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PhD in Measurement and Statistics

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Program Description

The Ph.D. degree in Measurement and Statistics (M&S) emphasizes both advanced instruction and direct experience with measurement and applied statistics issues. Research leading to the dissertation can concern either applied or theoretical topics on topics in applied measurement, statistics, and psychometrics.

The Measurement and Statistics program major at Florida State University is designed to prepare leaders in educational research to serve in the following types of professional positions:

• Professor in measurement and statistics at a college or university;
• Psychometrician for a commercial testing firm;
• Educational measurement and/or educational statistics specialist for a test publisher or governmental licensing, certification, or assessment unit;
• Director of measurement activities for a school or school system;
• Measurement and educational statistics expert for regional educational laboratory;
• Professor in measurement and statistics at a college or university.

Our graduates are currently employed by national organizations such as Harcourt Assessment, NCS Pearson, the American Association of Medical Colleges (sponsor of the Medical College Admissions Test), and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Graduates hold academic positions at the University of Texas at Austin, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Costa Rica, among others.

Finally, some graduates seek employment in state departments and national ministries of education, including the Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Ministry of Education for Jamaica. Others serve as directors of assessment for Florida school districts including Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Palm Beach County Public Schools, and other districts in the state.

Programs in Measurement and Statistics lead to the Master's of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Whereas the M.S. degree provides some theoretical and research background, its emphasis is on building preliminary skills in measurement theory, statistical analysis, and evaluation. The Ph.D. degree emphasizes more advanced coursework and, most critically, direct experience with research on measurement and applied statistics issues. Doctoral students are encouraged to become involved in research projects early in their programs. Such research, including the dissertation, can entail either applied or theoretical topics.