The quantitative psychology master’s program aims to prepare students for applied
and research careers as statisticians, psychometricians, data analysts, and quantitative
psychologists in education, business, government, and other organizations. Goals are
to help candidates develop research skills to keep up with recent theoretical and
practical developments affecting their profession; data analysis skills used in organizations;
skills related to interpretation and communication of statistical output; analytical
skills for statistical decision-making; and test construction and validation skills
with item response theory. The degree should give graduates an edge in their chosen
career or as a Ph.D. applicant. Half of the program’s students come from other states
(from Arizona to Michigan to Massachusetts to Florida) or other countries (including
Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine).
Live outside of Tennessee? You could be eligible for in-state tuition and save thousands
of dollars.
Students gain experience with advanced statistics
Maryland native Valerie Freund, wanting to do social psychology research and earn
a Ph.D., notes MTSU is one of the few terminal master’s in quantitative psychology.
“I have learned not only the mathematics and conceptual ideas behind a number of advanced
statistical techniques but I have also gained experience with writing syntax in the
statistical programs, SAS, SPSS, and R,” Freund says. “I have also gained practice
using item response theory and related computer programs.” She used real-world national
data during her Discovery Education Assessment internship. James Ford is assisting
Dr. Greg Schmidt’s research into work group attachment and influence tactics. “The
ability to draw conclusions from empirical observations is the cornerstone of science,
and understanding quantitative methods is the first step to research, and by that
nature, the first step to drawing accurate conclusions that help us understand our
world,” Ford says. His thesis examines relationships between stress, hostility, depression,
and anxiety.
Quantitative psych grad excels in healthcare analytics
MTSU alum Travis Tucker (2001, M.A., quantitative psychology) joined MiMedx as vice
president of informatics in 2013. He is responsible for building the analytics group
at the small, rapidly growing biotech company in Marietta, Ga. The coursework, faculty,
and student interactions at MTSU provided a strong foundation that enabled Tucker
to have many early career successes in the healthcare field, particularly in using
data for complex decision-making, he says. “The biggest appeal was the low student-to-professor
ratio,” Tucker says. “Second, the job market was thriving for graduates of this program,
especially in the healthcare field. Finally, after a visit to Murfreesboro, I knew
that's where I wanted to go. I loved the college-town feel.” Tucker, a 1999 University
of Central Florida graduate, also has worked at Aspen Marketing Services, Alere Health,
Matria Healthcare, and Healthways.
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Graduates holding a master’s degree in quantitative psychology may analyze empirical
data obtained from scientific research and/or conduct scientific research on psychometrics
or statistical phenomena. They also might provide program evaluation and statistical
consulting services for government, businesses, hospitals, schools, and other data-collecting
agencies. Other job activities could include developing and evaluating mathematical
models of psychological phenomena or educational and psychological tests. About one-third
of students continue on to doctoral programs in measurement, quantitative psychology,
social psychology, or literacy studies. Some suggested occupations for graduates with
a master’s in quantitative psychology include
- Data analyst
- Marketing research analyst
- Program evaluator
- Psychometrician
- SAS programmer
- Statistician
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Abbot Vascular
- AdvanceMed
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona
- Cigna Government Services
- Discovery Communications
- HealthStream
- Healthways
- Matria Healthcare
- MedSolutions
- MiMedx Group
- Quorum Health Resources
- SpecialtyCare
- State of Tennessee
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission
- Tennessee Supreme Court
- United Health Group
Doctoral programs where MTSU students were accepted include
- Georgia Tech
- Middle Tennessee State University
- University of California-Davis
- University of Denver
- University of Minnesota
- University of Oklahoma
- University of South Florida
Graduate
Department of Psychology programs lead to two graduate degrees:
A minor in Psychology at the graduate level is also available to other students.
Admission to the quantitative psychology program is a two-part process. The graduate
college first decides which students meet the minimum standards for the graduate college.
Students who have been admitted to the graduate college are then considered for admission
to the quantitative psychology program.
Applicants for MTSU’s quantitative psychology program must have
- an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
- an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken (generally 3.00 or higher);
- an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) — generally a minimum
of 291 (current scale) or 900 (former scale) on the combined Verbal and Quantitative
sections.
Admission to graduate study is competitive, and the number of students admitted depends
on the availability of adequate faculty supervision.
Most applicants have completed 15 semester hours of psychology, but those without
must complete those credits in addition to their graduate program.
Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the core areas of psychology by completing
courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
Additional information about program requirements, applying for a graduate assistantship,
and receiving in-state tuition is available under the Resources section.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Undergraduate
Three undergraduate majors lead to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology, Pre-Graduate Psychology, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The department also offers an online psychology degree in conjunction with University
College.
Undergraduates can earn a minor in one of five psychology fields: Psychology, Life Span Development, Mental Health Services, Industrial/Organizational, and Neuroscience. The department participates in an interdisciplinary minor in Behavioral Research.
Psychology, Quantitative Psychology Concentration, M.A.
Ying Jin, program coordinator
(615) 898-2320
Ying.Jin@mtsu.edu
The Department of Psychology offers programs which lead to two graduate degrees: the Master of Arts with a major in Psychology and concentrations in Clinical, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology, and Quantitative Psychology and the Specialist in Education with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and concentration in School Psychology. The department also offers a minor at the graduate level.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Quantitative Psychology requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college;
- an acceptable grade point average (at least 3.00 or higher) in all college work taken;
- an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)-generally a minimum of 291 on the combined Verbal and Quantitative sections is expected.
NOTE: Students who do not meet admission requirements may be admitted as non-degree seeking to a specific concentration. Students admitted as non-degree seeking must maintain a 3.25 GPA in their first semester (9 hours minimum) of required graduate courses in their concentration areas in order to be fully admitted.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application Deadlines: Applications for Summer/Fall admission must be completed by March 1, and applications for Spring admission must be completed by October 1. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit official GRE scores;
- submit letter of intent stating goals and objectives;
- submit three required recommendation forms;
- submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
NOTE 1: Admission to graduate study in Quantitative Psychology is competitive and not automatic for students meeting minimal admission requirements. Students are selected from a pool of qualified applicants. Each year the number of students admitted to the program depends on the availability of adequate faculty supervision.
NOTE 2: To be considered for a graduate assistantship, students must submit additional materials by the deadline (October 1 for spring admissions; March 1 for fall admissions). Information about the application procedure is available at www.mtsu.edu/psychology/grad/assistantship.php.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Quantitative Psychology requires completion of a minimum of 36 hours (thesis) or 36 hours (non-thesis).
Candidate must
- be able to meet the demands required for professional work in psychology. Therefore, students may be subject to dismissal from the Psychology Department if they (a) commit a serious breach of ethics or gross professional negligence or (b) present evidence of impaired psychological functioning that would present a danger to themselves or others in a professional role. Students who are dismissed may reapply and will be considered for readmission on a competitive basis. Students who reapply may be asked to provide evidence of improved ability to meet performance requirements. See each area coordinator and program handbook for readmission policy.
- demonstrate knowledge of the core areas of psychology by completing the following courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level prior to entering the Quantitative program or during enrollment in the program (relevant courses offered at MTSU are listed in parentheses):
- basic statistics (PSY 3020)
- research methods (PSY 3070/PSY 3071 or PSY 4080/PSY 5080)
- group measurement/testing (PSY 4260/PSY 5260)
- abnormal psychology, personality, social, or developmental (PSY 2210, 2300, 3230/PSY 5230, 3590, 4190, 4210/PSY 5210, 4610/PSY 5610, PSY 6020, PSY 6030, PSY 6120, PSY 6130, or PSY 6410)
- learning, cognition, brain and behavior, or sensation and perception (PSY 2190, 4040, 4480/PSY 5480, 4780/PSY 5780, 4240/PSY 5240, 4030/PSY 5030, or PSY 6190).
- complete PSY 6280 and PSY 6290.
- complete a minimum of 36 semester hours, including at least 30 hours in psychology (see Curriculum section below for specifics). Only 30 percent of the total number of hours may be dually listed (5000-level meeting in conjunction with 4000- or 3000-level) courses.
- pass a written comprehensive examination prepared by the faculty in the student's concentration (may be taken no more than twice);
- complete either the thesis or non-thesis curriculum as detailed below in the Curriculum Section;
- if choosing the thesis option, successfully write and orally present a written thesis evaluated by a committee of Psychology faculty in conjunction with PSY 6640 (thesis, 3 hours).
Curriculum: Psychology, Quantitative Psychology
The following illustrates the coursework requirements.
Thesis Option (36 hours)
The M.A. in Quantitative Psychology is designed as a 36-hour program for students who have demonstrated knowledge of the core areas of psychology prior to entering the Quantitative Psychology program. Candidate must complete the following course of study:
Required (30 hours)
PSY 6210 - Advanced Psychometrics
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Classical test theory and item response theory. Model, assumptions, and problems of classical test theory. Mathematical modeling, parameter estimating, and adaptive testing procedures using item response theory. Both theories utilized for test construction.
PSY 7210 - Advanced Psychometrics
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Classical test theory and item response theory. Model, assumptions, and problems of classical test theory. Mathematical modeling, parameter estimating, and adaptive testing procedures using item response theory. Both theories utilized for test construction.
PSY 6280 - Psychological Statistics: Regression
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent or admission to Psychology graduate program. Corequisite: PSY 6281. Review of basic statistics; various correlation coefficients; multiple and partial correlation; simple and multiple regression. Laboratory included.
PSY 6281 - Psychological Statistics: Regression Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: PSY 6280.
PSY 6290 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent or admission to Psychology graduate program. Corequisite: PSY 6291. Review of basic statistics. Scientific quantification, research design, and statistical analysis from the perspective of analysis of variance: one-way, factorial, repeated measures, and mixed designs. Laboratory included.
PSY 6291 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: PSY 6290.
PSY 6460 - Factor Analysis and Related Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Surveys each of the major factor analysis techniques and related latent trait theory with main focus on application. Nature, power, procedure, computer programming, interpretation, and limitations of each technique.
PSY 6560 - Computer-Based Statistical Packages
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent. History, principles, and skills of data analysis, using major statistical packages.
PSY 6565 - Behavioral Statistics Using R
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280/PSY 7280. Use of the R programming language to solve data management issues and to conduct basic and advanced statistical analyses.
PSY 7565 - Behavioral Statistics Using R
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280/PSY 7280. Use of the R programming language to solve data management issues and to conduct basic and advanced statistical analyses.
PSY 6580 - Multivariate Data Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Surveys each of the major multivariate data analysis techniques, with main focus on their application. Nature, power, procedure, computer programming, interpretation, and limitations of each.
PSY 7580 - Multivariate Data Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Surveys each of the major multivariate data analysis techniques, with main focus on their application. Nature, power, procedure, computer programming, interpretation, and limitations of each.
PSY 6575 - Multilevel Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280/PSY 7280. Use of multilevel modeling techniques to analyze data with complex data structure.
PSY 7575 - Multilevel Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280 PSY 7280. Use of multilevel modeling techniques to analyze data with complex data structure.
PSY 6660 - Literature Review and Reading in Psychology: Quantitative
1 to 3credit hours
Supervised literature review and/or readings on a topic of current importance in psychology. Topics and requirements obtained from individual faculty members. Specific courses may be repeated to a total of 6 credits.
PSY 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
(3 credit hours)(3 credit hours)
dotslash:(3 credit hours)
title:(3 credit hours)
(3 credit hours)
PSY 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Electives (6 hours)
Students must take 6 elective credits in addition to required courses. The courses may be in psychology or related areas with the permission of the academic advisor.
Non-thesis Option (36 hours)
The M.A. in Quantitative Psychology is designed as a 36-hour program for students who have demonstrated knowledge of the core areas of psychology prior to entering the Quantitative Psychology program. Candidate must complete the following course of study:
Required (30 hours)
PSY 6210 - Advanced Psychometrics
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Classical test theory and item response theory. Model, assumptions, and problems of classical test theory. Mathematical modeling, parameter estimating, and adaptive testing procedures using item response theory. Both theories utilized for test construction.
PSY 7210 - Advanced Psychometrics
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Classical test theory and item response theory. Model, assumptions, and problems of classical test theory. Mathematical modeling, parameter estimating, and adaptive testing procedures using item response theory. Both theories utilized for test construction.
PSY 6280 - Psychological Statistics: Regression
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent or admission to Psychology graduate program. Corequisite: PSY 6281. Review of basic statistics; various correlation coefficients; multiple and partial correlation; simple and multiple regression. Laboratory included.
PSY 6281 - Psychological Statistics: Regression Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: PSY 6280.
PSY 6290 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent or admission to Psychology graduate program. Corequisite: PSY 6291. Review of basic statistics. Scientific quantification, research design, and statistical analysis from the perspective of analysis of variance: one-way, factorial, repeated measures, and mixed designs. Laboratory included.
PSY 6291 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA Lab
0credit hours
Corequisite: PSY 6290.
PSY 6460 - Factor Analysis and Related Methods
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Surveys each of the major factor analysis techniques and related latent trait theory with main focus on application. Nature, power, procedure, computer programming, interpretation, and limitations of each technique.
PSY 6560 - Computer-Based Statistical Packages
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent. History, principles, and skills of data analysis, using major statistical packages.
PSY 6565 - Behavioral Statistics Using R
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280/PSY 7280. Use of the R programming language to solve data management issues and to conduct basic and advanced statistical analyses.
PSY 7565 - Behavioral Statistics Using R
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280/PSY 7280. Use of the R programming language to solve data management issues and to conduct basic and advanced statistical analyses.
PSY 6580 - Multivariate Data Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Surveys each of the major multivariate data analysis techniques, with main focus on their application. Nature, power, procedure, computer programming, interpretation, and limitations of each.
PSY 7580 - Multivariate Data Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisites: PSY 6280, HHP 6700, or equivalent. Surveys each of the major multivariate data analysis techniques, with main focus on their application. Nature, power, procedure, computer programming, interpretation, and limitations of each.
PSY 6575 - Multilevel Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280/PSY 7280. Use of multilevel modeling techniques to analyze data with complex data structure.
PSY 7575 - Multilevel Analysis
3credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 4070 or PSY 6280 PSY 7280. Use of multilevel modeling techniques to analyze data with complex data structure.
PSY 6490 - Practicum: Quantitative Psychology
3 or 6credit hours
Prerequisites: 24 credit hours of psychology including PSY 6050, PSY 6210, PSY 6280, PSY 6290, PSY 6460, PSY 6550, PSY 6560, PSY 6580, PSY 6585, or consent of the instructor. Supervised experience in statistical consultation for social and behavioral sciences. May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Electives (6 hours)
Students must take 6 elective credits in addition to required courses. The courses may be in psychology or related areas with the permission of the academic advisor.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Graduate Assistantships
There is a separate application process to apply for a graduate assistantship (GA)
position. The deadline to apply is March 1 for Fall and October 1 for Spring.
Academic Common Market
Students from Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Caroline, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia
may be eligible to receive in-state tuition.
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association provides detailed information about quantitative
psychology as a profession. Click here for more information.
Student Connections
- Facebook - The primary audience is current students, but others are welcome. News (e.g., comps
schedule) and event information (e.g., annual party) are posted on the wall.
- LinkedIn - Job openings are posted in the discussion area of the MTSU Quantitative Psychology
group. The group is restricted to current students and alumni from our program.
Student Handbook
MTSU Graduate Student Forms
Comprehensive Examination
Research
Writing and APA Format
Elearn (D2L)
Statistical Tables
Textbooks & Reference Material
Basic Statistics
Advanced Statistics
Other Resources
Statistical Software
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Reduced Cost
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
