Graduate students in HDFS or Human Sciences disciplines can apply to this optional certificate, Advanced Research Methods for Human Sciences, to recognize the completion of additional training in research methods and statistics, beyond core course requirements. Courses for the certificate are designed to provide a well-rounded background in methodology and statistics in social sciences. Completion of the certificate will be noted on the student's official transcript.
Programs of Study
Additional Information
Personal Statement: Please submit a 1-2 page double-spaced letter about your interest in the certificate program and the value of the certificate program for your career plans. Please briefly describe relevant courses you have already completed.
Letter of Recommendation: Please submit a 1-2 page double-spaced letter of recommendation that describes how the applicant will benefit from completing the certificate. The letter would typically be from the applicant’s major professor, but could be from someone else.
After submitting your application, please email the certificate coordinator, Dr. Hinnant, at jbh0020@auburn.edu so that your application can be reviewed in a timely manner.
Graduate Certificate requires 21 semester hours.
| HDFS Core Requirements | 15 hours | ||
| Elective Courses | 6 hours |
Required Courses: (15 hours)
HDFS 7050 Research Methods for Human Development and Family Science I
HDFS 7060 Research Methods for Human Development and Family Science II
HDFS 8040 Longitudinal Data Analysis
HDFS 8050 Advanced Research Methods: Covariance Structure Analysis
HDFS 8060 Multilevel Modeling
Elective Courses: (6 hours - select two of the elective courses below)
HDFS 8080 Mixture Modeling
HDFS 8090 Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences
PSYC 8280 Meta-Analysis
PSYC 7230 Psychometric Theory
PSYCH 8270 Factor Analysis
PSYC 8970 R for Data Analysis in Psychology
GRAD 8200 Principles of Responsible Conduct of Research and Scientific Integrity
21 course credits: 15 credits in 5 required courses; 6 credits in elective courses
| Year 1 | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
|
Required Course Options |
|||||||
| HDFS 7050 Research Methods I | HDFS 7060 Research Methods II | HDFS 8050 Covariance Structure Analysis | HDFS 8040 Longitudinal Data Analysis | HDFS 8050 Covariance Structure Analysis | HDFS 8040 Longitudinal Data Analysis | HDFS 8050 Covariance Structure Analysis | HDFS 8040 Longitudinal Data Analysis |
| HDFS 8060 Multilevel Modeling | HDFS 8060 Multilevel Modeling | HDFS 8060 Multilevel Modeling | |||||
In the Human Sciences area of research, students will be able to:
- Conceptualize Human Sciences-relevant research questions and develop appropriate research designs;
- Collect and manage data;
- Use statistical computer software packages independently to analyze data;
- Develop an analysis strategy and interpret research data independently;
- Prepare and submit a manuscript for publication.
More specifically, the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Research Methods for Human Sciences SLOs specify that students will be able to:
- Develop the capability to conduct research in Human Sciences using multiple research methods, including those requiring proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed research methodologies;
- Evaluate the quality of methodology and statistics in research proposals, publications, and reports;
- Develop the written and oral skills necessary to clearly present and interpret the results of data analyses and compose a comprehensive discussion that weaves the findings of studies into the current body of research in a given area.
Program Faculty
