Description of Ph.D. Program

Special Features

Special features of the doctoral program in assessment and measurement include:

• Strong commitment to student development through small classes with individual mentoring and advising by faculty.
• Development of professional experience through applied projects and experiences tailored to individual student interests.
• Enhancement of technological knowledge and skill through extensive training and experience.
• Involvement in applied assessment projects in academic majors, general education, student affairs, and technologically-delivered instruction through the Center for Assessment and Research Studies.
• Opportunities to learn software for information retrieval from large relational databases, test development and item analysis/banking, web development, testing statistical analyses, and computer-based testing.
• Development of interpersonal, consulting, and professional communication skills.
• Opportunity to work in an internationally recognized assessment program with leading professionals in the field.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the JMU Doctoral Program requires that applicants:

• Have completed an advanced degree (M.A./M.S.) in psychology, statistics, or related field.
• Provide acceptable GRE scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytic).
• Submit a typed statement of professional goals.
• Submit three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with your academic work and relevant professional experiences.
• Submit transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended.
• Submit a current professional vita or resume.
• Submit representative work samples of current professional skills (e.g., research reports, validity studies).
• Complete a personal interview to assess abilities, characteristics, and readiness for the program.

Applications for the fall semester are due by February 1st. Students accepted into the program may pursue doctoral study on either a full- or part-time basis. Click here for more detailed application information.

Undergraduate students who are interested in assessment should consider applying to the JMU Graduate School of Psychology's M.A. Program in Psychological Sciences, which offers a concentration in quantitative methods (assessment, measurement, and statistics). Students who are accepted into the Ph.D. Program in Assessment and Measurement after completing the M.A. Program in Psychological Sciences will have already taken a number of courses required in the doctoral program. As a result, their doctoral program of study will be considerably shortened.

Assistantships

A number of graduate assistantships are offered to students through JMU's Center for Assessment and Research Studies. Various graduate assistantships are also available through other departments across campus. Assistantships offer additional opportunities for practical experience with assessment efforts underway at James Madison University. In addition, assistantships provide students with both tuition aid and a stipend.

Sample Program of Study

See Course Descriptions for details on the classes offered.