EDU 7000 Introduction to Doctoral Studies

[3 credit hours]

This course introduces doctoral students to doctoral studies, research, the dissertation project, professional development, and the theoretical roots of their interdisciplinary educational fields.

Term Offered: Fall

EDU 7100 Quantitative Research Foundations: Concepts and Practice

[3 credit hours]

This course introduces the major concepts of quantitative description, including central tendency, dispersion, and relative position and relationship. Inferential methods such as t tests, analysis of variance, and correlation are also presented along with an introduction to conceptions of measurement and research design.

Prerequisites: EDU 7000 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C

Term Offered: Spring, Fall

EDU 7200 Foundations of Qualitative Research

[3 credit hours]

This course provides students with foundational knowledge in qualitative research in educational contexts: domains of knowledge, theory in research, research question development, and methods of inquiry.

Prerequisites: EDU 7000 with a minimum grade of C

Term Offered: Spring, Summer, Fall

EDU 7300 Foundations of Theory

[3 credit hours]

This course provides students with foundational knowledge of theoretical orientations to empirical and normative theory to inform the design and implementation of social science and educational research. The purpose of this course is to explore prominent theoretical orientations to empirical and normative research and scholarship.

Prerequisites: EDU 7000 with a minimum grade of C

Term Offered: Spring, Summer, Fall

EDU 8100 Literacy in Advanced Quantitative Methods

[3 credit hours]

This course examines advanced quantitative research designs, statistical modeling frameworks, and measurement approaches commonly used in educational and social science research. Emphasis is placed on aligning research questions with appropriate designs and analytic strategies, including regression-based models, multilevel and hierarchical approaches, and psychometric and latent variable methods. The course prioritizes conceptual understanding, model interpretation, and analytic decision-making across a wide range of quantitative research contexts.

Prerequisites: EDU 7100 with a minimum grade of C

Term Offered: Spring, Fall

EDU 8400 Advanced Seminar in Research

[3 credit hours]

This doctoral-level seminar uses a studio-based model to support students in developing, piloting, and refining advanced research skills. Through hands-on practice, instructor and peer feedback, and iterative refinement of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, students propose or informally propose and present a preliminary research plan addressing an important research problem. Emphasis is placed on refining methodological thinking, applying a specific research approach, and articulating and defending methodological decisions in preparation for dissertation research.

Prerequisites: EDU 7100 with a minimum grade of C and EDU 7200 with a minimum grade of C and EDU 7300 with a minimum grade of C

Term Offered: Spring, Fall