Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment
MESA has been training students to examine educational programs, design quantitative research studies, develop assessment instruments, and analyze educational, psychological, and social science data to help inform policy-making for over 50 years. Our geographic proximity to the concentration of academic and nonprofit institutions in the Greater Boston and Northeast region—and our extraordinary alumni network—provide significant opportunities to enhance your professional career.
The doctoral curriculum emphasizes research methodology and data analysis and includes advanced coursework in research design, statistical methods, and testing and assessment as well as seminars in statistical and measurement topics. MESA students have the opportunity to tailor coursework to their particular interests and background. The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 54 credits beyond a master's and satisfactory completion of comprehensive exams and a dissertation.
For international students, Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment is a STEM designated program by the Department of Homeland Security. Learn more on the International Applicants page.
- Understand the theory of research, evaluation, statistics, measurement and assessment methodology
- Critically analyze published quantitative and qualitative research
- Construct both cognitive and affective measurement instruments and assessments
- Conduct original empirical research related to topics in education, evaluation, statistics, measurement, assessment, and policy
- Interpret and report quantitative and qualitative designs, procedures, and results
- Communicate research findings effectively
At a Glance
How many courses?
For students accepted with a master's, the program consists of 18 courses for a total of 54 credits.
For students without a master's, the program consists of 24 courses for a total of 72 credits.
How long will it take?
Students accepted with a master's typically complete the program in 4-6 years.
Students without a master's typically take 5-7 years to complete the program.
When can I start?
Students begin the program in the fall semester.
What are my options?
Only full-time students are accepted into the Ph.D. programs.
What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 18-24
- Credits: 54-72
- Comprehensive Exam
Where do our graduates work?
American Institutes for Research
Researcher
Northern Illinois University
Assistant Professor
Bank of America Operations
Project Analyst
Hanover Research
Research Associate
Pearson
Director of Efficacy Analytics and Studies
Cumberland County College
President
ACT Inc.
Principal Psychometrician
Measured Progress
Director, Innovation Lab
Maguire Associates
Senior Vice President of Research
Sheffield Research and Evaluation
Senior Consultant
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the MESA Department.
Financial Assistance
Education should level the playing field – we feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $7.5 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable. Here’s why:
Deadlines
- All applicants
- December 1
Apply Now
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required, however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Resume
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Three letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants with significant relevant professional experience may submit additional recommendations from supervisors.
Transcripts
All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent to our office before the application deadline. Please note the following:
Only official sealed (unopened) transcripts are acceptable. An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
If your degree was obtained from an institution outside of the U.S. you are required to submit a course-by-course evaluation completed by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluator. A complete list of NACES-approved evaluators is found on the Directory of NACES Members.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Standardized Tests
An unofficial score report may be uploaded to your online Application Form; however, an official score report – sent directly from ETS –must also be submitted by the application deadline.
This program requires all applicants to have taken the GRE in a maximum of 5 years prior to application being submitted, regardless of previous academic coursework, previous degrees/credentials earned, and/or professional experience. No exceptions will be made.
The GRE is the only exam that is acceptable for this program; the MAT, LSAT, MTEL, GMAT, and other exams may not be substituted for the GRE.
For more information about the GRE exam, including test dates and testing sites, visit https://www.ets.org/gre.
Lynch School of Education and Human Development GRE Code: 3218
Writing Sample
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
All applicants to this program are required to submit one piece of work that demonstrates graduate-level writing ability. This document may be an academic term paper, a published work in which you are the primary author, a training manual or curriculum that you have created, a clinical case formulation, or another representative sample of your writing. The document should be approximately 20 pages.
International Students
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Learn about requirements for international students.
Academic Tools
Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214