Education, PhD Specialization in Research Methodology

The Research Methodology PhD 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.

Research Methodology Specialization - PhD in Education, Degree Requirements

General Culture (3 credits)

EDUC 800: Ways of Knowing (3 credits) ( OR EFHP860. EFHP 860 is for Kinesiology concentration students only. Other students should select EDUC 800. Course should be taken 1st semester.)

Research Methods (15 credits)

EDRS 810: Problems and Methods in Education Research (3 credits) (2nd semester)
EDRS 811: Quantitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credits)
EDRS 812: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credits)

Choose two from below:

EDRS 818: Critical Discourse Analysis in Education Research (3 credits)

EDRS 820: Evaluation Methods for Educational Programs and Curricula (3 credits)

EDRS 821: Advanced Applications of Quantitative Methods (3 credits)

EDRS 822: Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods (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)

Professional Specialization (24 credits)

Students in the Research Methods specialization take 24 additional credits beyond the Core Research Methods courses required by the PhD in Education program.

Required Courses (6 credits)

EDRS 821: Advanced Applications of Quantitative Methods (3 credits)

EDRS 822: Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods (3 credits)

Electives (18 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)

Other Research Methods Courses offered in the CEHD or other GMU departments with permission from the program advisory committee.

Secondary Emphasis (12 credits)

Students have a number of options for secondary concentrations including concentrations within the Graduate School of Education, within other George Mason University departments, interdisciplinary concentrations, or using the master's degree as part of the secondary concentration requirements.

Dissertation (12 credits)

EDUC 998: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (3 credits)
EDUC 999: Doctoral Dissertation Research (9 credits)

Portfolio

Students complete an educational portfolio as part of the requirement of the Ph.D. program. The portfolio is an organized, selective collection of documents designed to facilitate a student's academic and professional development, and to provide a basis for evaluation of degree progress. The portfolio represents the scope and depth of a student's goals, plans, and accomplishments in coursework, independent study, research, internships, and other advanced learning activities. The portfolio thus provides both a vehicle for self-reflection and a comprehensive record of a doctoral student's experiences and ongoing progress toward academic and professional goals.

Contact the Ph.D. Program for additional information.

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.