Certificate in Institutional Research at Florida State University

The Certificate in Institutional Research at Florida State University is an online certificate program designed to provide academic and professional development opportunities for institutional researchers, administrators, graduate students, and faculty from all areas of higher education. Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of Institutional Research, have the opportunity to explore national databases, and apply their knowledge to practical applications. The program curriculum consists of 18 credit hours of coursework in three areas of study: Institutional Research Theory and Practice, Higher Education Administration, and Educational Research. Students may transfer in up to 6 elective credits from graduate-level courses in Educational Administration, Research, and/or Statistics.

Goals and Objectives

• To enhance knowledge and understanding of Institutional Research and the relevant issues of current practice.
• To promote the use of Institutional Research in policy development and administrative processes at educational institutions.
• To stimulate interest in using national databases to address educational issues.
• To promote professional collaboration and the advancement of Institutional Research in the US and other countries.

Summer Courses

Introduction to Institutional Research (EDH 5055)
The course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical application of institutional research as a discipline in higher education. Institutional research has direct applications to many, if not all, administrative and strategic activities within the institution. Course content addresses local, state, and national issues in institutional research, examines organizational, administrative, political, and ethical issues in institutional research, and exposes students to national databases.

Special Topics: Data Mining (EDH 5931)
This course will provide an introduction to the basic theories and practice of data mining. Data mining is the process of searching through and analyzing large amounts of data in order to identify data that best fits the researcher's intended purpose. No previous experience with data mining is necessary. Students should have some basic knowledge of statistics and/or experience with database software (i.e., Excel or Access), but expertise is not required. Course content will include exposure to data mining software and the opportunity to use one of these programs. Lab exercises will be used to provide basic experience with data analysis research.

Special Topics: Student Success in College (EDH 5931)
American higher education is changing dramatically as an increasingly diverse population gets ready to go to college. This change provides an exciting opportunity to strengthen our human resources. Meanwhile, the college graduation rate has been just around 50% for decades, so one common question in the minds of policy makers and administrators is: How can the educational system effectively promote student success in college? This course examines the theories and research on student success and explores the effective policies, programs, and practices that can be adopted to promote student success in higher education.

Special Topics: IR Institute (EDH 5931)
The IR Institute is a Special Topics course intended for those students who are planning to attend the AIR/NCES Summer Data Institute or another approved AIR Institute for credit in the Certificate program. Typically, the IR Certificate staff works closely with our Certificate students in academic advising and will direct you as to when to enroll in the IR Institute course. Specific IR Institute guidelines are on the Blackboard Community Website (Click on the Organizations Tab and search IR Certificate to join).

Attending an IR Institute for credit via the IR Certificate program is a process that requires the advisement and approval of the IR Certificate staff. For students planning to attend the Summer Data Institute in Washington D.C., planning up to one (1) year in advance is recommended as space is restricted and highly competitive.

Special Topics: IR Project (EDH 5931)
The IR Project is the final capstone course for the IR Certificate and typically follows the other coursework for the Certificate. Your project must be approved in advance. IR Certificate staff are available to consult with you on the IR Project. Guidelines are on the Blackboard Community Website (Click on the Organizations Tab and search IR Certificate to join). (Early papers are welcome.)

• It is possible that you may be able to use a dissertation or grant proposal in progress toward the IR Project requirement. You must receive approval from the Program Director for this substitution. You will still be required to register for the course and pay for the credits.
• You may also elect to do a 120-hour Internship in the field of Institutional Research and write a synthesis paper describing your experiences, learning, and how your new knowledge will be useful in your current/future work.

All summer courses will be offered online from June 30-August 8, 2008. Cost per course is $1000 (includes fees).

More Information

Certificate in Institutional Research Program Information (2008)

Certificate in Institutional Research Application (2008)

Certificate in Institutional Research Program Handbook for Off-Campus Students (2008)

To enroll in individual courses or the Certificate program or to obtain additional information about the program, please email or contact: