UGA QM Program

Quantitative Methodology ​Programs

For​ official ​information about the ​Quantitative Methodology ​program​s at the University of Georgia​, visit our​ website.
Also, please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

WHAT DO QUANTITATIVE METHODOLOGISTS DO?

Quantitative methodologists, also known as measurement professionals or psychometricians, vary greatly in their areas of expertise. For example, we:

  • Collaborate with cognitive scientists (e.g., a math education researcher) or clinical psychologists to develop tests that measure latent traits (e.g., math ability, happiness).
  • Investigate  the validity of tests so that interpretations are meaningful, useful, and accurate.
  • Develop new statistical models or techniques for improving test design, purpose, and use.
  • Develop and study statistical methodology appropriate for a wide range of research designs.

WHAT JOBS CAN I GET WITH A Ph.D. FROM THE REMS PROGRAM?

ACADEMICS. Conduct research and teach classes in education, social science, and business departments across the country.

TESTING COMPANIES. Work with states to develop and run assessments for K-12 curricula (e.g., Pearson , ACT, The College Board, Educational Testing Service (ETS)).

LICENSURE BOARDS. Develop and score certification exams (e.g., American Board of Medical Examiners).

RESEARCH COMPANIES/CONSULTING. Conduct educational (e.g., American Institutes for Research, Achieve) or psychological (e.g., Rand Corporation) research.

GOVERNMENT. Facilitate federal and state testing initiatives (US and State Departments of Education).

ABOUT THE FIELD

  • "Employment opportunities … will exceed the remarkably small supply of new quantitative PhDs" (Aiken, West, & Millsap, 2008, pg. 46).
  • There are approximately 80 - 150 employment vacancies for psychometricians, statisticians, and measurement and testing professionals per year (Camera, 2007).
  • Reported for 2005 (Camera, 2007):
    • Median starting salaries: $67,000 - $70,000
    • 3-8 years experience: $101,000 - $115,000
    • Executive levels: $150,000 -$300,000