Quantitative measurement psychology degrees
About quantitative measurement psychology degrees
Degree type:
Typically a PhD, support roles with a master’s
Location:
Online, classroom or hybrid
Duration:
Varies
Total credits:
Varies
Aid eligible:
Yes, for accredited schools and programs
A degree in quantitive measurement psychology can be a great option for people who are interested in studying and measuring human behavior. With this educational background, you can use math and statistics and apply them to research topics such as psychology and other social sciences. Professionals in this field typically have a doctoral degree, but you might be able to jump into some roles with a master’s degree.
“In this field, we know a lot about statistics, about research design, research methods and measurements. A lot people in the field spent their days thinking about how to develop new statistical or mathematical models to describe human behavior,” said Dena Pastor, Associate Director for Assessment Operations and Professor of Graduate Psychology at James Madison University.
If that sounds intriguing, you might be a good fit for a role as a quantitative measurement psychologist.
In this article:
Quantitative measurement psych degrees: what you’ll study
You need an understanding of psychology, social sciences, research methods, statistics and math to succeed in this field. A degree program can give you this foundational knowledge. You might have classes dedicated to subjects such as statistical analysis and human behavior theory, as well as coursework that will teach you how to build experiments and research projects.
You need an understanding of psychology, social sciences, research methods, statistics and math to succeed in this field.
What degree levels are available?
You need at least a master’s degree to work in this field. However, you can start learning the skills you need during your bachelor’s level educational program. While it’s not required, a bachelor’s degree in a related area such as psychology, sociology or statistics can help you build a strong educational foundation. Plus, having a related degree can be an asset when you apply to graduate or doctoral programs.
You can find degree programs in quantitative measurement psychology at the master’s and doctoral levels. Although it’s possible to find jobs with a graduate degree in this field, a doctoral degree is the standard. Typically, students earn a master’s level degree and then go on to choose a doctoral program that meets their goals.
How can I get started during my undergrad program?
There aren’t quantitive measurement psychology programs available on the bachelor’s level, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start taking steps toward a career in this field. If you know you want to study quantitative measurement psychology, it can be a good idea to take classes during your bachelor’s program such as:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human development
- Statistics
- Linear algebra
- Calculus
“I would say to take as many courses in statistics, research and design as possible. If you’re a psychology major or any other kind of social science major, you might even want to consider statistics as a minor,” Pastor explained.
It can also help to major in a related area, such as psychology or statistics. Additionally, taking an on-campus position, such as working as a research assistant, can be a good way to build your skills and help your applications to a master’s or doctoral-level program stand out. Even a brief volunteer position might be a boost. “If you have an opportunity to work with faculty, especially if it’s in a research area such as data analysis or collection, I would highly suggest that you take it,” Pastor said. “There are typically a lot of these opportunities on college campuses and they’re really great for gaining experience.”
Master’s degree programs
You can find master’s programs in quantitive measurement psychology at universities around the country. At this level, you’ll study statistics and learn to analyze data at a high level. You’ll gain an understanding of how researchers use data to measure human behavior and how they create models that can help predict future behaviors or behavior patterns.
Examples of core and major courses
The exact courses you’ll take during a graduate-level program will depend on the program you select. However, it’s common for programs in quantitative measurement psychology to include coursework such as:
- Advanced psychology
- Educational psychology
- Mathematical psychology
- Behavioral psychology
- Behavioral statistics
- Research design
- Statistical analysis
- Data analysis
- Factor analysis
- Psychometric methods
- Structure modeling
What can I do with a master’s in quantitative measurement psychology?
The standard degree in this field is a doctorate. However, there are some roles for professionals who’ve earned a master’s degree. Pastor explained that there are some roles that help support the work of people who’ve earned a PhD in quantitive measurement psychology. “Very often, people who have PhDs are kind of driving the ship when it comes to the work, and what you find is people with master’s degrees supporting them,” she said.
Doctoral programs
Most professionals in quantitative measurement psychology choose to earn a doctorate. Unlike many doctoral-level degrees in psychology, a degree program dedicated to quantitive measurement psychology will be a PhD and not a PysD. This is because quantitative research psychologists do not see patients. Jobs in this field are research-focused and the available doctoral programs reflect this.
Students in PhD programs for quantitive measurement psychology complete dissertations as part of their education. Many PhD programs offer specialities or concentrations to students. For instance, you might be able to earn a PhD in quantitive measurement psychology with a concentration in an area such as criminal or developmental psychology. The concentrations available to you will depend on your PhD program.
Examples of core and major courses
The courses that make up your PhD program can vary. The exact courses you’ll take depends on your school and on factors such as your concentration. However, it’s common for students earning a PhD in quantitative measurement psychology to study these types of courses:
- Psychological research methods
- Advanced statistical analysis
- Data analysis methods
- Study design and implementation
- Experiment design
- Strategical equation modeling
- Prevention research
- Applied behavioral analysis
- Multi-level and large-scale data modeling
Are there any certifications or licenses required to practice?
There are no specific licenses or certifications required to practice quantitative measurement psychology. However, many states license psychologists broadly or have licensing rules that can apply to quantitative measurement psychologists. For instance, South Carolina has a license category for experiential psychologists, and many state boards specify that both healthcare and non-healthcare psychologists are required to earn licensure.
Other states only require licensure for clinical psychologists. It’s always best to check the requirements in your state.
Are online programs available?
You can find online programs in quantitative measurement psychology. Some programs are 100% online, while other programs are hybrid options. This means that you’ll take some courses online and other courses on campus.
You can also find programs that are mostly online. For instance, you might complete all your coursework online, but then visit an in-person site to complete an internship or other hands-on opportunity. The specifics vary depending on the program.
How much will my education cost?
The exact cost of your education depends on your program and factors such as your financial aid package. Typically, programs are more expensive at private institutions than at public universities. Additionally, a doctoral degree is often more expensive than a master’s degree.
You can find ways to help pay for your education. This can include loans, grants and scholarships. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can show you what aid options you qualify for.
Beyond the FASFA, you can look into scholarship and grant options specifically for psychology students. If you’re going into a PhD program, you might also be able to apply for on-campus research or teaching positions that can help reduce the cost of your education.
Grants for quantitative measurement psychology graduate and doctoral students
Grants and scholarships for students in specific fields can be a great way to help pay for your education. This can mean scholarships and grants dedicated to anyone studying psychology, but it can also mean money set aside for students studying a specific specialty within psychology. Quantitive measurement psychology is a relatively small field, but there are still grants to be found for students in this field.
The Russell Sage Behavioral Economics Roundtable: The Russell Sage Behavioral Economics Roundtable is a grant for students who are researching behavioral economics. This can make it a good fit for some quantitative measurement psychology students. Awards are $7,500.
Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Emerging Scholar Awards: If you’re a quantitative measures PhD student who is doing research on violence or aggression and how it relates to crime, family relationships, terrorism, war or social change, you might be a good candidate for a Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Emerging Scholar Award. The foundation awards 10 fellowship awards each year.
COGDOP Graduate Student Scholarship: The American Psychological Foundation awards grants to grad students at any stage of graduate study who are conducting research related to their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. The APF provides different award amounts for a total of 21 scholarships per year. Funds can only be used for costs related to research.
How to choose a quantitive measurement psychology program
The ideal program in quantitive measurement psychology for you is the one that best fits your career goals. For some people, this might mean a doctoral program that offers high-level research opportunities. For others, this can mean the master’s program that will give them a strong start in this career field.
It’s also important to factor in how an educational program will fit with your lifestyle and budget. This can mean asking questions such as:
- What financial aid does this program offer?
- Does this program offer classes online?
- Can I take classes part time with this program?
- Does this program offer student services, such as career counseling?
Accreditation is another factor that you should keep in mind. Accreditation is a great way to ensure your selected program meets the standards set by professionals who know what it takes to prepare students in your field. Plus, only students who attend accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid. You’ll also need to have attended an accredited school to apply for licensure in nearly all states.
Schools that offer degrees in quantitative measurement psychology are typically accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Frequently asked questions
What are the prerequisites?
The exact prerequisites will depend on the program you choose, but many programs have similar standards. Universities that offer degrees in quantitive measurement psychology on either the master’s or doctoral level tend to be competitive. You’ll typically need a solid GPA from any previous educational program. This often means at least a 3.0, and at many schools, your GPA might need to be even higher to gain admission.
It’s also common for schools to look for:
• Previous coursework in psychology, statistics, sociology and higher-level math
• Computer proficiency
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Experience with an on-campus position such as research assistant, data assistant or lab assistant
Do you need to take the GRE?
You don’t always need to take the GRE. Not all schools will ask for GRE scores. However, schools that do look at scores typically require high-scoring applications. It’s common for schools to take only students who’ve scored in the top 70%.
Do you need a master’s degree before you apply for a doctoral degree?
Not all PhD programs require that incoming students hold a master’s degree. Some universities offer the option to earn a master’s degree alongside your PhD. This is called a joint degree program. It can be a faster way to complete your education. The typical joint program can be completed in about five years.
Final thoughts
Quantitive measurement psychology degree programs can help you step into this fascinating psychology speciality. You’ll learn to take data and use it to analyze human behavior and other psychological topics. From there, you’ll study how to create models that can build research and help grow the field of psychology.
If you have sharp skills in areas such as data analysis and statistics and are interested in human behavior, this field might be an ideal career fit for you. Finding the right educational program can help you achieve those career goals. Get started by clicking the Find Schools button.