What is the quantitative concentration and who is eligible to complete it?
Known informally as the “quant minor,” this is an opportunity for psychology graduate students to document advanced training in statistics and methodology beyond standard program requirements. This is not an official minor and should not be listed as such on the doctoral program of studies.
What are the requirements?
- You must be a graduate student in the Department of Psychology.
- Notify your supervisory committee. When you meet with your supervisory committee to develop your program of studies, specify that you plan to complete the concentration in quantitative methods. The committee must be notified of your intention to pursue the concentration in quantitative methods prior to approval of the dissertation proposal.
- Complete 18 credit hours of statistics and methodology. The Department of Psychology offers a range of courses in quantitative methods, and students often supplement this training with courses offered in other departments (e.g., Ed Psych, Statistics, Sociology). Upon approval from your supervisory committee, local (e.g., MAP) and national (e.g., CenterStat) workshops may count toward this requirement (e.g., 1 credit = 15 hours of training).
- Complete a comprehensive exam. There are several options for completing the comprehensive exam (e.g., a sit-down test, a paper or dissertation demonstrating mastery of an advanced data analytic technique, annotated analysis, quant assistantship with reflection statement). The key requirements for the "exam" are (a) demonstration of professional level acquisition of a complex, nonstandard model or technique and (b) approval by the supervisory committee.
- Submit documentation of completed requirements. Upon completion of the requirements for the quantitative concentration, you will submit a documentation form prior to graduation.