applied quantitative methodologies but do not seek to become proficient as expert statisticians, psychometricians, or researchers. It is anticipated that some of those who apply will be interested in pursuing the PhD in the Department of Educational Psychology upon completion of this program.

Designed for the Practitioner

There has been a veritable explosion of interest in evidence-based and data-driven decision making in public school educational settings since the passage of the federal No Child Left Behind Legislation. Pressures emanating from accountability movements as well as ideas about developing the knowledge society have encouraged similar interests in all sectors of higher education and the not-for-profit sector. This need cannot simply be met by preparing more doctoral-level graduates in advanced quantitative methodologies. What we are witnessing is a need, simply put, for quantitative literacy among practicing educational professionals in a variety of educational settings—including teachers, unit heads, principals, mid-level managers, public agency managers, youth program coordinators, and the like.

This program is designed for those who seek understanding of how to make sense of and work with numerical data in the decisions they face; how to draw reasonable and warranted inferences from such data; and, how to assess current arguments for evidence-based and data-driven decision making.

Now accepting applications through April 13 for Summer 2012. Please visit the Prospective Students page for additional information.