Why Ball State University?
Located in Muncie, Indiana, this large public research university seeks candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology. Administered by the university’s Teacher’s College, the degree program requires applicants to have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75, but need not take the GRE or any other standardized tests. While students should have the background necessary to gauge their interest in and aptitude for the program, they are not expected to have completed specific prerequisite courses.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Ball State University |
| Location | Muncie |
| State | Indiana |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology |
| School or Department Administering Program | Teacher’s College |
| Credits | 33 |
| Cost per credit | $656.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $21,648 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | 2.8 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 18 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Quantitative; Mixed Methods |
| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | strong emphasis on quantitative methods; ability to take courses in specific statistical methods; less emphasis on psychology of individuals |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) |
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| Program Description | The program’s 33 credits can be completed within 18 months, and include a required capstone. The curriculum focuses intensively on quantitative methods for the study of human attributes, as well as the design or research studies and the analysis of statistical data. Students can choose to specialize in the Quantitative or the Mixed Methods concentration area. |
What will I Learn?
This program is based in a school of education and therefore the content covered is relevant to educational psychology, although it can be applied as well to a range of subject areas and job settings. Concerned with the cognitive, emotional and motivational aspects of teaching and learning, this subject area provides opportunities for aspiring educators, researchers, educational testers, and others.
The program aims to provide a breadth and depth of curriculum covering methods for the measurement of human attributes and behavior, and statistical modeling of psychological phenomena. Students are equipped to design research studies, analyze psychological data, and to apply basic and advanced statistical knowledge across a range of social science problems and settings.
Students can specialize in the Quantitative Concentration or the Mixed Methods Concentration.
The curriculum is highly technical in nature, and begins with Introduction to Statistical Methods, Analysis of Variance, and Research Design. Students address specific techniques while taking Applied Regression Analysis and Multivariate Statistics and Data Mining. Students specialize further in Advanced Educational Psychology OR Human Learning and Achievement Motivation. Students are required to complete a research thesis, or to complete a shorter research paper plus take an additional elective.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 18 months and pay $656 per credit for a total of 33 credits, or just under $22,000 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
Since all classes are delivered asynchronously, there is no predetermined time that students must log in to for online instruction. Students must complete certain online activities weekly, including watching videos, completing written assignments, discussing ideas with classmates via an online forum, or working on independent projects. No on-campus trip is necessary.
After completing 18 months of rigorous training, students graduate from the program. Students start coursework in Fall, Spring or Summer. The program’s curriculum is customizable, giving participants more freedom than some peer programs offer to choose which classes to enroll in and when to take them.
Summary
Applicants should be aware that this program has a very strong emphasis on quantitative methods. Applicants looking for a program that focuses on the psychological assessment and treatment of individuals should look to other programs instead. However, applicants looking for an unparalleled focus on in-depth training in statistical methods applied to social science will want to take a look at this well-regarded university.
