SRM M.A. Program
The Social Research Methodology Division offers a one-year program for a Master's Degree in Research Methods. The program is designed to provide a basic research grounding in both quantitative and qualitative methods appropriate for professional and social science research. Students may take elective courses in cost benefit analysis, program evaluation, tests and measurement, and research writing.
After completion of the degree, graduates have numerous job opportunities in governmental organizations, social action agencies, philanthropic entities, research centers, and university research projects. Graduates who choose to apply for doctoral programs in social science or professional fields (education, public policy, public health, etc.) will enter such programs with research competencies that will distinguish them from their colleagues and enhance the possibility of becoming a successful research professional.
Program Requirements for the M.A.
Course Requirements (9 courses)
Required Core (5 courses from the 222 and 230 series)
- Ed230A: Introduction to Research Design & Statistics
- Ed230B/C: Linear Statistical Models in Social Science Research
- Ed222A: Introduction to Qualitative Methods & Design Issues in Educational Research
- Ed222B: Participant-Observation Field Methods
- Ed222C: Qualitative Data Reduction & Analysis
- Ed222D: Qualitative Inquiry: Special Topics
Elective Courses (4) Selected from the following or others inside or outside the department, based on consultation with your advisor
- Ed202: Evaluation Theory
- Ed211: Measurement in Education
- Ed222C: Qualitative Data Reduction & Analysis
- Ed226: Special Topics in Educational Writing
- Ed233A/B: Professional Writing
- Ed245: Cost-Benefit Analyses in Education
- Ed411: Evaluation Procedures
M.A. Exam
The Master's Comprehensive Examination
The Master's Comprehensive exam consists of two take-home questions administered during the same examination weekend that the doctoral screening and qualifying exams are given. Students are given 3 days (3 nights) to complete the exam; OSS distributes the exam on a Friday morning, and the responses are to be turned in the following Monday morning. The comprehensive examination is concerned with central topics in research methodology and the field of emphasis. Questions are comprehensive in nature and are designed to measure the breadth and depth of knowledge, as well as ability to focus that knowledge on specific problems. The specific questions are based on the particular set of courses the student took.
Grading
Students may be "passed," "passed with honors," or "failed" on this examination. Students who fail this examination will be given a second opportunity to take the examination at the discretion of the student's advisor and a third opportunity upon a two-thirds majority of all SRM faculty members voting on this issue. No fourth sitting for the examination is permitted.
Master's thesis
In lieu of the master's comprehensive examination, SRM students may elect to complete their M.A. degree by completing a master's thesis.
In this case, the thesis is a report of the results of original investigation. Before beginning work on the thesis, the student must obtain approval of the subject and general plan from the Department of Education Chair and the thesis committee chair.
A thesis committee of at least three faculty members must be formed and a Petition for Advancement to Candidacy for the M.A. must be filed with the Office of Student Services no later than one quarter prior to completion of course requirements for the degree.
The thesis advisor and the Graduate Division publication, Regulations for Thesis and Dissertation Preparation, provide guidance in the final preparation of the manuscript. The Department does not require a formal examination in connection with the thesis plan.
Admissions Information
Students in SRM come primarily from undergraduate and masters programs in the social and behavioral sciences and mathematics. The SRM faclty consider the following elements in evaluating applicants for admission:
- academic promise as evidenced by GPA, GRE scores, experience, and letters of recommendation
- Interests and experiences consistent with the goals of SRM