- The M.S.Ed. program in RME is designed to train students in research methodology, relevant statistical and measurement analyses, and statistical software required for data management and statistical analyses relevant to research and evaluations conducted in educational, psychological, health, and human service environments. To accomplish this goal, students complete a set of core courses that provide training in the relevant methodologies and statistical software. These core courses cover computer programming, basic descriptive and inferential statistics, the general linear model, multivariate statistics, structural equation modeling, measurement theory, program evaluation, and data management. The core courses focus on application of methods to real-world problems and data analysis so that the experiences obtained in the classroom can directly translate into practical skills that will be required in real research and evaluation settings. The majority of courses related to statistics, measurement, and data management are taught in a computer lab whereby students are actively engaged in using relevant statistical software to conduct the desired analyses. As a result, students are provided continuous opportunity to gain skills related to the analysis of data in applied settings.
- Students entering the M.S.Ed. program are not required to have any particular math or statistics background beyond an understanding of simple algebra. The applied nature of the statistics courses also ensures that the only mathematical operations used in the courses generally are limited to algebra. No specific expertise in higher mathematical content areas (such as calculus) is required. As a result, students entering the program can come from a wide range of disciplines. Many students enrolled in the program have had undergraduate degrees in fields such as education, psychology, sociology, and health sciences.