University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in measurement and evaluation with intensive training in quantitative and qualitative research methods, leading to an independent dissertation. Core areas of study typically include psychometrics and measurement theory, classical and modern test theory (including item response theory), programme evaluation design and practice, multivariate statistics, longitudinal data analysis, and mixed-methods research. Students also cover validity and reliability, assessment policy and ethics, educational data analytics, and applications of assessment in K–12, higher education and non-formal learning contexts.

Coursework is usually followed by a comprehensive or qualifying examination and a proposal defence for the doctoral dissertation. Students engage in practicum or internship experiences with school districts, state education agencies or research centres to apply evaluation and assessment techniques in real-world settings. Doctoral seminars and research colloquia provide opportunities to present work-in-progress and to collaborate with faculty on ongoing projects.

• Measurement and Psychometric Theory
• Item Response Theory and Test Development
• Programme Evaluation Methods and Practice
• Advanced Statistics for Education (e.g. multilevel modelling, structural equation modelling)
• Research Design and Mixed Methods
• Validity, Reliability and Assessment Ethics
• Data Management and Educational Data Analytics
• Dissertation Research and Defence

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in education, educational measurement, psychology, statistics, or a closely related field) from an accredited institution. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic ability and research potential, such as a strong academic record, coursework in research methods or statistics, and prior research or evaluation experience.

Typical application materials include a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and goals, a research writing sample, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. Some applicants may be asked to provide GRE scores where required by programme policy; in other cases GRE submission may be optional. International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements.

Successful candidates usually demonstrate clear research interests aligned with faculty expertise and the capacity to undertake independent, sustained research at the doctoral level.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD commonly move into roles that require advanced expertise in assessment, evaluation and research methods. Typical career destinations include:

• Academic positions: tenure-track and research faculty in schools of education, psychology, measurement or public policy
• K–12 and higher education leadership: assessment directors, institutional research officers, curriculum assessment specialists
• Government and policy: analysts and evaluators in state education agencies, departments of education, and policy institutes
• Independent and consulting roles: evaluation consultants, test development specialists, and data scientists for educational organisations
• Non-profit and international organisations: programme evaluators and monitoring & evaluation specialists working on large-scale education projects

Graduates’ strong methodological training also opens opportunities in related sectors that value applied quantitative and qualitative research skills, such as health services research, workforce development, and educational technology companies.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers this doctoral pathway within a college environment that emphasises applied research and close faculty mentoring. Students benefit from access to interdisciplinary expertise across education, psychology and statistics, with opportunities to collaborate on funded evaluation projects and to work with local and state education partners. Small cohort sizes enable personalised supervision and peer support, while regular research seminars and methodological workshops strengthen practical skills.

UND’s location in Grand Forks provides proximity to diverse school districts and regional agencies, facilitating practicum placements and field-based evaluation work. The university also provides infrastructure for doctoral researchers, including statistical consulting, research software resources, and support through the Graduate School for professional development, grant-seeking and conference participation.

Overall, the programme is suitable for candidates seeking rigorous methodological preparation and applied experience that will support leadership roles in academic, policy, and practitioner settings focused on educational assessment and evaluation.