Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, Assessment (MESA), M.Ed.
course requirements and descriptions
Minimum Semester Hours Required 32 hours beyond the baccalaureate, at least 9 hours must be at the 500-level, excluding independent study and thesis courses. At least 24 hours, or one-half the minimum number of semester hours of graduate work required for the degree, whichever is greater, must be earned as a degree candidate at UIC.
- Only 400- and 500-level courses can be applied to the degree. Credit toward the degree is only given for courses in which a student received a grade of A, B, C, CR, or S.
Research Methods Core:
ED 501 Data and Interpretation in Educational Inquiry
4 hours.
Data, interpretation, reliability, validity, accuracy, stability, and generalizability from different methodological perspectives; how research design, data collection, and interpretation vary with different philosophical approaches.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Ph.D. in Education program or consent of the instructor.
EPSY 503 Essentials of Quantitative Inquiry in Education
4 hours.
Introduces theory and assumptions behind parametric statistics. Also provides hands-on experience in conducting basic quantitative research (t-test, correlation, regression, analysis of variance). Same as ED 503.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Ph.D. in Education program or consent of the instructor.
EPSY 509 Research Design in Education
4 hours.
Emphasis is placed on discriminating theoretical and program evaluation research, distinguishing the parts of the study, and designing a research proposal.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to a graduate program.
Electives:
504 Rating Scale and Questionnaire Design and Analysis
4 hours.
Development and administration of rating scales and questionnaires, analysis of data, and reporting of results. The focus is on rating scales. Same as PSCH 504. Previously listed as EPSY 550.
Prerequisite(s): ED 501, and ED 503 or EPSY 503 or the equivalents or consent of the instructor.
506 Item Response Theory/Rasch Measurement
4 hours.
Statistical inference with item response theory models, useful to measure an individual's performance on a test or questionnaire. Models include parametric, non-parametric, unidimensional, multidimensional, and cognitive. Same as PSCH 506. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Extensive computer use required.
Prerequisite(s): ED 501 and EPSY 503 and EPSY 546 or the equivalent. Appropriate score on the department placement test. Graduate or professional standing required or consent of the instructor.
510 Theory of Statistics
4 hours.
The foundations of statistical analysis and probability modeling, including probability theory, parameter estimation, axioms and principles of rational decision-making, and large-sample theory. EPSY 546 or EPSY 547 or EPSY 563; and graduate or professional standing; or consent of the instructor or equivalent.
512 Hierarchical Linear Models
4 hours.
Parametric and semiparametric approaches to hierarchical linear modeling, for the analysis of continuous and categorical multivariate data. These approaches extend on classical linear regression analysis. Extensive computer use required.
Prerequisite(s): EPSY 546 or EPSY 547 or EPSY 563; and graduate or professional standing; or consent of the instructor or equivalent.
514 Non-Parametric Modeling
4 hours.
Contemporary nonparametric and semiparametric models that make minimal assumptions about the data-generating process, in order to permit more accurate conclusions in data analysis.
Prerequisite(s): ED 501 and EPSY 503 or the equivalent; and appropriate score on the department placement test.
546 Educational Measurement
4 hours.
Contemporary models for the analysis of data arising from multiple-choice tests, rating-scale questionnaires, or experts? judgments of examinee performance. Test equating is also covered.
Prerequisite(s): ED 501, and ED 503 or EPSY 503 or the equivalent or consent of the instructor.
547 Multiple Regression in Educational Research
4 hours.
Introduction to multiple correlation and regression techniques as tools for the analysis and interpretation of educational and behavioral science data.
Prerequisite(s): EPSY 503.
560 Educational Program Evaluation
4 hours.
An introduction to concepts, approaches, techniques, and practices of educational program evaluation. Students work toward acquiring knowledge and skills to plan and conduct evaluations of programs, projects, curriculum and institutions.
Prerequisite(s): ED 501 and EPSY 503; or consent of the instructor.
561 Assessment for Measurement Professionals
4 hours.
Plan, construct, administer, score, and report on classroom assessment; select and use standardized achievement tests; develop defensible grade procedures; measure issues in classroom assessment; validity and reliability of classroom assessments.
Prerequisite(s): ED 421 and ED 422; or consent of the instructor.
563 Advanced Analysis of Variance in Educational Research
4 hours.
Detailed coverage of the principles of analysis of variance and the analysis of data collected from research employing experimental designs.
Prerequisite(s): EPSY 503.
583 Multivariate Analysis of Educational Data
4 hours.
Introduction to multivariate statistical methods in education including data screening, canonical correlation, MANOVA/MANCOVA, DFA, profile analysis, component/factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.
Prerequisite(s): EPSY 547 or EPSY 563.
588 Current and Specialized Topics in Psychometrics
2 hours.
Seminar on current and specialized topics in psychometrics. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. Extensive computer use required.
Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in EPSY 546 or credit or concurrent registration in EPSY 550; and credit or concurrent registration in EPSY 503; or consent of the instructor.
594 Special Topics - Large Scale Testing
594 Special Topics - Computer Adaptive Testing
594 Special Topics - Analysis of Rating Data
594 Special Topics - Generalizability Theory