Quantitative Methods, MPhilEd

The M.Phil.Ed. in Quantitative Methods is designed for professionals who have already earned a relevant master’s degree and wish to advance their mastery of scale development and assessment, design of randomized field trials and quasi-experiments, multivariate statistical analysis as applied in education, surveys, and the production of high-quality evidence for decision-making in public and organizational policy. In addition to developing expertise in advanced methods of research, students are required to take distribution courses in fields such as early childhood, reading, science education, education in developed and developing countries, dropout and risk prevention, etc. The curriculum integrates research methods with policy content. Research experience is an integral part of the curriculum. Graduates are prepared to design, apply and interpret measures of attitude, behavior, and other social science, education and related phenomena; to validate, scale and equate such measures; to plan and conduct controlled field experiments; to apply and interpret advanced univariate and multivariate statistics; to evaluate programs and policies through quantitative studies; and to disseminate and interpret results for understanding and policy development.

Curriculum

A total of 16 course units are required for the M.Phil.Ed. in Quantitative Methods.

Required Courses
EDUC 6625Data Processing and Analysis (Fall)1
EDUC 6680Evaluation of Policies, Programs and Projects1
EDUC 6683Survey Methods & Design (Spring)1
EDUC 6684Measurement & Assessment (Fall)1
EDUC 7667Regression and Analysis of Variance (Fall or Spring)1
EDUC 7668Measurement Theory and Test Construction (Spring)1
EDUC 7671Factor Analysis and Scale Development (Fall)1
EDUC 7677Structural Equations Modeling (Spring)1
EDUC 8629Policy Research (Spring)1
EDUC 8671Randomized Trials and Experiments (Spring)1
EDUC 8680Complex, Multilevel, and Longitudinal Research Models (Fall)1
EDUC 8681Classifications, Profiles, and Latent Growth Mixture Models (Spring)1
Distribution Requirement
Select 1 Distribution Requirement course 11
Electives
Select 3 electives 23
Total Course Units16
1

To meet the distribution requirement, students must complete one approved graduate level (5000 or above) GSE course outside the student’s area of specialization, earning a grade of “B” or better.

2

Students are required to take three elective courses at the 5000 level or above. These courses can be taken at other Penn schools with permission from the advisor and the school in question. The student must also earn a grade of "B" or better. 

Comprehensive Examination

Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by passing a general examination in their area of study. The general examination serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their coursework and fieldwork.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.