phd in survey methodology

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PhD in Survey and Data Science

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Courses for the onsite programs may not be taken online. Onsite courses include those for JPSM MS and PhD programs. 

• The onsite programs holds classes in a traditional classroom setting on the University of Maryland College Park campus and offers  PhD and Master's degree programs in survey and data science.

The Ph.D. in Survey in Data Science is designed for students seeking a career in research or university teaching requiring knowledge of theories and applications in one or more key disciplines. It will equip its graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to create methodologies for the collection and analysis of quantitative data suitable for statistical inference to large populations. The core Ph.D. seminars provide students with exposure to cutting edge research issues in the field. The courses of study designed by the student and the advisory committee will create intellectual bridges between survey and data science and more traditional disciplines with a focus on seeking knowledge to improve surveys. This is a designated STEM program.

Two specialty areas are available to choose from:

• Statistical Science
• Social Science

The statistical science area is designed for students who wish to specialize in topics such as sample design, estimation associated with data from complex samples, variance estimation, and statistical adjustments for missing data.

The key components of the Ph.D. program are:

• An advisory committee that will assist the student in tailoring a program of study permitting the student to demonstrate both theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in the conduct of research in an area of survey and data science.
• A set of doctoral courses in key areas of survey and data science and statistics as well as in a basic discipline from which survey and data science draws.
• A qualifying examination in theory and methods of survey and data science.
• A comprehensive examination to assess whether a student has sufficient knowledge and creativity to complete a dissertation.
• Completion of a dissertation to demonstrate research skills.

Note: online courses may be used as electives in the JPSM MS and PhD degree programs.  Required courses for those degrees may not be taken online

Qualifier Exam Policy

Candidacy Requirements

How to Apply

The Ph.D. student's advisor is free to shape a schedule of courses tailored to the educational needs and research goals of the student. Courses can be classified in several categories.

All Ph.D. students will be required to take four semesters of the Ph.D. seminar. The Ph.D. seminar will taught by at least two faculty members, one from the statistical science and one from the social science group of the JPSM faculty.

First Year Seminar

This is a two term, six credit introduction to the integration of social science and statistical science approaches to the design, collection, and analysis of surveys. The seminar will focus on six to eight areas of the statistical and methodological literature that have benefited from alternative approaches. Students will demonstrate mastery of those literatures through critical review papers, ideas for extensions of the literature, and empirical projects related to the research reviewed.

Second Year Seminar

This is a two term, six credit seminar designed to develop and hone skills involved in the identification of research problems, specification of hypothesis/theorems to extend current understanding of the field, and planning for original research. A common set of readings in advanced research activities of JPSM faculty will be studied, with the faculty engaged in the research discussing areas of potential innovation. There will be four to six such topics, with students completing technical proposals for future research in each. Students will present the proposals in both written and oral form, and critique proposals.

Advanced Research Seminars

JPSM will also offer doctoral seminars focusing on topics such as longitudinal design, collection, and, analysis, advanced topics in survey statistics, and advanced topics in the social and cognitive foundations of survey measurement.

Courses in Other Departments

Students will also take courses in another department (or in some cases, other departments), as specified by their advisory committee. The departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology, Sociology, and Mathematics) will represent disciplines from which survey statistics and methodology draw. For some students two full years of courses will be required; for others, somewhat less.

Course List

Graduation requirements, candidacy requirements.

Advancement to candidacy requires that a student earn a passing grade on the Qualifying Exam, generally within twelve months of entering the program; complete four terms in the Doctoral Seminar, culminating in a final paper consisting of a proposal for research that would contribute to the field of survey and data science; and earn a passing grade on the final paper and final presentation at the end of the last term of the Doctoral Seminar.

Dissertation

After advancing to candidacy, with the ongoing guidance of the dissertation committee, the student will propose and conduct dissertation research, leading to an original scholarly contribution. At least twelve credit hours of dissertation research are required. The dissertation will involve the creation of new knowledge in the field of survey and data science, demonstrating that the student has mastered the research skills necessary for a career in advanced research.

Residency Requirement

All PhD students at JPSM must fulfill a residency requirement. This consists of spending at least two days per week at JPSM for a period of three semesters after the student has passed the qualifying exam.

Additional Documents

Qualifying Exam Policy

PhD Requirements

Graduate School Forms for Current PhD Students

Maryland Rules for Oral Defense of Dissertation

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Survey and Data Science (online) (MPDS)

Graduate Degree Program College: Behavioral and Social Sciences

The Joint Program in Survey Methodology (JPSM) blends together faculty with diverse disciplinary backgrounds all devoted to teaching state-of-the-art practices in the statistical and methodological aspects of surveys and data.  The program's faculty primarily come from the University of Maryland, University of Michigan and Westat, supplemented by instructors from a number of federal statistical agencies.  Many of these faculty are leading researchers and statisticians in the field of survey methodology, thereby providing an unparalleled educational experience to the students.  JPSM's offerings include onsite PhD and Master’s degrees as well as online Certificates and a Professional Master's degree.

Jody Williams Joint Program in Survey Methodology 1218S LeFrank Hall 7251 Preinkert Drive University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742 Telephone: 301.314.7911 Email:   [email protected]

Website:    https://jpsm.umd.edu  

Courses:  SURV

Relationships:   Intermediate Survey Methodology (Z011)     Survey Methodology (SURV)     Survey Statistics (Z010)

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose: Complete a one-page essay describing relevant work experience, interest in survey and/or data science, and expected benefits of enrolling in this degree program. (Uploaded to the Statement of Purpose in the application.)
• Transcript(s): Should show previous coursework or knowledge in mathematical/applied statistics demonstrated by completion of 6 credits of applied statistical methods courses covering content from probability theory through basic regression techniques (including both OLS and logistic regression)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE ( international graduate students )

Program-Specific Requirements

• Supplementary Application (contact dept. for details)
• Supplementary Application Two:  Prerequisites 
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)

*Visa Eligibility: This program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. Applicants must have earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.

Application Deadlines

Resources and links:.

Program Website:   http://jointprogram.umd.edu/ Application Process:  www.gradschool.umd.edu/admissions

• Survey and Data Science, Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.)

Training will be provided by permanent and adjunct faculty in the University of Maryland's Joint Program in Survey Methodology. Online lectures will be conducted via accessible video conference systems and Webinar tools.

Students will be instructed that to fully participate, they will need to purchase a webcam and headset with a microphone, and have a reliable computer and Internet access. Recorded lectures will be posted online at announced times and will be available online at any time thereafter during the course.  Weekly discussions or help sessions will be held at scheduled, fixed times once per week.  

As officially admitted students to the University of Maryland, students in this program will have access to all University resources that are accessible in the online environment.  Students in online programs are assessed an online student services mandatory fee which supports access to these University resources.  

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