Research Methodology (PhD)
The Research Methodology program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous and effective research across various disciplines. Through a combination of theoretical foundations, practical applications, and hands-on experience, students gain proficiency in quantitative, qualitative, and program evaluation methodologies.
Related Programs
Curriculum
The PhD in Research Methodology requires 60 credit hours, the completion of a research portfolio, and a dissertation. Students also participate in a consulting experience, where they participate in research or provide consulting assistance to researchers or organizations.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RMTD 403 | Survey Research | 3 |
| RMTD 406 | Educational Evaluation | 3 |
| RMTD 420 | Educational Research I: Building a Body of Evidence With Qualitative Method * | 3 |
| RMTD 421 | Educational Research II: Building a Body of Evidence Quantitative Method | 3 |
| One advanced quantitative course | 3 | |
| Multivariate Statistics | ||
| Hierarchical Linear Models | ||
| Meta-Analysis | ||
| One advanced qualitative course | 3 | |
| Single Subject Design | ||
| Item Response Theory | ||
| Mixed Methods Research | ||
| Case Study Research | ||
| Three courses in Minor Research Area | 9 | |
| Eleven Electives | 33 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
Comprehensive Assessment
A Comprehensive Research Portfolio is required. The portfolio contains three items: a) a report on a research consulting experience, b) a research paper demonstrating the candidate's understanding of all phases in the research process and the ability to analyze and interpret data from a research study, and c) a literature review of an issue in the candidate's area of concentration.
Dissertation
A dissertation, as well as an oral defense of the dissertation, is required. Once completed, the final dissertation must be submitted to a publicly accessible database according to Graduate School policy.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement rigorous research and/or evaluation, including both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, to address complex questions through a social justice lens.
- Students will proficiently apply advanced statistical and qualitative analysis techniques using diverse software to analyze and interpret data, ensuring accurate and meaningful findings.
- Students will develop expertise in evaluating and implementing measurement tools and frameworks, ensuring the validity, reliability, and ethical use of instruments in research and evaluation contexts.
- Students will critically assess research literature and methodologies, identifying potential biases, misrepresented findings, or data misuse in existing studies and publications.
- Students will effectively communicate complex research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and the appropriate interpretation of results.