Learning and Cognition

The Learning and Cognition specialization is designed to prepare individuals to serve in the following types of positions:

• Professor of educational psychology in a university
• Research director for educational organizations
• Project director in a regional R&D laboratory or institute

The Masters program in Learning and Cognition provides students with some theoretical and research background that they apply in examining problems situation within their workplace or educational setting. Doctoral program in Learning Cognition emphasize advanced instruction and direct experience in research projects.

Measurement and Statistics

The Educational Measurement and Statistics specialization is designed to prepare individuals to serve in the following types of positions:

• Educational measurement and/or educational statistics specialists for a test publisher or government licensing, certification, or assessment unit
• Director of assessment activities for a school system
• Professor of measurement and statitics at a university

Masters in Measurement and Statistics studies provide some theoretical and research background, but emphasize preliminary skills in measurement theory, statistical analysis, and evaluation. Doctoral studies in Measurement and Statistics emphasize both advanced instruction and direct experiences with measurement and applied statistics issues. Research leading to the dissertation can be directed at either applied or theoretical topics.

Program Evaluation

The Program Evaluation specialization is interdisciplinary and is designed to prepare evaluators for the following types of professional positions:

• Evaluation consultant or project director in a regional R&D laboratory or policy analysis institute
• Evaluation specialist or director of evaluation services in a public school system
• Program evaluator/auditor in state and federal agencies and consulting firms

The program of studies is tailored to each student's career interests. The program is based on a foundation of quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods courses, but also provides for extensive elective course work to help provide the graduate the context for evaluation work.

In addition to coursework leading to masters and Doctoral degrees in Program Evaluation, a special program offered that provides a 15 semester-hour graduate certificate in Program Evaluation.

Sport Psychology

The Sport Psychology specialization prepares doctoral students for employment as university faculty, researchers in sports related organizations, and exercise performance enhancement counselors. Masters program graduates typically: (1) enter a Ph.D. program in Sport Psychology; (2) use their education to maximize their effectiveness as athletic coaches; or (3) seek employment as consultants or instructors in fitness or rehabilitation programs.