Research Methods Concentration
Build advanced skills in research design, data analysis, and evaluation through the Research Methods concentration within the Applied Statistics and Research Methods MS and PhD programs.
Delivered through in-person graduate programs, with flexible course pathways designed to align with your goals.
Delivered through in-person graduate programs, with flexible course pathways designed to align with your goals.
Turn Data into Meaningful Insight
The Research Methods concentration prepares you to design, conduct, and evaluate research across a wide range of disciplines. Whether your interests are in education, social sciences, public policy, or applied research settings, you鈥檒l gain the tools to ask better questions鈥攁nd answer them with confidence.
Through a combination of coursework and faculty mentorship, you鈥檒l develop expertise in:
- Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods
- Program evaluation and assessment
- Research Ethics
- AI in Research Methods for design, analysis, and interpretation
The Opportunity at a Glance
Job Growth (2024鈥�2034)
*Projected U.S. data鈥憇cientist
data鈥憇cience openings each year
*Estimated new U.S
Salary Range
*in recent U.S. postings
A Graduate Experience That Works With You
Flexible by Design
- Adapt your course sequence to fit your schedule and commitments
- Choose from a range of courses that support your specific interests
- Balance your studies with professional or personal responsibilities
- Work with advisors to create a path that fits your timeline
A Program Built Around Your Goals
- Personalized Course Planning
Work closely with faculty advisors to build a course plan aligned with your research interests and career goals. - Applied, Real-World Focus
Gain hands-on experience designing and analyzing research that addresses real challenges. - Faculty Mentorship
Learn from experienced researchers who provide guidance and support throughout your program. - Versatile Skill Set
Develop skills that translate across industries, from academia to government and nonprofit sectors.
Who This Program Is For
- Working professionals looking to strengthen research and analytical skills
- Educators and practitioners seeking to apply data in their field
- Students preparing for doctoral-level research or academic careers
- Individuals interested in program evaluation, policy, or applied research
Career Outcomes
Graduates with a concentration in Research Methods are prepared for roles such as:
- Research Analyst
- Program Evaluator
- Data Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Academic Researcher
This concentration also provides strong preparation for doctoral research and advanced academic work.
Faculty Spotlight
Advancing Culturally Responsive Ethics in Social Science Research
Qualitative methodologist Maria K. E. Lahman prepares researchers to move beyond procedural compliance and practice culturally responsive ethics
Maria K. E. Lahman, Ph.D.
Research Methods Concentration
From Coursework to Collaboration: Training Research Methodologists Through Funded Research
Statistician and methodologist William 鈥淲ill鈥� Merchant prepares doctoral students for research careers by integrating them into grant-funded projects, collaborative scholarship, and the full research lifecycle.
William 鈥淲ill鈥� Merchant, Ph.D.,
Research Methods Concentration
Measuring What Matters 鈥� and Mentoring the Scholars Who Will, Too
Methodologist Chia-Lin Tsai advances psychometric research while mentoring doctoral scholars who apply rigorous measurement methods across health, education, and social science
Chia-Lin Tsai, Ph.D.
Research Methods Concentration
