Who Should Apply to QPM?
If you are interested in learning more about quantitative and psychometric methods or have a desire for more training in these areas, then you should apply for a Ph.D. in QPM. Although most applicants are expected to have a MA/MS degree in a related field, undergraduate students who are graduating from their programs are encouraged to apply.
We seek undergraduate applicants with a background in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, natural science (physics, chemistry), computer science, quantitative methods, or related field. You do not need to major in one of these fields. As long as you have adequate coursework related to these fields, you would be a strong candidate for QPM. If admitted, you will be able to obtain a doctoral degree in 3 years instead of 5 years normally via a MA/MS degree.
Apply for a Ph.D. in QPM
Thank you for your interest in applying to a degree program in Quantitative and Psychometric Methods in Education Science. Please read this page carefully. The Ph.D. applications will be accepted all year-round. New students will be admitted to the upcoming semester, either fall or spring.
The University of Kentucky is part of the Hobsons ApplyYourself Application Network, a system that provides an opportunity to submit all Graduate School and Departmental requirements in one electronic application. All applications for graduate study at the University of Kentucky Graduate School must be submitted online at The Graduate School Website.
You can find the QPM program in the ApplyYourself system by going to the “Plan of Study” webpage of your online application and selecting the Admission Category of “Doctoral degree” and the Program of “Education Sciences-Quantitative and Psychometric Methods.”
Applicants to the Quantitative and Psychometric Methods program will be asked to upload the following supporting application materials:
- Resume/Vita – Be sure to include your educational background, work experiences, professional certifications, professional memberships, publications, references, and software-based analytical skills (e.g., SPSS, Excel, Mplus, SAS, R, IRTPRO, STATA, flexMIRT, HLM, latent GOLD, MATLAB, Java, C++, Python, etc.).
- Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of reference are required. Please include details about the student’s specific skill set as related to quantitative and psychometric methods, ability to undertake research in this area, and ability to work independently, communicate the work clearly, and complete tasks on time.
- Statement of Purpose – Please cater your statement of purpose to the program of study to which you are applying by addressing the relevant questions below:
- What is your understanding of quantitative and psychometric methods and why is this program a “good fit” for your specific career goals?
- What has influenced your decision to pursue a degree in quantitative and psychometric methods, including how this relates to your career goals?
- What experiences have you had that relate directly or indirectly to quantitative and psychometric methods?
- What previous life experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a degree in quantitative and psychometric methods?
- What are your specific research interests (i.e., specific problems or general areas in which you hope to work)? If you have particular faculty in QPM with whom your interests align, please explain.
- Writing Sample – Submit a sample of your writing that demonstrates your ability to undertake doctoral study in quantitative and psychometric methods (e.g., a class assignment, a section of a Master’s thesis, or a sole-authored paper). If you want to submit a co-authored sample, please indicate the section(s) that you contributed.
- GRE General Test – Test scores are required on the GRE general test not on any GRE subject test. The GRE exam must have been taken within the last 5 years.
For international students regarding TOEFL or IELTS scores: All non-native English speakers, with the exception of those who earned their undergraduate degree in its entirety at an English-speaking institution, must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.
In addition to performance in the above requirements, applicants will also be considered based on all other application materials, with a particular emphasis placed on prior research experience and interests.
Admissions decisions are not made based on any single criterion. The GRE scores, grade point average (minimum of 2.75 undergraduate and 3.0 graduate), letters of recommendation, previous professional and life experiences, diversity-related experiences, career goals, research interests, and “fit” with overall program focus and faculty expertise are all fairly considered.