Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation, Ph.D.

The Doctoral (Ph.D.) program is intended for students who are interested in becoming an expert in research methodology, the measurement sciences, or program evaluation. 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 M.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 M.S./Ph.D. program.

The program aims to develop students into expert methodologists who are appropriately prepared to pursue influential careers in the fields of research methodology, educational measurement, and program evaluation. To this end, the training offered by the Ph.D. program has the joint focus of providing students with a comprehensive training across the major domains of research methodology, while also having students gain extensive knowledge in one or more areas of concentration that align with the student’s professional and intellectual interests.

Program Distinctions

The rigor of academic training in ERM is enhanced by hands-on, practical evaluation, measurement, and assessment work with clients in a variety of diverse local, national, and international program settings. 

Our internationally recognized faculty have developed a comprehensive range of academic and hands-on program experiences to enrich student understanding of the field of educational research methodology in either program evaluation or measurement and quantitative methods.

The Student Experience

There are two concentrations available for this degree:

• Measurement and Quantitative Methods
• Program Evaluation

Students will choose to officially pursue only one of these degree concentrations. 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. Students may take courses from both cores, but double-concentrations are not recognized at this time. Students who complete both core concentrations will need to choose which concentration appears on their official transcript.

After Graduation

The Ph.D. program is intended for students who are interested in becoming an expert in research methodology, the measurement sciences, or program evaluation.