The primary training goal of the MPSDS doctoral program is to prepare students for a career in methodological research conducted in academic, private, or government organizations. By working with a range of faculty members, students will be exposed to cutting edge methodological research and gain experience identifying problems, designing solutions and evaluating results Formal course requirements are thus limited to provide sufficient time for research and to allow students to elect courses that address their specific interests in the field.
Many academic and non-academic careers involve teaching and mentoring. A secondary goal of the PhD training is to help students develop teaching and mentoring skills. Teaching experience during the program will include serving as a Graduate Student Instructor for several semesters. Students are also encouraged to attend workshops in the University's Center for Research on Learning and Teaching.
U-M has a higher doctoral completion rate than the average of partner institutions in the Association of American Universities Data Exchange (74% compared to 68%). The completion rate is based on data of new student cohorts who started from 2001 to 2005. Program Statistics data on currently enrolled students indicate the rate will increase for the 2006 to 2010 cohort. The MPSDS doctoral completion rate is higher than the U-M average. For details on Survey and Data Science completion rates and other program statistics, please see Rackham Graduate School Program Statistics.
Admissions Requirements
Admitted students must be committed to full time doctoral studies.
While not a requirement, most successful applicants to the MPSDS Doctoral Program have earned a Masters Degree in a relevant field (for example, Applied Statistics or Quantitative Social Sciences) if not actually in Survey Methodology. Where appropriate, applicants to the PhD program will be considered for admission to the MS in Survey and Data Science.
An offer of admission by the department is based on a review of all available evidence predictive of probable academic success and eventual professional achievement of a high level. Since there are many highly qualified applicants, it is necessary to turn away some students who undoubtedly could succeed in a doctoral program.
For a complete list of admissions requirements see Minimum Requirements.
For a complete list of degree requirements, see Doctoral Degree Requirements.