Coursework in mathematics and statistics in undergraduate school
Among the frequently asked questions of undergraduate students who are considering the field of quantitative psychology is what level of mathematics training is required. In fact, this answer varies widely by quantitative program. Quantitative programs do not typically state minimum mathematics and statistics requirements for admission. Yet, admissions committees carefully review transcripts for evidence that the applicant has studied mathematics and/or statistics and has talent in this area. It is useful, and for admission to some quantitative programs essentially mandatory, that students have successfully completed a college-level calculus series. A course in linear algebra is also often useful.
A sustained interest in mathematics and/or statistics is important. Many undergraduates place out of college mathematics courses through advanced placement tests and coursework completed during high school. It is also possible that students have pursued majors during college that require few mathematics requirements. If this is the case, it is still important show evidence that there is an adequate interest and good performance in mathematics.
Coursework in mathematics in graduate school
Some quantitative graduate programs will encourage applicants, once accepted to the doctoral program, either to brush up or strengthen their math abilities by taking courses in the math, statistics or biostatistics departments. In addition to calculus and linear algebra, math courses might include advanced calculus and multivariate calculus. Statistics courses might include introduction to statistics, statistical methods and theory, numerical methods, statistical linear models or probability.
Undergraduate coursework in quantitative methodology in psychology
There are courses in the psychology department that would be very useful to take prior to applying to a quantitative doctoral program. The number of these courses available within the department of psychology varies widely across universities. They may consist of courses covering introductory statistics, advanced undergraduate statistics, tests and measurement, and research methods. Sometimes these courses are offered in other departments as well. Quantitative admissions committees will expect students to show excellent performance in the following types of psychology courses: Statistics for the behavioral sciences, research methods, tests and measurements (psychometric theory) and any advanced psychological statistics course that is offered.
Taking graduate methodology courses as an undergraduate
Some psychology departments will allow (with permission) qualified undergraduates to enroll in graduate-level statistics courses such as a two-semester first year doctoral sequence or upper-level quantitative courses (e.g., multivariate analysis, structural equation modeling and psychometric theory). These experiences are extremely valuable and demonstrate to an admissions committee a student’s ability to perform as a graduate student.
Independent research project
If there is an opportunity to conduct an honors thesis, capstone experience or master’s thesis, this independent research is an excellent way to demonstrate the ability to conceptualize a research problem, select an appropriate design, obtain data, conduct analyses and report findings. Honors theses that involve data-intensive experiences involving statistical/quantitative modeling are strongly encouraged.
Data-intensive research experience
Another important experience that can help an undergraduate or master’s student prepare for a quantitative program is simply joining a professor’s laboratory where there is a chance for significant involvement in a research project (e.g., as a research assistant). While research participation is always useful, for a doctoral program in quantitative psychology a student’s involvement should ideally be focused on the data component of the research, including assisting with research design, item writing, data management, planning for statistical analyses, conducting analyses using common and specialized statistical software and reporting findings.
Other valuable experience
The following additional activities are useful ways to help an admissions committee see a student’s commitment to quantitative. Sometimes there are opportunities to participate in additional educational experiences, such as multiday workshops in quantitative methods, that are offered either at one’s own institution, prior to a national conference or in some other forum. These workshops do not substitute for a course, but they provide a valuable overview of quantitative area. Students are encouraged to present their research (preferably with a quantitative emphasis) at a professional conference and/or publish their research. Most often, it is expected that these professional activities will be conducted under the supervision of a mentor or research advisor. Some students have the opportunity to be a paid (or unpaid) teaching assistant for a research methods course, a statistics course or other related course.
