Part of the Graduate School of Education
Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods, PhD
Our doctoral program in educational psychology and quantitative methods focuses on preparing you to research problems in diverse educational settings. Educational psychologists improve educational processes through the collection and analysis of empirical data. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve teaching and learning, classroom and school organization, inequities in opportunities to learn, the assessment of educational outcomes, and a wide array of other pressing educational issues.
Why Educational Psychology at UB?
The features of our program include:
- preparing researchers to solve problems in diverse educational settings
- rigorous preparation in quantitative research methods (statistics, measurement, secondary analysis of large-scale data sets, and research design)
- substantive study of learning in schools and classrooms, educational policies, programs, practices, and interventions developed to promote student learning
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 72 |
| Time to completion | 4 to 5+ years |
| Course delivery | On campus |
Careers |
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| Application deadline | Jan. 1 |
Required Courses (16 credits)
- CEP 500 Fundamentals of Educational Research
- CEP 510 Psychometric Theory in Education
- CEP 523 Statistical Methods: Inference II (prerequisite: CEP 522 or equivalent)
- Advanced Quantitative Methods Course, e.g., CEP 525 or CEP 529
- CEP 541 Human Growth and Development
- CEP 560 Psychology of Learning and Instruction
Elective Courses
Cognition, Development, Learning and Technology (choose two)
CEP 506 Introduction to Educational Technology
CEP 564 Cognitive Psychology
CEP 566 Seminar in Learning, Cognition and Technology
Research Design, Measurement and Assessment, Statistics and Data Analysis (choose three)
CEP 512 Topical Seminar in Research Methods: Survival Analysis
CEP 524 Experimental Design
CEP 525 Applied Multivariate Analysis
CEP 526 Structural Equation Modeling
CEP 527 Analysis of Large-Scale Data Bases
CEP 528 Hierarchical Linear Modeling: Multilevel and Longitudinal Data Analysis
CEP 529 Applied Regression Analysis
CEP 530 Introduction to Meta-analysis
Qualitative Methods (choose two)
APY 554 Applied Cultural Analysis
ELP 593 Qualitative Research Methods (must take Part I and Part II)
LAI 625 Discourse Analysis Research
LAI 626 Advanced Qualitative Research in Field Methods
LAI 669 Qualitative Techniques in Educational Research
NUS 697 Advanced Qualitative Methods
PD 561 Methods of Community Analysis and Management (Department of Urban and Regional Planning)
Substantive Issues of Educational Policy and Practice (choose two)
CEP 533 Topical Seminar
ELP 566 Comparative and Global Studies in Education
ELP 585 Sociological Bases of Education
ELP 592 American Education for International Students
Thesis/Dissertation
CEP 700 Individual Guidance Project (PhD Qualifying Paper)
CEP 702 Individual Guidance Dissertation
Recommended Electives
General
CEP 594 Practicum in Teaching
CEP 703 Independent Study
ELP 589 Education and Socialization
Research Design, Measurement and Assessment, Statistics and Data Analysis
CEP 502 Assessment of Learning and Instruction
COM 636 Research Procedures in Communication
LAI 638 Using Rasch Modeling to Develop Measurement Instruments
NUS 695 Advanced Statistical Techniques
NUS 706 Psycho-Social Measurement and Questionnaire Construction
SOC 608 Social Statistics II: Causal Models (Advanced regression techniques)
Research and Assessment Courses in the Disciplines
LAI 547 Assessing Mathematics
LAI 569 Introduction to Research in Music Education
LAI 623 Research Seminar in English Education
LAI 637 Research in Science Education
LAI 640 Seminar in Mathematics Education Research
LAI 657/658 Analysis of Quantitative Research in Learning and Instruction
LAI 686 Critical Interpretations of Research (multiple disciplines)
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
In an effort to make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration for those applying to this program through the fall 2023 semester. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for at least three individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Statement of interest: Statement of your career goals and objectives.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In-state Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload 3 documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic. Test scores must be dated within two years of submitting your application.
- TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 79 for the Internet based test
- IELTS minimum score is 6.5 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation — International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Are you an international student and unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL?
If you are currently unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are canceled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition is a safe and convenient option for students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT test at a test center due to public health concerns.
Program Faculty
Associate Professor
Educational Leadership And Policy
Research Areas: Access and Equity; Achievement; Big Data; Educational Policy; Gender, Culture, and Equity; Global Issues; Higher Education; International Education; Quantitative Research Methods; Race, Inequality, and Education; Sociology of Education; STEM education
Associate Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Associate Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Access and Equity; Achievement; Assessment; Big Data; Curriculum and Instruction; Design and Analysis of Longitudinal Research; Design Experiments; Digital Innovations; Digital Media and Learning; Diversity; Educational Policy; Evaluation; Gamification; Immigrant Issues; Large-Scale Assessment and Research; Mathematics Education; Online and Distance Learning; Professional / Staff Development; Psychometrics; Quantitative Research Methods; Race, Inequality, and Education; Research Design; Research Methods; School and District Reform; Statistical Methods and Applications in Statistical Issues
Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Professor
Educational Leadership And Policy
Research Areas: Access and Equity; Educational Policy; Higher Education; International Education; Large-Scale Assessment and Research; Program Evaluation; Psychometrics; Quantitative Research Methods; Race, Inequality, and Education; Social Justice; Statistical Methods and Applications in Statistical Issues
Professor
Learning And Instruction
Research Areas: Assessment; Evaluation; Measurements; Psychometrics; Quantitative Research Methods; Science Education; STEM education
Clinical Associate Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Achievement; Cognition; Cognitive Psychology; Online and Distance Learning; Quantitative Research Methods
Questions about the program?
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Questions About the Admission Process?
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu
University Computing Standards
You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.