Skip top navigation
School of Education - George Mason University

The PhD in Education with a specialization in research methodology is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential.  Students plan their own programs to meet self-defined goals with the guidance and support of faculty advisors.  Research methods courses can be applied to primary or secondary specialization areas.

If you have questions about this specialization, please contact the specialization representative, Angela Miller.

About the 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

Specialization Courses

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:

See additional coursework required as part of the PhD in Education degree.
.
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.

Our Graduates

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