The Quantitative Methodology (QM) Program offers specializations in measurement and statistics. The major goals of the QM Program are to develop and disseminate advances in the theory and practice of
- Measurement in the social and behavioral sciences, and
- Statistical methodology in educational research.
In addition to these major goals, the QM Program is committed to developing:
- Skills appropriate for the applications of psychometrics and statistics in a variety of research settings, and
- The quantitative literacy of educational researchers.
The QM program is situated within the Department of Educational Psychology. As members of this community we share their mission and vision.
The QM Program prepares doctoral graduates to teach quantitative methods at colleges and universities; to work in state, national, and international educational agencies; to provide psychometric services in testing and research companies; and to conduct research on measurement and statistics in academia.
The QM Program also prepares students at the master’s level for advanced study in doctoral programs. Graduates of the master’s program are prepared to take positions in a variety of settings, such as data analysts in testing companies, research coordinators, or assessment specialists in K-16 school systems.
Graduate students in the QM Program have many opportunities to engage in meaningful activities related to their areas of study including involvement with the Georgia Center for Assessment, internships at various internal and external agencies, and collaboration with faculty on a variety of state and federally funded research projects. There are many activities available at UGA that provide students with a solid background in measurement and statistics, and their appropriate use in improving theory, research, practice, and policy in education.
Students within the QM program receive funding and support from several sources including: (1) UGA graduate school, (2) Educational Psychology Department, (3) faculty research grants, and (4) Georgia Center for Assessment. Most financial support includes a full tuition waiver and a generous monthly stipend.
There are numerous opportunities for people who have quantiative skills as described in an article from gradPSYCH. A recent article in the New York Times highlights the role of quantitative data in improving education.