Not surprisingly, educational researchers with strong backgrounds in statistics are in enormous demand, particularly in schools and colleges of education, but also in high-level research organizations such as the Educational Testing Service, the Rand Corporation, the National Opinion Research Center, as well as government agencies including, for example, State Departments of Education. Currently, US universities are not keeping pace with this demand. Moreover, rapid advances in statistical methodology across many disciplines render ineffective the standard programs that universities have used to train educational statisticians. The University of Michigan creates an ideal environment in which to respond to this challenge.
Quantitative Methods in Education and Statistics: Overview
Not surprisingly, educational researchers with strong backgrounds in statistics are in enormous demand, particularly in schools and colleges of education, but also in high-level research organizations such as the Educational Testing Service, the Rand Corporation, the National Opinion Research Center, as well as government agencies including, for example, State Departments of Education. Currently, US universities are not keeping pace with this demand. Moreover, rapid advances in statistical methodology across many disciplines render ineffective the standard programs that universities have used to train educational statisticians. The University of Michigan creates an ideal environment in which to respond to this challenge.
The inter-disciplinary culture of the University of Michigan, which has generated strong connections between statisticians and quantitative social scientists in economics, education, psychology, sociology creates an ideal environment in which to create an entirely new model for the training of educational statisticians. Much more important, the program promises to expose Ph D students to the best current thinking in applied statistics across a range of departments while also enabling students in statistics to engage their technical interests in fascinating and challenging applied problems and methods that arise in education. The students will find great opportunities to work on high-quality research projects occurring within the School of Education, which is conducting a number of well-funded large-scale evaluations of educational interventions as well as secondary analyses of survey data.
The basic ingredients of the program as follows:
- Participating students are required develop an area of substantive interest in education (e.g., early childhood education, educational technology, literacy education, mathematics education). They must develop a knowledge of research literatures in their chosen field with an emphasis on uncovering the key methodological challenges that face researchers in that field.
- These students will also gain a strong grasp in the mathematical foundations of applied statistics, including probability, statistical inference, linear models, multivariate statistics; as well as applications to assessment, program evaluation, and survey research in education.
- Students receiving this degree must meet the PhD program requirements of the Department of Educational Studies as well as those of the Masters Degree in Statistics.
Participating students will be encouraged to draw on multi-disciplinary courses, colloquia, and seminars available at the University through the Survey Methodology Program, the Quantitative Methodology Program, and the Social Statistics and Methodology Program, and other programs. A doctoral guidance committee formed in accord with the policies of the Department of Educational Studies but including at least one member of the Department of Statistics will provide information and advice to guide students in selecting among the vast resources of the university to advance student knowledge and research interests.
Quantitative Methods in Education and Statistics: Admissions Information
Are you interested in applying to our program? If so, you've come to the right place. Just follow the steps below. Links will open up in a new window, close the window to return to this page.
1. Do you have any questions you would like answered before you
apply? If so, view the School
of Education Frequently Asked Questions
or contact
the program. If not, continue on to item 2.
2. Fill out a Rackham program inquiry form to get you into our
system, so we can inform you of the latest recruiting events and other admissions
updates. You can fill
out a program
inquiry form by clicking here (be sure to close the new window to return
to this page).
3. Application Process: You will need to complete an application
to the Horace H. Rackham Graduate School,
which is the overall administrative unit for graduate programs. It is mandatory
that you use the Rackham Web application to apply to our programs.
You also need to send us a statement of purpose, official transcripts from every institution you have attended, three letters of recommendation, and your GRE scores. International students should also send in their TOEFL scores.
We created an application checklist for your use in keeping track of where and when you sent application materials. We recommend that you download and print up an application checklist.
Application Checklist
Fee waivers are available through the Rackham Graduate School for prospective students who qualify for Specialized Fee Waiver Groups. Please check Rackham's fee waiver Web page to see if you are eligible for one of these groups.
Note: The Office of Student Services matches documents to an application using the name appearing on the Rackham application. If the name on your documents, i.e., transcript, letter of recommendation, etc., is different from the name appearing on your application, please be sure to indicate all former last names or other first names on the Rackham application. Contact the Office of Student Services if you have information about your name that you did not include on the Rackham application.
For the latest deadline, please see our deadlines page
5. We hope you will get acquainted with us through our web materials,
e-mail correspondence, and when possible, a personal
visit. Be sure to
check out the University of
Michigan Web site, the Rackham
Graduate School Web site, and the rest of the resources in this program
site along with the School of Education Web site. In addition, you may want
to view the SOE
Bulletin.
There are opportunities through both the School of Education and the Rackham
Graduate School for merit and need based fellowships. To find out more, we
encourage you to review the
Graduate Financial Aid Resource Guide.
The Office
of Fellowships and Recruitment
is the contact for the Rackham Graduate School (734-764-8119).
We are delighted to learn of your interest in the University
of Michigan and this program. We encourage you to visit the campus to
discuss your interests with faculty and students. Visits are most helpful if
made prior to or during the application process. In addition to arranging individual
campus visits, you are encouraged to attend the annual Graduate Information Day. This is a great opportunity
for you to meet with School of Education faculty and staff, some of our current
students, and other prospective students. We wish you the best of luck in pursuing your
graduate studies and encourage you to contact us (above) if you have any questions
about the University of Michigan or your program.
Still have questions? If so, please visit the School
of Education Frequently Asked Questions, or contact the Office
of Student Services.
Questions about the status of your application? Check your application data and status online, via Wolverine Access. Please allow 7 days after submitting your application before checking your web application status on Wolverine Access. To do this you will need to use a login ID and password, and confirm some personal data before viewing your application:
For applicants who are current students or employees
1. Log into Wolverine Access using your existing UMICH uniqname login and click "New and Prospective Student Business."
"For applicants who are new to the University you will
need to create a secure login using a UM Friend Account and then log into Wolverine
Access at https://friend.weblogin.umich.edu/
1. Create a Friend Account by clicking on the following link: Create a Friend Account.
NOTE: If you have questions about creating a UM Friend Account you may go to http://www.itd.umich.edu/itcsdocs/s4316
2. Log into Wolverine Access at https://wolverineaccess.umich.edu/ and click "New and Prospective Student Business."
If you have any further questions, contact the Office
of Student Services at
(734) 764-7563 or
ed.grad.appl@umich.edu.
If you are interested in other School of Education programs, return to the "Academic Programs" home by clicking on the tab above or by clicking here.
Quantitative Methods in Education and Statistics Community: People
To assist those interested in the various concentrations, here are the names of faculty members, student ambassadors, and recent graduates involved with the Quantitative Methods in Education and Statistics specialization. If you have a general question about the program, or would like to talk to a current student about the program, please visit the contact page.
Faculty: To view a faculty member's research interests, click on their name (links open up a new window).
Educational Studies
Draft Program Course Planning Sheet
For students admitted beginning Fall Term 2001
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATION -- DOCTORAL LEVEL
Minimum: 60 hours
THESE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS MUST BE REVIEWED AND DISCUSSED WITH YOUR ADVISOR
Name: ______________________________________ Term Admitted: _________________________
Completion of the Ph.D. in Research Methods requires the completion of the master's degree in Statistics. The requirements for a Master of Arts in Statistics are listed on page 4.
The Program Course Planning Sheet is to be submitted to the Office of Student Services at least one term prior to the term you plan to achieve candidacy. For specific candidacy dates, contact the Office of Student Services, Room 1033 School of Education, (734) 764-7563.
Term Elected Catalog Number/Title Credit Hours
PHD PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS: 16 HOURS
_______ EDUC 790 Fundamental Issues in Educational Studies (3) ______
_______ EDUC 792 Methods in Educational Research: Qualitative (3) ______
EDUC 793 Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Educational Research (3) 3
Note: Spirit of EDUC 793 fulfilled in Master of Arts in Statistics
EDUC 898 Professional Development Seminar (4 total):
_______ EDUC 898 ______
_______ EDUC 898 ______
_______ EDUC 898 ______
_______ EDUC 898 ______
Advanced Research Methods (3) 3
Note: Spirit of this course fulfilled in Master of Arts in Statistics
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATION SPECIALIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 13 HOURS minimum
_______ BIOSTAT 617/SOC 717/STATS 580 Theory and Methods of Sample Design (3) ______
_______ BIOSTAT 652 Design of Experiments (3) ______
_______ BIOSTAT 695 Analysis of Categorical Data (3) ______
_______ BIOSTAT 851/STATS 642 Linear Statistical Models (3) ______
_______ BIOSTAT 890/STATS 640 Multivariate Statistical Models (3) ______
_______ EDUC 707 Psychometric Theory: Classical and Latent Trait Models (3). ______
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATION SPECIALIZATION REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATION � DOCTORAL LEVEL � PAGE 2
RESEARCH METHODS SPECIALIZATION REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED
EDUC 737 Topics in Educational Studies/Design & Analysis of Longitudinal
_______ Multilevel Research (3) ______
_______ EDUC 737 Topics in Educational Studies/Causal Inferences in Social Science (3) ______
_______ EDUC 795 Quantitative Methods for Non-Experimental Research (3) ______
_______ EDUC 890 Multilevel Methods in Social Research (3) ______
_______ STATS 402 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis (4) ______
_______ STATS 406 Introduction to Statistical Computing (4) ______
_______ STATS 425 Introduction to Probability (3) ______
______ STATS 426 Introduction to Mathematics Statistics (3) ______
_______ STATS 503 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3) ______
_______ STATS 504 Seminar on Statistical Consulting (3) ______
_______ IOE 560/STAT AND MGT SCI 603/STATS 550 Bayesian Decision Analysis (3) ______
_______ STATS 710 Special Topics: Topics in Mathematical Statistics (3) ______
_______ STATS 711 Special Topics: Topics in Mathematical Statistics (3) ______
_______ PSYCH 726/SOC 726 Multivariate Analysis (3) ______
ELECTIVES: 19 HOURS OF COURSE WORK ELECTED IN EDUCATION
Indicate the area of Substantive Concentration:
___ Early Childhood Education ___ Literacy, Language and Culture
___ Educational Administration & Policy ___ Mathematics Education
___ Educational Foundations & Policy ___ Science Education
___ Educational Psychology (CPEP Program) ___ Special Education
___ Educational Technology ___ Teacher Education
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
QUANTATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN EDUCATION � DOCTORAL LEVEL � PAGE 3
COGNATES: 12 HOURS
_______ STATS 500 Applied Statistics I (3) ______
_______ STATS 501 Applied Statistics II (3 hours)
_______ BIOSTAT 601 Probability and Distribution Theory (4 hours)
_______ BIOSTAT 602 Biostatistical Inference (3 hours)
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION: MINIMUM 1 HOUR
Contact the Educational Studies Program Office (Room 1225 SEB) when you are ready to begin the
preliminary examination process. Note: At least one reader of the qualifying examination must be from Statistics.
You must be registered the term in which the exam is taken. A registration of 1 hour in
EDUC 990 Dissertation, Precandidacy is typical to fulfill this requirement.
Preliminary Examination Term Approval: ____________
RACKHAM FEE TOTALS (RFT's): Doctoral students are required to complete a total of 68 fee hours toward a doctoral degree. Students admitted to a doctoral program with an earned master's degree (from an accredited institution) that is relevant to your doctoral program will be required to complete 50 fee hours at UM. (Note: Consult with the Office of Student Services about this requirement early in your doctoral program or refer to the Rackham Graduate Student Handbook of Policies and Procedures.)
ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK
_______ ____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
_______ _____________________________________________________________________ ______
CANDIDACY REGISTRATION: In accordance with the School of Education's Time To Degree Policy, a candidate will be required to make a candidacy registration once every two years from the term of achieving candidacy OR their last candidacy registration to remain active. It is also possible that a candidacy registration may be required as part of an assistantship/fellowship/award offer, as a condition for readmission, or as a condition for the approval of an extension of time. A candidate is required to make an 8-hour candidacy registration in a full term (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer) to defend the dissertation. If you have any questions about candidacy registrations or the School of Education's Time to Degree Policy, please contact the Office of Student Services, 1033 SEB, (734) 764-7563.
Advisor Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: ________________
Program Chair Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ________________
Revised: 04/23/2003 for web (subject to change) See Page 4 for Master of Arts in Statistics Requirements
Degree Requirements for the Master of Arts in Statistics; minimum 26 hours of course work
Required Courses: 13 HOURS
STATS 500 Applied Statistics I (3 hours)
STATS 501 Applied Statistics II (3 hours)
BIOSTAT 601 Probability and Distribution Theory (4 hours)
BIOSTAT 602 Biostatistical Inference (3 hours)
Additional statistics courses: 6 HOURS
Requires two graduate-level courses (6 hours) from Statistics; recommended courses are listed below
STATS 406 Introduction to Statistical Computing (4 hours)
STATS 503 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3 hours)
STATS 504 Seminar on Statistical Consulting (3 hours)
BIOSTAT 617/SOC 717/STATS 580 Theory and Methods of Sample Design (3 hours)
STATS 711 Special Topics (3 hours)
Additional statistics course: 3 HOURS
Requires one graduate-level course (3 hours) from another unit; recommended courses are listed below
EDUC 707 Psychometric Theory: Classical and Latent Trait Models (3 hours)
EDUC 737 Topics in Educational Studies: Design & Analysis of Longitudinal &
Multi-level Data (1-3 hours)
EDUC 737 Topics in Educational Studies: Causal Inference in Educational and
Social Research (1-3 hours)
EDUC 795 Quantitative Methods for Non-Experimental Research (3 hours)
EDUC 890 MultilevelMethods in Social Research (3 hours)
PSYCH 988/SOC 988 Advanced Seminars in Social Psychology (1-5 hours)
Cognates: 4 hours minimum [Graduate-level course(s) elected in another department, i.e., Education, Psychology, Sociology]
______ ________________________________________________________________
______ ________________________________________________________________
