Research Methods & Statistics
Program Overview
Every organization needs people who can ask the right questions, design rigorous studies, and turn data into decisions. The Research Methods & Statistics (RMS) program at the University of Denver prepares you to be that person — whether you work in education, healthcare, public policy, tech, or the social sciences.
Our program is one of the few that trains you across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. You won't just learn statistics or just learn interview techniques — you'll develop a full methodological toolkit and the judgment to know when each approach fits. From your first quarter, you'll apply these skills in real-world research alongside faculty mentors and community partners.
RMS students come from many backgrounds — education, psychology, public health, business, the humanities — and our graduates go on to careers as researchers, data scientists, program evaluators, faculty members, and institutional research professionals. What connects them is a commitment to using evidence to improve how organizations and communities work.
Why RMS at DU?
- Full methodological training. One of the few programs nationally that integrates quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed methods in a single degree pathway. - 100% of admitted students receive tuition assistance through the Morgridge College of Education, including Dean’s Scholarships and graduate assistantships.
- Small cohorts, close mentorship. You’ll work directly with faculty on research from day one — not waiting until your third year.
- A diverse, international community. RMS is one of the most internationally diverse programs at DU, with students from across the globe.
- Denver. A growing hub for tech, healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations — offering research partnerships and career opportunities steps from campus.
Our Programs
Master of Arts in Research Methods & Statistics (In-Person or Online)
Build practical expertise in research design, statistical analysis, program evaluation, and qualitative methods. The MA is designed for working professionals and career changers who want to become skilled, confident researchers — whether you plan to enter the workforce or continue to a PhD. Available on-campus with a part-time option, or in a fully online modality.
- 45 credit hours (non-thesis) or 50 credit hours (with thesis)
- 1.5-2 years full-time; 3-4 years part-time
- Fall start
PhD in Research Methods & Statistics
Become a research leader and methodologist. The PhD offers deep specialization in qualitative methods, quantitative methods, transdisciplinary research, or institutional research — with interdisciplinary flexibility to tailor the program to your career goals. Graduates hold faculty positions at R1 universities, lead research teams in industry, and direct evaluation and assessment at major organizations.
- 90 credit hours
- 4-7 years
- Fall start
- Specializations in Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research,
- Transdisciplinary Methods, and Institutional Research
Quick Facts
- 92% MA program completion rate
- 85% PhD program completion rate
- 100% of admitted students receive tuition assistance
- $70k average salary with an MA in Research Methodology (Payscale.com)
- $101k average salary with a PhD in Research Methodology (Payscale.com)
Where RMS Graduates Work
Our alumni hold positions across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations:
- Faculty and research positions at R1 universities nationwide
- Data science and UX research roles at major technology companies
- Program evaluation at nonprofits, school districts, and government agencies
- Institutional research in higher education
- Statistical consulting and psychometrics in testing organizations
- Policy analysis at think tanks and advocacy organizations
