Research and Evaluation Methodology
On-Campus Ph.D.
Highly qualified researchers and evaluators who drive evidence-based decision making are increasingly relied on by global companies, government agencies, academic institutions and more. At UF, we offer an on-campus Ph.D. in research methodology and evaluation designed to prepare specialized experts for roles as academics, consultants, researchers and a variety of other high-level evaluation roles.
Pursuing a Ph.D. in research and evaluation at UF is a hands-on learning experience. Doctoral students are involved in collaborative research projects with faculty from their first year. We expect, and support, our students to propose and lead studies, present results at national conferences and publish academic papers throughout their time in the program. By the time you graduate, you’ll possess the practical experience and theoretical knowledge to step directly into your career.
Interested in learning more? We encourage you to contact the program coordinator, Walter Leite, Ph.D.
Program Overview
Our rigorous program trains students in both qualitative and quantitative methods. To ensure your degree aligns with your specific career goals, you can choose to specialize in either area. The quantitative methods specialization focuses on advanced statistical training. The qualitative specialization, a highly sought-after track offered by only a handful of programs nationally, focuses on systematically analyzing deeply complex human data.
Both pathways offer incredible flexibility to select electives and graduate minors across the university. These options allow you to build a highly tailored professional toolkit before you complete your comprehensive exams and original dissertation.
Whichever track you choose, our Ph.D. in research methodology requires the following:
- Core courses
- Research courses
- Electives
- Graduate minor (optional)
- Comprehensive exams
- Dissertation
Ph.D. in Research and Evaluation Program of Study
This rigorous 90-credit program includes at least 20 hours of doctoral research. To tailor your degree to your professional goals, students choose between two high-demand specializations: Quantitative Methods or Qualitative Methods.
Quantitative Methods Specialization
Designed for data-driven professionals, this specialization equips you with advanced statistical and measurement techniques.
Foundational Coursework – Choose one of the following pathways:
- Pathway 1: EDF 6403 – Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research
- Pathway 2: EDF 6400 – Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research: Overview AND EDF 6402 – Inferential Statistics
- Pathway 3: EDF 6400 – Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research: Overview AND EDF 6481 – Quantitative Research Methods in Education
Required Core Classes:
- EDF 6436 – Theory of Measurement
- EDF 6471 – Survey Design and Analysis in Educational Research
- EDF 6475 – Qualitative Foundations of Educational Research
- EDF 7405 – Advanced Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research
- EDF 7412 – Structural Equation Modeling
- EDF 7439 – Item Response Theory
- EDF 7474 – Multilevel Models
- EDF 7932 – Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research
- EDF 7941 – Evaluation of Educational Products and Systems
Qualitative Methods Specialization
Nationally, only a handful of programs train students specifically in qualitative methodology. This specialty is in incredibly high demand across education, nursing, psychology, and information management.
Foundational Coursework – Choose one of the following pathways:
- Pathway 1: EDF 6403 – Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research
- Pathway 2: EDF 6400 – Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research: Overview AND EDF 6402 – Inferential Statistics
- Pathway 3: EDF 6400 – Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research: Overview AND EDF 6481 – Quantitative Research Methods in Education
Required Core Classes:
- EDF 6436 – Theory of Measurement
- EDF 6471 – Survey Design and Analysis in Educational Research
- EDF 6475 – Qualitative Foundations of Educational Research
- EDF 6938 – Writing and Representation in Qualitative Research
- EDF 7405 – Advanced Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research
- EDF 7483 – Qualitative Data Collection
- EDF 7479 – Qualitative Data Analysis
- EDF 7941 – Evaluation of Educational Products and Systems
Ph.D. in Research and Evaluation Electives and Additional Coursework
Both specializations require students to complete six hours from two of the following graduate-level experiential courses:
- EDF 6905 – Independent Study
- EDF 6910 – Supervised Research
- EDF 6941 – Practicum in Educational Research
We offer extensive flexibility in elective coursework. With your advisor’s approval, you can choose electives from within the REM program, other departments in the College of Education, or outside departments (such as statistics, public health, or sociology). All students are highly encouraged to develop a working knowledge of at least one computer language.
Electives
Courses to consider include:
-
- EDF 7412 – Advanced Topics in Structural Equation Modeling
- EDF 7435 – Rating Scale Design and Analysis in Educational Research
- EDF 7482 – Quasi-Experimental Design and Analysis in Educational Research
- EDF 7483 – Qualitative Data Collection
- EDF 7979 – Qualitative Data Analysis
- EDF 6938 – Theories and Qualitative Research
- STA 5503 – Categorical Data Methods
- STA 5507 – Applied Nonparametric Methods
- STA 5325 – Fundamentals of Probability
- STA 5328 – Fundamentals of Statistical Theory
- STA 6207 – Regression Analysis
- STA 6208 – Basic Design and Analysis of Experiments
- STA 6176 – Survey of Biostatistics
- STA 6177 – Applied Survival Analysis
- GEO 6938 – Spatial Networks
- GEO 6938 – Applied Geostatistics
- PHC 6055 – Biostatistical Computing Using R
- PHC 6080 – SAS for Public Health – Data
- PHC 6081 – SAS for Public Health – Analysis
- PHC 6050 – Statistical Methods for Health Sciences 1
- PHC 6011 – Epidemiology Methods II
- PHC 6937 – Bias in Observational Research
- PHC 6937 – Spatial Epidemiology
- PHC 6051 – Biostat Methods II
- POS 6933 – Maximum Likelihood
- CPO 6096 – Qualitative and Mixed Methods
- ANG 6930 – Social Network Analysis
- ANG 6801 – Ethnographic Field Methods
- SYA 7933 – Research Design
- SYA 6513 – Advanced Qualitative Methods
- AEB 7571 – Econometric Methods I
- AEB 7572 – Econometric Methods II
- AEB 6933 – Advanced Econometrics
- ECO 7408 – Math Methods of Applied Economics
- FOR 6934 – Introduction to Bayesian Statistics in Life Sciences
With committee approval, you may complete an optional graduate minor outside of the REM program. Popular areas include statistics, psychology, sociology, mathematics, computer science and business administration.
Program Admissions
Our Ph.D. in research methodology program accommodates both bachelor’s and master’s degree holders and provides strong financial support through fellowships and assistantships. Bachelor’s degree holders are admitted to a combination M.A.E./Ph.D. program, requiring both a master’s thesis and a doctoral dissertation. Master’s degree holders are admitted directly into the doctoral program. Prospective students must complete/have completed a research project equivalent to a master’s thesis (pending UF faculty approval) for admission to the doctoral program.
Additionally, its STEM designation allows international students to obtain up to 3 years of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Unsure about your admissions pathway or funding options? Email Walter Liete, Ph.D., the REM program coordinator, to discuss your academic journey. Ready to apply to our Ph.D. in research and evaluation program? The information you need is available on our application instructions page.
Program Requirements
- A bachelor’s, master’s, or terminal degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by the University of Florida Office of Admissions.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate work.
- An acceptable graduate grade point average for previous graduate work.
- An official GRE score. When using electronic delivery, select school code 5812 (University of Florida).
- All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency and meet the minimum score requirements. Details on acceptable tests and scores can be found on the UF International Center Website.
Program Overview
Entry: Fall/Spring
Typical Course Load: 6-9 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15 Students
Application Deadline: December 1 (Fall) and August 1 (Spring)
Program Completion: About 4 years