Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics | Human Development

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Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics

Department of Human Development

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Program Description

The Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics Program includes degree programs in Applied Statistics; and Measurement and Evaluation.

The M.S. in Applied Statistics (32 points) requires three semesters of full-time study, and students may complete the program in 3 semesters (fall/spring/summer). This master's degree program provides training for a number of positions in applied research settings, testing organizations, and business organizations. In addition to the satisfactory completion of coursework, an integrative project is required.

The Ed.M. in Measurement and Evaluation (60 points) is a two-year master's degree program. It provides training for a number of positions in educational research bureaus and testing organizations. In addition to the satisfactory completion of coursework, an integrative project is required for the master's degree.

The Ed.D. and Ph.D. degree programs in Measurement and Evaluation are designed to prepare graduates for careers in a wide range of educational settings. Graduates acquire specialized knowledge and skills in test theory, test and instrument development and validation, program evaluation, and quantitative analysis of educational and psychological data. Some graduates pursue careers as university/college professors teaching measurement, evaluation, and statistics. Some are employed in city or state departments of education in the planning and supervision of testing programs and research and evaluation projects. Others work for test publishers, licensure and certification boards, and government agencies in the construction of tests or in the management of large-scale testing programs. Still others work in evaluation, research design, and statistics in contrast research firms, as well as health care and business settings.

A Doctor of Philosophy (Pd.D.) degree is required for most college teaching positions and for positions of professional responsibility in testing organizations, departments of education, and licensure and certification boards. The Ph.D. (75 points) is appropriate for individuals with strong quantitative and technical skills who wish to focus on theoretical issues in measurement and evaluation or who have a strong background in a substantive area of psychology in which they wish to further the development and application of measurement techniques.

The Ed.D. (90 points) is appropriate for individuals who wish to focus on the application of measurement and evaluation techniques in education, psychology, and business and industry. Both doctoral degrees are accepted as qualification for faculty positions in schools of education in the United States.

Degrees

  • Master of Science

    • Points/Credits: 32

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      Applied Statistics Core Courses (18 points):

      The following courses are required (in special circumstances, substitute courses may be approved by an advisor.):

      • HUDM 4125 Statistical inference (3)

      • HUDM 5126 Linear models and regression analysis (3)*

      • HUDM 6026 Computational statistics (3)

      • HUDM 5150 Statistical Careers, Communications and Capstone (3)

      and at least one of:

      • HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design (3)

      • HUDM 6030 Multilevel and longitudinal data analysis (3)

      and at least one of:

      • HUDM 6055 Latent structure analysis (3)

      • HUDM 6122 Multivariate analysis (3)

      *Under special circumstances HUDM 5122 may be substituted for HUDM 5126; advisor approval is required.

      Statistics Electives (8 points):

      Other advanced statistics courses offered by the Program or by other Departments/ Schools of Columbia University may be selected, in consultation with an advisor, to complete the 18-point requirement. Examples of candidate courses include: HUDM 5059, HUDM 5124, HUDM 5130, and HUDM 5133.

      Breadth Requirement (6 points):

      At least 6 points must be taken at Teachers College from outside the Program in Measurement, Evaluation, and Applied Statistics.

      Culminating Experience:

      A special project that is conducted in consultation with an advisor.

      Transfer Credit:

      For the M.S. degree program, no transfer credit is granted for work completed at other universities.

      Satisfactory Progress in MSAS Program Policy

      Under College policy, no more than 3 points of C- may be credited toward any degree, certificate or diploma. Students who accumulate 8 points or more with grades of C- or lower may not continue study at the College and will not receive a degree or diploma.

      The College also has a policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), available at https://www.tc.columbia.edu/admission/financial-aid/resources/sap-policy/, which spells out the academic standards necessary to maintain eligibility for federal financial aid. In addition to College policies, the MSAS program requires that students pass (with grades of A through C) all 6 required courses (i.e., HUDM 4125, 5126, 6026, 6122/6055, 6030/5123, 5150). A grade of C- or below in any of these core courses results in dismissal from the program. For statistics elective courses and breadth courses the College policy applies.

      Satisfactory Progress for the M.S. degree program is a B or above.

  • Master of Education

    • Points/Credits: 60

      Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall

      Degree Requirements

      Measurement and Evaluation Core Courses (12 points):

      • HUDM 5059 Psychological measurement (3)

      • HUDM 6051-6052 Psychometric theory I and II (3 each)

      • HUDM 6055 Latent structure analysis (3)

      And at least 6 points selected from the following:

      • T6416 Program evaluation in social services (3) at School of Social Work

      • P8582 Program evaluation design for health policy and management (3) at Mailman School of Public Health

      • P8640 Methods in program evaluation (3) at Mailman School of Public Health

      • P8705 Evaluation of health programs (3) at Mailman School of Public Health

      Quantitative Methods (15 points):

      • HUDM 4122 Probability and statistical inference (3)*

      • HUDM 5122 Applied regression analysis (3)*

      • HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design (3)

      • HUDM 6030 Multilevel and longitudinal data analysis (3)

      • HUDM 6122 Multivariate analysis (3)

      *HUDM 4125 may be substituted for HUDM 4122 and HUDM 5126 may be substituted for HUDM 5122.

      Psychology (12 points):

      Courses are taken in one or more of the following areas: developmental psychology, cognitive studies, counseling psychology, organizational psychology, or social psychology.

      Research Methods (6 points):

      • HUD 4120 Methods of empirical research (3)

      • HUDM 5250 Research practicum in measurement and evaluation (0-4)

      Other Aspects in Education (6 - 9 points):

      One course in foundations of education and two courses in curriculum and teaching and/or educational leadership, chosen in consultation with an advisor.

      Electives:

      Chosen in consultation with an advisor and designed to strengthen and broaden the student’s professional preparation.

      Culminating Experience:

      A project that is conducted in consultation with an advisor.

      Transfer Credit:

      For the Ed.M. degree, 30 points must be completed under the auspices of Teachers College, including 18 points in Teachers College courses. A maximum of 30 points of graduate credit may be transferred from other accredited institutions. Only completed graduate courses with earned grades of B or higher will be considered for transfer credit. For more information, please speak with the Transfer Credit Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar.

      The student files a “Request for an Allocation of Graduate Credit” with the Office of the Registrar. Once the Registrar’s Office determines the eligibility of courses for transfer, final determination of transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the Program Director after evaluation of the courses for content and relevance to program requirements. The Office of the Registrar notifies the student of the results.

      Satisfactory Progress:

      Students are expected to make satisfactory progress towards the completion of degree requirements. If satisfactory progress is not maintained, a student may be dismissed from the program. Where there are concerns about satisfactory progress, students will be informed by the program faculty.

      Satisfactory progress in the Ed.M. degree program is a B or above. 

  • Doctor of Education

    • Points/Credits: 90

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      Measurement Core (15 points):

      • HUDM 5059 Psychological measurement (3)

      • HUDM 5124 Multidimensional scaling and clustering (3)

      • HUDM 6051 Psychometric theory I (3)

      • HUDM 6052 Psychometric theory II (3)

      • HUDM 6055 Latent structure analysis (3)

      Evaluation Core (12 points):

      • HUDM 5130 Meta-analysis (3)

      • HUDM 5133 Causal inference for program evaluation (3)

      • ORLJ 5040 Research methods in social psychology (3)

      with at least one Evaluation course selected from the following:

      • HP8640 Methods in program evaluation (3) (at Mailman School of Public Health)

      • P8705 Evaluation of health programs (3) (at Mailman School of Public Health)

      Quantitative Methods Core (18 points):

      • HUDM 4122* Probability and statistical inference (3)

      • HUDM 5122* Applied regression analysis (3)

      • HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design (3)

      • HUDM 6026 Computational statistics (3)

      • HUDM 6030 Multilevel and longitudinal data analysis (3)

      • HUDM 6122 Multivariate analysis I (3)

      *HUDM 4125 may be substituted for HUDM 4122 and HUDM 5126 may be substituted for HUDM 5122.

      Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics Electives (18 points):

      In consultation with an advisor, students choose 18 points of courses from the below list, or from advanced courses offered at Columbia University Statistics Department, Mailman School of Public Health, and Programs across Teachers College. The following are suggested but not required:

      1. HUDM 5058 Choice and decision making (3)

      2. P8120 Analysis of categorical data (3) (at Mailman School of Public Health)

      3. P8121 Generalized linear models (3) (at Mailman School of Public Health)

      4. W4640 Bayesian statistics (3) (at the Columbia Statistics Program)

      5. HUDM 5250 Research practicum in measurement and evaluation (0-4)

      Psychology (18 points):

      In consultation with an advisor, a group of courses aimed at substantive preparation in the field of psychology.

      Related Courses (6 points):

      Selected from the areas of curriculum development, guidance, applied human development, supervision, and administration, and in consultation with an advisor.

      Dissertation Advisement and Seminar (minimum of 3 points):

      HUDM 7500* Dissertation seminar (1-3 credits each for two semesters) required

      HUDM 8900 Dissertation advisement (0)

      Special Requirements:

      The first two years require full-time study. In addition to the above coursework, an approved certification paper, successful performance on the certification examination, and completion of an approved doctoral dissertation are also required.

      Transfer Credit

      Of a planned program of 90 points, at least 45 points must be taken through Teachers College registration. A maximum of 45 points may be transferred from another university for the Ed.D. degree. Only completed graduate courses with earned grades of B or higher that appear on the student’s transcript from a regionally accredited institution may be considered for transfer credit.

      The student files a “Request for an Allocation of Graduate Credit” with the Office of the Registrar. Once the Registrar's Office determines the eligibility of courses for transfer, final determination of transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty advisor after evaluation of the courses for content and relevance to program requirements. The Office of the Registrar notifies the student of the results.

      Satisfactory Progress

      Students are expected to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of degree requirements. Program faculty annually review each student’s progress. Where there are concerns about satisfactory progress, students will be informed by the program faculty. If a student is performing below expectations, remedial work within an appropriate timeline may be required. If satisfactory progress is not maintained, a student may be dismissed from the program.

      Satisfactory Progress for the Ed.D. degree is a B+ or above. 

      Satisfactory progress for a doctoral research fellow scholarship is a B+ or above. 

  • Doctor of Philosophy

    • Points/Credits: 75

      Entry Terms: Fall Only

      Degree Requirements

      Measurement Core (15 points):

      • HUDM 5059 Psychological measurement (3)

      • HUDM 5124 Multidimensional scaling and clustering (3)

      • HUDM 6051 Psychometric theory I (3)

      • HUDM 6052 Psychometric theory II (3)

      • HUDM 6055 Latent structure analysis (3)

      Evaluation Core (9 points):

      • HUDM 5130 Meta-analysis (3)

      • HUDM 5133 Causal inference for program evaluation (3)

      • ORLJ 5040 Research methods in social psychology (3)

      Quantitative Methods Core (21 points):

      • MSTM 5030 Topics in probability theory (3)

      • HUDM 4125 Statistical inference (3)

      • HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design (3)

      • HUDM 5126 Linear models and regression analysis (3)

      • HUDM 6026 Computational Statistics (3)

      • HUDM 6030 Multilevel and longitudinal data analysis (3)

      • HUDM 6122 Multivariate analysis I (3)

      Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics Electives (18 points):

      In consultation with an advisor, students select courses from the following list, as well as more generally from courses offered at other Departments and Schools at Columbia University:

      • HUDM 5058 Choice and decision making (3)

      • P8120 Analysis of categorical data (3) (at Mailman School of Public Health)

      • P8121 Generalized linear models (3) (at Mailman School of Public Health)

      • W4640 Bayesian statistics (3) (at the Columbia Statistics Program)

      • HUDM 5250 Research practicum in measurement and evaluation (0-4)

      Psychology (minimum of 9 points):

      In consultation with an advisor, a group of courses aimed at substantive preparation in the field of psychology.

      Dissertation Advisement and Seminar (minimum of 3 points):

      HUDM 7500* Dissertation seminar (1-3 credits each for two semesters) HUDM 8900 Dissertation advisement (0)

      Special Requirements:

      The first two years require full-time study. In addition to the above coursework, an approved empirical paper, an approved theoretical research paper, successful performance on the certification examination, and completion of an approved doctoral dissertation are required for the Ph.D degree.

      M.Phil. Degree

      The M.Phil. is an en passant degree awarded to those nearing the completion of the Ph.D. degree. Students contact the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS) to file for the award of the degree.

      To receive the M.Phil., the student must satisfactorily complete the following requirements:

      1. Register for courses through Teachers College and maintain continuous registration.

      2. File, in the Office of Doctoral Studies, an approved Program Plan of Study, including transfer credit.

      3. Complete not less than six courses with evaluative grades, under Teachers College registration, with a minimum composite grade decile of 6.

      4. Pass the Departmental Certification Examination (i.e., Research Methods Examination).

      5. Complete an approved empirical research paper and an approved theoretical research paper.

      6. Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 75 points of graduate credit, as indicated on the Program Plan, and all program requirements for the Master of Philosophy degree.

      7. Be recommended by the Program Advisor and Department Chair for the award of the M.Phil. degree, which signifies certification as a Ph.D. degree candidate who may continue the dissertation requirement under the auspices of the Teachers College faculty.

      Candidates should provide copies of the Program Plan and both research papers to the Department of Human Development for inclusion in the student’s records.

      Transfer Credit

      Relevant courses completed in other accredited graduate schools to a maximum of 30 points, or 45 points if completed in another Faculty of Columbia University, may be accepted toward the minimum point requirement for the degree.

      Only completed graduate courses with earned grades of B or higher that appear on the student’s transcript from a regionally accredited institution may be considered for transfer credit.

      The student files a “Request for an Allocation of Graduate Credit” with the Office of the Registrar. Once the Registrar's Office determines the eligibility of courses for transfer, final determination of transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty advisor after evaluation of the courses for content and relevance to program requirements. The Office of the Registrar notifies the student of the results.

      Satisfactory Progress

      Students are expected to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of degree requirements. Program faculty annually review each student’s progress. Where there are concerns about satisfactory progress, students will be informed by the program faculty. If a student is performing below expectations, remedial work within an appropriate timeline may be required. If satisfactory progress is not maintained, a student may be dismissed from the program.

      Satisfactory Progress for the Ph.D. degree is a B+ or above. 

      Satisfactory progress for a doctoral research fellow scholarship is a B+ or above. 

Faculty

  • Faculty

    • James E Corter Professor of Statistics and Education
    • Lawrence T DeCarlo Professor of Psychology and Education
    • Bryan Sean Keller Associate Professor of Practice in Applied Statistics
    • Young-Sun Lee Associate Professor of Psychology and Education
    • Youmi Suk Assistant Professor of Applied Statistics
    • Renzhe Yu Assistant Professor, Learning Analytics / Educational Data Mining
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