PhD Research Methodology Specialization

The Research Methodology Specialization provides theoretical and practical knowledge and applied skills for research design and methods including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research. Students in the specialization develop skills in data analytic methods and will be able to apply those skills to real-world settings and pressing issues in education.

What Will You Learn?

The specialization features coursework and applied internships that enable you to learn:

• Foundational and theoretical knowledge about a range of methodological approaches
• Specialized knowledge in research methods related to your area of interest

How Will You Learn?

Your advisor will guide your doctoral experience by supplementing coursework with professional experiences, including:

• Attending and/or presenting at professional conferences
• Independent study
• Teaching and/or co-teaching
• Writing, editing, and reviewing for scholarly journals

Where Can This Specialization Take You?

Graduates of this specialization hold professional positions such as:

• Academic faculty at post-secondary institutions
• Consultants with private companies, education and research think tanks, and non-government organizations
• Data management leaders in major K-12 school districts

Each student prepares an individual program of study in consultation with their Program Advisory Committee. The following courses can be taken as part of a student’s primary or secondary specialization coursework:

• EDRS 821: Advanced Applications of Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
• EDRS 822: Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods (3 credits)
• EDRS 818: Critical Discourse Analysis in Education Research (3 credits)
• EDRS 820: Evaluation Methods for Educational Programs and Curricula (3 credits)
• EDRS 823: Advanced Research Methods in Single Subject/Case Design (3 credits)
• EDRS 824: Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (3 credits)
• EDRS 825: Advanced Research Methods in Self-Study of Professional Practice (3 credits)
• EDRS 826: Qualitative Case Study Methods (3 credits)
• EDRS 827: Introduction to Measurement and Survey Development (3 credits)
• EDRS 828: Item Response Theory (3 credits)
• EDRS 830: Hierarchical Linear Modeling (3 credits)
• EDRS 831: Structural Equation Modeling (3 credits)
• EDRS 832: Document Analysis and Archival Research (3 credits)
• EDRS 833: Participatory Action Research (3 credits)
• EDRS 836: Narrative Inquiry (3 credits)
• EDRS 850: Grounded Theory (3 credits)
• EDRS 897: Special Topics in Research Methods (3 credits)
• EDUC 897: Independent Study for the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (1-6 credits)
• EDUC 994: Advanced Internship in Education (3 credits)

See additional coursework required as part of the PhD in Education degree.
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NOTE: Students who have a primary professional specialization in research methods are required to take 24 additional credits beyond the Core Research Methods courses required by the PhD in Education program.

Esther Nolton, PhD 2020

• Dissertation Title: Mapping the Institutionalization of Evaluation in the U.S. Federal Government
• Dissertation Chair: Dr. Rodney Hopson & Dr. Marvin Powell

Christina Lee, PhD 2019

• Dissertation Title: Psychometrics of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment in a Child Care Subsidy Sample
• Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marvin Powell