Educational Psychology & Methodology Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Research

This graduate program is designed for students seeking professional level skills in inquiry (i.e., evaluation, measurement, research, and statistics). It requires at least 60 credits of graduate coursework. This degree qualifies graduates for responsible positions in federal, state, and local agencies, regional laboratories, and public and private schools as policy development and evaluation specialists or researchers. Students should note that NY State does not recognize the CAS for certification purposes.

Requirements for Admission

1. Baccalaureate degree.
2. Prior coursework: 12 or more credits of undergraduate or graduate coursework in psychology, educational psychology, education, or related fields.
3. GPA: a 3.0 (out of 4.0) cumulative grade point average in undergraduate work, or a 3.5 GPA in 9 hours of graduate study taken before admission, or excellent scores on the GRE.
4. Personal statement: A well-written essay that demonstrates the applicant’s knowledge of and interest in educational research, and reveals a match between the applicant’s goals and program offerings.
5. Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation, including at least two letters from instructors or professors familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
6. Diversity among student backgrounds and views is desired. To this end, the admissions committee considers applicants’ accomplishments and personal qualities as reflected in their application statements and recommendations.
7. TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL score of 213 is required for international applicants whose primary language is not English.

Note:
Admission and program guidelines depend upon the student’s preparatory program, as follows:

• Ph.D. students in Educational Psychology and Methodology need not apply in advance for the CAS. They may count any Ph.D. coursework for the CAS, provided it meets CAS requirements.
  
• All other students (MS students in Educational Psychology, and students from other programs outside of the Division of Educational Psychology and Methodology) must apply for admission to the CAS program. Such students require at least 21 credits unique to the CAS degree (i.e., not counting towards any other degrees).
• Students who have completed the MS degree in Educational Psychology may count the 30 credits for this degree towards the CAS, provided they meet CAS requirements.
• Note that university policy requires that at least half of the 60 credits needed must be completed at the University at Albany (rather than transferred from another institution).

Application
Applications for the CAS degree will be accepted in the Office of Graduate Admissions throughout the year. Applicants are advised, however, that they must apply by the dates given below to be assured that their application materials will be processed in time for program commencement at the beginning of the semester indicated.

For a summer or fall semester start date: March 1st application deadline.
For a spring semester start date: October 15th application deadline.

Applicants are also advised that their chances of receiving financial assistance are greater if they apply early and commence their studies in the fall semester.

Program of Study (60 credits minimum)
A minimum of 60 credits, distributed as described below, is needed to graduate.

1. A foundation core of 6 courses (18 credits) at the 500/600 level. At least 3 of these courses must be completed within the division. This core includes one course in each of the following six areas:

• Development (3 credits)
• Learning (3 credits)
• Individual differences and Special education (3 credits)
• Research Methods (3 credits)
• Measurement and Evaluation (3 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)

2. An additional six courses (18 credits at 600 level or above) in Evaluation, Measurement, Research, or Statistics. At least three of these courses (9 credits) must be taken within the division.

3. Four courses (12 credits) in a concentrated area of study (e.g. learning/development, instruction, evaluation, educational leadership, reading, statistics, etc.). Include approved transfer courses. This area should be approved by the advisor.

4. 12 credits of Practicum, Field Experience, or Internship in Educational Research, as approved by advisor. This should be completed after admission to the CAS.

Note: Within the 60 credits, the student is required to complete a culminating project. Ordinarily this would be completed as part of the experiences associated with #4, above.