Morgan State University - Department of Psychology - Overview
Graduate Psychometrics Program at a Top University for Women and Minorities
Morgan State University (MSU) is a public, coeducational university in Baltimore, Maryland.
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University serves a multiethnic and multiracial student population and is designated as "Maryland's Public Urban University."
Morgan State University consistently achieves a ranking among the top 25 Best Colleges and Universities for Hispanics and Women by "Hispanic Network," "Professional Woman," and "African American" magazines. Some Morgan State graduates have received the prestigious Proquest/UMI Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools Award.
First Psychometrics Graduate Program of its Kind
Maryland State University created its graduate program in psychometrics to respond to the increasing need for well-trained professionals in the field of psychological and educational testing. It is the first of its kind to be offered by a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) institution. Students may earn Master of Science (MS) degrees or doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees in psychometrics.
Housed within the university's department of psychology, the program was developed for individuals with degrees in psychology, mathematics, statistics, or education. It also is suited for individuals currently employed by educational systems or in other fields who want career advancement by strengthening statistical and assessment skills.
Additional program emphasis is placed on preparing individuals from underrepresented populations in the educational system to take leadership roles that may influence how the academic achievement gap in the US can be closed.
Educational Testing Service (ETS) Collaboration
A unique feature of the program is MSU's collaboration with Educational Testing Service (ETS), the prestigious nonprofit organization devoted to educational measurement and research and an organization that employs individuals with considerable technical expertise in psychometrics and assessment design and use. Students have opportunities to work on research projects with both distinguished faculty members at Morgan State and ETS psychometricians and researchers who are leaders in the field.
MS Degree in Psychometrics
The MS degree program in psychometrics prepares individuals within the educational, psychological, and mathematics communities -- including teachers, administrators, staff members, and policy makers -- to effectively address issues related to the implementation of testing, assessment, and evaluations.
Students receive training and preparation in statistics and data analysis, and investigate psychological themes such as cognitive development, general development, resilience and student achievement gaps, literacy, school violence and prevention, and psychological influences on learning.
Candidates in the program must complete 36 credit hours of coursework and submit theses. Course titles include Core Foundational Psychology, Measurement, Research and Evaluation, Applied Statistics, Higher Education, Internship, and Thesis/Research Report Seminar.
PhD Degree in Psychometrics
The PhD degree program in psychometrics equips a new breed of researchers and practitioners with the analytical skills and cultural competence to effectively address issues within the field of psychometrics itself, as well as to innovate and inform policies that influence minority populations in urban environments. The program also gives students opportunities to demonstrate competencies in quantitative, research-oriented areas relevant to disciplines in behavioral and social sciences and education, as well as their applications in teaching and instruction, industry and business, and health.
Candidates in the 30-credit curriculum must have MS degrees to enter the program. Course titles include Core Foundational Psychology, Applied Statistics, Measurement, Research and Evaluation, Measurement Policy, Higher Education, Internship (if an internship was not completed for an MS degree), Dissertation Seminar, and Dissertation Guidance. Students must complete their degree programs within 7 years from their entrance into those programs.
Doctoral candidates may be eligible for research assistantships with ETS, all of which include annual stipends and tuition for up to 12 credits a semester. These research assistantships are under the tutelage of ETS researchers and may involve educational research, operational psychometric or test development work, or other research projects related to the assessment programs at ETS.
MSU Faculty Members and ETF Staff Members Teach Students
Graduate courses in psychometrics at Morgan State University are taught by highly accomplished faculty members. The program's classes are small, with faculty members serving as mentors to students, working closely with them on research. Staff members from ETF also teach some of the courses, depending on their individual areas of expertise, and they frequently offer students access to ETS research facilities and databases.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Morgan State University offers financial assistance to students who have received unconditional admission to the School of Graduate Studies. A range of options may be available, including tuition awards, graduate assistantships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.
MSU Campus and Surroundings
Morgan State University is located in northeast Baltimore, on a 143-acre site purchased for the university by the late industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie Hall is the oldest original building on the campus today. Students enjoy easy access to downtown Baltimore and its world-class museums, Baltimore Symphony, major league sports, diverse restaurants, ethnic festivals, and famed Inner Harbor.