After finishing their course work, students spend one term in a supervised research setting where they have the opportunity to apply their skills and competencies. A comprehensive examination is also required. In the final stage of their program, students complete either a thesis or a research paper. Upon satisfactorily completing the program, students are awarded either the M.A.or M.Ed. degree. Doctoral students develop methodological competencies defined by the doctoral curriculum.
Every effort is made to tailor the doctoral plan of studies to a student's interest.
For example, some students focus primarily on attaining the competence to be a testing and measurement specialist, while others focus primarily on attaining the competence to be a statistical data analyst. Still others develop a more theoretical orientation in psychometric theories or theories of quantitative research methodology. The curriculum in the doctoral program emphasizes the development of advanced competencies in measurement and statistics. Students are also required to take two courses in psychology. The first four terms in the doctoral program are devoted to coursework which develops the above competencies.