Fundamentals of Survey Methodology (Z011)
Graduate Certificate Program
College: Behavioral and Social Sciences
Abstract
The Post Baccalaureate (Graduate) Certificate in Survey Methodology is designed for the working professional whose education omitted courses in the field of survey statistics and methodology. Both domestic U.S. and international students are welcome to apply. The program is a short but comprehensive treatment of the field at the intermediate level. Courses cover all of the key areas of survey methodology, from the beginning of the design to the completion of the estimation phase. The program is taught at the graduate level but is significantly less intensive than the onsite M.S. program in survey methodology offered by JPSM.
The program provides advanced training in areas needed to professionally design and execute surveys of households, business establishments, institutions, and other populations. Students will learn the construction of questionnaires that reliably measure desired concepts, use of computer assistance in data collection, how different modes of data collection can be used to improve survey data, cognitive psychological applications to survey measurement, and methods of non-sampling error reduction. Students will also learn how to analyze survey data properly reflecting the complex survey design features.
contact
Website: http://www.jpsm.umd.edu
Courses: SURV
Relationships: Survey Methodology (SURV) Survey Statistics (Z010)
The certificate will require a total of 18 credits earned by taking six 3-credit courses. Onsite courses will be taught during the regular academic semesters (September – December and January – May) and during the summer sessions. Academic calendars are at the Provost website.
Students admitted to the certificate program can take up to two courses a term. The expectation is that students would complete the program in two years or less.
Students enrolled in onsite courses will attend at the College Park campus. Some courses are also broadcast to the Census Bureau in Suitland MD, where students can also attend. The lectures for most courses are also recorded and posted to a JPSM website for later viewing.
In the online courses, students will participate using their own computers, providing flexibility for working professionals. The lectures will be recorded and accompanied by real time, weekly online office hours or discussion sessions.
- Recorded lecture material will be posted online at a pre-specified time each week.
- Students will be required to view the class within a set period (usually one week) and are required to submit regular homework assignments.
- Online discussions hosted by the instructor will be used for answering questions and reviewing material presented in lectures.