Educational Research Methodology (ERM) online certificate
certificate faq
What are the areas of ERM?
The ERM online certificate draws courses from the Masters of Education (MEd) in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment (MESA) online program. Here are some basic definitions of these terms. Measurement involves the assignment of numbers to objects such that the numbers represent degrees or quantities of unobservable constructs such as attitudes, achievement, self-efficacy, self-esteem, etc. Evaluation involves the systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics, and outcomes of programs to make judgments about program quality, improve program effectiveness, and/or inform decisions about future program development. Statistics aims at learning the process that generated the data, including learning how a given variable is affected by other variables, and learning about the true (population) distribution of the data. Assessment involves the processes of collecting, synthesizing, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information to aid in decision-making.
What are the job prospects?
Surveys of degree programs and employment agencies conclude that there is high demand for quantitative and qualitative methodologists who can function effectively in research and applied settings.
Who is the program designed for?
The ERM online certificate provides opportunities for several populations: private and public sector workers in education and other social science fields who want to upgrade their research skills, graduate students from education and other fields who want training in research methods, and those individuals desiring to pursue a shorter and focused course of study in educational research methods with an option to apply for the full MEd in MESA online program.
How long is the program?
The ERM online certificate program length is dependent on the three courses the student selects, as the online courses are offered on a fixed schedule.
Can I transfer other coursework I've completed elsewhere into this program?
No. The three courses must be taken from the available online courses in the MEd in MESA online program.
Do I need a degree in Education to be admitted into this program?
No, this program is designed for those wanting more coursework in research methods regardless of the field in which the skills will be applied.
Can applicants apply to any term?
Applications are accepted for both fall and spring semesters (but no summer session admissions).
Can I defer enrollment?
Yes, with the program coordinator's approval.
What are the tuition and fees?
Tuition and fees are currently $695 per credit hour. Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice any time prior to the first day of instruction.
What additional costs are there?
Students will be responsible for purchasing the books associated with each course. Students will also be required to purchase a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS Graduate Pack) and other software required by instructors. We will attempt to use software that have student/trial versions.
Changing from Non-degree to Degree Program
Admission as a certificate student does not guarantee admission to any of the College of Education programs. Students may transfer all credits earned in the certificate program towards the fulfillment of the M.Ed. in MESA degree requirements in the event they apply and are admitted as degree candidates. To transfer credits, the student must earn a minimum letter grade of "B" or above in all the ERM certificate courses.
Please contact the program coordinator if you require any additional information.