Graduate Program in Psychometrics

psy·cho·met·rics

noun
the science of measuring mental capacities and processes

The Graduate Program in Psychometrics at Morgan State University is the only program of its kind at a Historically Black College or University.

Psychometrics is a discipline within the field of Psychology that is concerned with the theory and techniques of psychosocial and educational assessment which include the measurement of human behavior, knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits. Psychometricians use their statistical and methodological expertise to design, develop, analyze, and interpret tests and assessments, and to evaluate programs and interventions.

The Graduate Program in Psychometrics offers both an M.S. and a Ph.D. Our faculty members are committed to providing students with advanced training in quantitative measurement techniques and statistical analyses within the context of culturally diverse populations. With a focus on cultural responsiveness, the program places an emphasis on applied methodologies to train scholars to possess sophisticated analytic capabilities that can be used to design, assess, and utilize psychosocial and educational measures. Once they complete the program, graduates are qualified to enter a variety of careers including those in private industry, government, and academia.

Because scientific research serves as the primary method of advancing theories that explain how people learn, teach, and differ from one another, program faculty emphasize scholarship in its various forms. Through internships, research apprenticeships, and scholarly writing, students are trained to transfer the knowledge they gain in the classroom to applied settings. Students in the program are particularly equipped to be responsive to the needs of those within culturally diverse environments.

Master's students who attend full time typically complete the required coursework and Master's thesis within two and a half years. Full-time doctoral students often complete their required coursework within three years, followed by one or two additional years of work on their dissertations. The length of time students take to complete their degrees varies widely and depends significantly on their academic histories, prior coursework, areas of research specialization, and a number of other factors.

After acceptance into the program, the student works with her/his advisor to develop a plan of study that includes required and elective coursework and internships, among other requirements. Master's students also work with their advisor to develop plans for their Master's thesis. Doctoral students work with their advisor to develop additional plans for the research apprenticeship and the dissertation.