University of Connecticut |  |
Graduate Certificate in Survey ResearchThe objectives of the Graduate Certificate in Survey Research are to prepare students seeking to use survey research in their careers. Students in the certificate program will undergo a thorough course of study in this important area. Students completing the course of study will be equipped with the skills and competencies important for conducting high quality survey research. These competencies include: questionnaire design, sampling techniques, statistical analysis and data presentation, and sources of public opinion formation. The four SR courses can be applied as an MPA focus area for those students interested in pursuing a masters degree. The MPA is a two-year program that involves a series of required core courses, a focus area comprised of a set of elective courses, an internship, and a capstone project. This program can be tailored to meet the needs of students interested in survey research, especially in the context of government, public policy, and public management. The core courses will orient students to the public sector, and also provide them analytic, economic, statistical, research design, and project management skills. The internship can be targeted at survey research. Course SequencePP 5376 Applied Quantitative Methods. This course is intended to develop an intuitive and practical understanding of statistics. The course will cover key elements of statistics: descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis, probability theory, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. PP 5379 Principles and Methods of Survey Research. This course includes questionnaire design and sampling. The course begins with theoretical and empirical research on question and questionnaire effects. It then teaches students the practice of writing questions and designing questionnaires, both in general and in light of existing research. Next, the course focuses on appropriate sampling methods for generalizing to a larger population PP 5385 Attitude Formation. This course introduces students to the theoretical literature and empirical research behind public opinion. The course covers topics such as socialization, persuasion, and opinion formation, and teaches students how research in these areas informs the practice of survey research. PP 5382 Advanced Quantitative Methods. This course includes: scales and indices; measurement models; factor analysis; nonparametric tests; management and analysis of large data sets; advanced regression topics; and advanced survey analysis and sampling topics. Depending on the student’s background and academic competency, students could substitute the PP 5376 course with another graduate level course to complete the focus area as approved by their advisor. Students can choose courses from departments throughout the university. Administrative HomeThe Graduate Certificate in Survey Research is located in the Department of Public Policy (DPP). DPP is also the home for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, the Graduate Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Management (PNPM), and the Graduate Certificate in Public and Financial Management (PFM). The University of Connecticut MPA program is ranked #7 nationally in Public Finance and Budgeting by U.S. News and World Report. The UConn MPA program is ranked in the top 25% of all programs and is first among public institutions in New England. This ranking reflects the fact that the UConn MPA program is a small but very high quality program. LocationThe Department of Public Policy's location at the Greater Hartford Campus is minutes from the State Capitol, the center of policy-making in the state. It is linked by interstate highway to two of the nation's most exciting urban areas: Boston (100 miles) and New York City (115 miles). Students have available an abundance of cultural, sports, and recreational activities within close proximity to the Greater Hartford Campus. Application ProcessAdmission to the program will be based on an assessment of the applicants' potential to succeed in graduate study. Applicants are evaluated based on their demonstrated aptitude for graduate study, experience, and academic achievement. Applicants are required to submit an online application, a statement of goals and objectives, course transcripts, a resume reflecting the applicant's experience in the field, and letters of recommendation. Contact usFor more information about the concentration in survey research methods, contact Valerie Rogers Department of Public Policy Administrative Program Director at 860-570-9343. |