PhD in Psychology with Emphasis in Quantitative Psychology
The goal of the PhD program with emphasis in quantitative psychology is to produce researchers who are able to develop, evaluate, and apply advanced methodological techniques to psychological research questions. The program offers considerable diversity in faculty research and coursework offerings; our substantive interests span clinical, social, health, developmental, and cognitive psychology. Quantitative areas of expertise cover a range of linear and non-linear approaches to modeling, as well as meta-analysis, time series, state-space models, and issues in large-scale data management.
Students in quantitative psychology complete course work in mathematical statistics, experimental design, and measurement, as well as courses in quantitative methods. Students can acquire extensive experience as statistical consultants through specific coursework in statistical consultation. Program requirements are fairly flexible, and students with particular interests in a substantive area of psychology are encouraged to take advanced courses in that area. Quantitative course offerings focus both on classic analytic methods as well as advanced techniques such as structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, and meta-analysis.
Strong ties exist between the Department of Psychological Sciences and the Department of Statistics, and students may opt to complete a master’s degree in statistics as they progress through the PhD program. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain experience as statistical consultants through specific coursework in this area. On-going projects conducted by the faculty include research in meta-analytic and secondary analysis techniques, structural equation modeling, particularly as applied to longitudinal models of change and growth, multilevel modeling, and mathematical and statistical models of cognition and perception.
Degree Requirements
- 83 total hours of coursework
- Distribution courses from four different content area, including abnormal psychology, biological foundations, cognition and learning, developmental psychology, motivation and personality, and social psychology (12 hours)
- Training area courses (24 hours)
- Statistics (9 hours)
- Ethics and Professional Issues (1 hour)
- Completion of Masters
- Completion of comprehensive examination
- A written doctoral dissertation
- Oral examination on thesis research
Admissions
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the PhD in Psychology program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program’s graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process. Before official admissions to the University of Missouri, your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied.