PhD in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation - Measurement & Quantitative Methods

Advance your expertise in educational research with UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation (ERM) with a concentration in Measurement and Quantitative Methods. This doctoral program prepares students to design rigorous research studies, apply advanced statistical methods, and develop expertise in educational measurement, assessment, and psychometrics. Through faculty mentorship and hands-on research experiences, students gain the skills to analyze complex data, improve educational assessments, and contribute meaningful insights that shape educational practice, policy, and research.

Individuals applying to the Ph.D. program are assumed to have previous foundational training in quantitative methodology and/or evaluation, such as a master’s degree in a related field (methodology, measurement, evaluation, statistics, or mathematics) or other graduate training that aligns with the training provided by the ERM master’s degree. Those who are interested in pursuing the Ph.D. in ERM, but have not completed the necessary graduate training in quantitative methodology and/or evaluation, are encouraged to apply to the joint Master’s and Ph.D. program.

Ph.D. In Measurement and Quantitative Methods Program Distinctions

UNCG’s Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation with a concentration in Measurement & Quantitative Methods stands out for its focus on preparing advanced researchers who can design rigorous studies, develop and evaluate assessments, and apply sophisticated quantitative methods to address complex educational and social science questions.

The program provides deep preparation in quantitative methodologies, helping participants develop the expertise to design high-quality research studies, analyze complex data sets, and contribute new knowledge to the field. Students will develop advanced skills in areas such as:

• Statistical modeling and analysis
• Research design
• Measurement theory
• Psychometrics
• Assessment development and validation
• Quantitative data interpretation

This emphasis prepares graduates to become leaders in educational research, assessment, and data-informed decision-making.

Students work closely with internationally recognized faculty who specialize in educational research methodology, quantitative analysis, measurement, and psychometrics. Through research collaborations, students gain experience contributing to scholarly projects, presenting findings, and developing the expertise needed for careers in higher education and research organizations.

The Ph.D. In Measurement and Quantitative Methods Student Experience

A defining feature of the concentration in Measurement and Quantitative Methods is its focus on how researchers measure learning, abilities, attitudes, and other educational outcomes. Students explore the principles behind creating valid and reliable assessments and learn how measurement tools influence research, policy, and practice.

Program participants will develop the skills needed to evaluate existing assessments, design new measurement instruments, and advance the science of educational measurement.

Students have the opportunity to strengthen their methodological expertise through applied research opportunities with the Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Services (OAERS). This allows students to apply advanced quantitative methods and measurement principles to real-world projects involving assessment, evaluation, and institutional research.

The program accommodates students balancing professional responsibilities with doctoral studies by offering coursework designed with flexibility in mind, including evening course options in many cases.

In addition to the required core courses of the program, students will complete the additional required core for their chosen concentration based on professional and academic goals.

Additional Required Core for the Measurement and Quantitative Methods Concentration: 12 Hours

• ERM 733: Language Assessment and Testing
• ERM 769: Item Response Theory
• ERM 782: Multivariate Analysis
• ERM 785: R for Education and Social Science

After Graduating with Your Ph.D. In Measurement and Quantitative Methods

Although housed within the School of Education, the skills developed in this program may be utilized in many fields, including education, psychology, public policy, health sciences, and social sciences. Graduates learn methods that help organizations use data to evaluate programs, improve outcomes, and make informed decisions. The Ph.D. program is intended for students who are interested in becoming an expert in research methodology, the measurement sciences, or program evaluation.

The concentration in Measurement and Quantitative Methods prepares graduates for careers requiring advanced expertise in research design, data analysis, and measurement, including roles such as:

• Research and evaluation consultant
• University faculty member
• Educational researcher
• Quantitative research analyst
• Assessment specialist
• Psychometrician
• Institutional researcher