Curriculum

Because entry-level graduate students come from diverse academic backgrounds, our graduate program provides a common foundation while also allowing individualized coursework. The department core curriculum provides training in research methods and statistics, the depth curriculum ensures rigorous training within a student’s specified area of expertise, and the department breadth curriculum facilitates broader training in the more specialized areas of the doctoral graduate concentrations.

Core curriculum: At least three quantitative and research methods courses

  • The two semester, two-course sequence in research methods (Psyc 5315-5316).  Note that currently the second course taken is not PSYC 5316 but rather STAT 5214-G (Advanced Methods in Regression).
  • One or more additional courses in statistics,psychometrics, or advanced methodology. Students should consult their advisory committee in selecting these courses. Examples include:
    • PSYC 5134: Advanced Psychometric Theory
    • PSYC 6014: Quantitative Topics in Applied Psychology
    • EDRE 6634: Advanced Statistics for Education
    • EDRE 6654: Multivariate Statistics Applications to Educational Problems
    • EDRE 6664: Application of Structural Equations in Education
    • EDRE 6794: Advanced Topics in Educational Research
    • HD 6514: Advanced Research Methods

Depth curriculum: At least three graduate-level courses within the student’s research concentration area that deepen her or his understanding of the theories, methodologies, and existing literatures pertaining to her or his defined area of interest. Students should consult their advisory committee and concentration-specific information described below in selecting their “depth” courses.

Breadth curriculum: At least three graduate-level courses outside of the student's research concentration (including but not limited to the Department of Psychology classes), designed to educate students in domains of study that complement their research interests, and expand students' general knowledge of the field at large. Students should consult their advisory committee and concentration-specific information described below in selecting their “breadth” courses.

Additional coursework: Each of the department’s four concentrations specifies additional course requirements that are specific to the area and are described further on each concentrations curriculum pages.