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Online Master of Science in Data Analysis and Research Psychology

The Master of Science in Data Analysis and Research Psychology provides advanced training in data inquiry and analysis procedures relevant to the social science and user experience fields. This 2-year, online MS program will prepare students to pursue careers in the fast-growing fields of Research Analytics, User Experience Analytics, or Program Evaluation. Alternatively, students may also select the doctoral preparation concentration which will prepare them for future doctoral studies with a strong quantitative focus.

Program Quick Facts

  • Next start: August 30, 2021
  • 36 credits
  • $598 per credit
  • $10,764 annual tuition costs (2021–22)
  • 24 months
  • One online class at a time for eight weeks
  • Flexible, asynchronous program format
  • Fully accredited university

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Program Outcomes

The MS in Data Analysis and Research Psychology prepares students to develop knowledge through the application of social science research methodologies to social and workplace problems faced by communities and organizations. This program equips students with the knowledge and abilities to fulfill this aim by preparing student to:

  • Design and implement empirical investigations in communities and organizations.
  • Analyze data using appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques and generate appropriate conclusions based on analysis results.
  • Create professional reports and presentations detailing investigation procedures, data analyses, findings, and conclusions in APA format.
  • Adhere to the ethical code and standards of the American Psychological Association for psychological research.
  • Articulate how a Christian worldview informs their understanding of data analysis and interpretation.

Choose From Three Concentrations

  • Research Analytics
  • Program Evaluation
  • Doctoral Preparation

Admissions Requirements

  • BA/BS degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Science, Human Services, or closely related field 
    • If not – need to complete prerequisite courses: (1) Statistics and (2) General Psychology.
  • Undergraduate GPA 3.0
  • Completed online application
    • Letter of interest – highlighting research interests and professional goals
  • No GRE required

Common Career Paths

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job market for data analysis research is above average. Here are possible career paths in the fields of technology, government, education, research, healthcare and nonprofit:

  • UX Researcher
  • Research Associate 
  • Data Analyst
  • Program Evaluator

Students from the Doctoral Preparation track may pursue further studies in PhD programs in psychology and social sciences.

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Why Study at Northwest University?

Northwest University is located in the greater Seattle area, neighboring successful companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. In addition, this area has become a hot spot for innovative start-ups and tech companies. Together, these companies provide a vast network of opportunities for internships and careers for our students. Courses are taught by expert professors—many who come from some of the world-class companies above—offering real-world experience in a variety of industries.

What Our Graduate Students Say About Their Experiences

A recent survey by Ruffalo Noel Levitz found that graduate students at NU scored higher than their national counterparts in these key areas:

  • Tuition paid is a worthwhile investment. 
  • Faculty care about me as an individual. 
  • The staff at this institution are caring and helpful. 
  • My academic advisor is accessible by telephone and email. 
  • Faculty are usually available for adult students outside the classroom by phone, by email or in-person.
  • My academic advisor is concerned about my success as an individual.
  • Admissions representatives are knowledgeable.

Program Sequence

Core Curriculum – 24 credits   

  • PSYC 5xx3 Introduction to Research and Statistics (3 credits)   
  • PSYC 5xx3 Theology of Psychology (3 credits)  
  • PSYC 5xx3 Qualitative Methods and Analysis (3 credits)   
  • PSYC 5xx3 Cognition and Motivation (3 credits)  
  • PSYC 5xx3 Quantitative Research Designs (3 credits)  
  • PSYC 5xx3 Psychometrics (3 credits)  
  • PSYC 5xx3 Analysis of variance (3 credits)   
  • PSYC 5xx3 Regression and Correlation Analysis (3 credits)   

Select one concentration:   

Research Analytics – 12 credits   

  • PSYC 5xx3 Data Visualization and Report Writing (3 credits)   
  • PSYC 5xx3 User Experience Research (3 credits)  
  • PSYC 5xx3 Data Science I: Introduction and Statistical Programs (3 credits)    
  • PSYC 6xx3 Data Science II: Analytics (3 credits)  

Program Evaluation – 12 credits   

  • PSYC 5xx3 Data Visualization and Report Writing (3 credits)     
  • PSYC 5xx3 Evaluation Theory & Practice (3 credits)   
  • PSYC 6xx6 Capstone Project (6 credits – 16 weeks)  

Doctoral Preparation – 12 credits   

  • PSYC 6xx6 Thesis I (6 credits)   
  • PSYC 6xx6 Thesis II (6 credits) – 16 weeks  

Course Descriptions

PSYC 5xx3 Introduction to Research and Statistics (3 credits)
Provides an introduction to research methodologies and issues of validity and reliability. Students will explore SPSS and will learn to manage and organize SPSS data, conduct descriptive and frequency statistics, test requisites assumptions for parametric statistics, and learn basic difference testing. 

PSYC xxx3 Cognition and Motivation (3 credits)
Examines the role of cognitive processes and motivational systems on human behavior.

PSYC xxx3 Qualitative Methods and Analysis (3 credits)
Reviews the theory and practice of qualitative inquiry. Course topics include an overview of various qualitative methodologies, coding and data analysis techniques, and authenticity. 

PSYC xxx3 Data Visualization & Report Writing (3 credits)
Provides training in the dissemination of research results with specific attention on the visual presentation of data and report writing. Student will examine various graphs and figure options for displaying findings and will practice report writing including APA style results sections. 

PSYC xxx3 Quantitative Research Designs (3 credits)
Reviews quantitative research methods commonly used in the social science field. Attention will be given to the process of designing and evaluating quantitative investigations and the issues of validity and reliability. 

PSYC xxx3 Psychometrics (3 credits)
Reviews principles of measurement and statistical procedures in test construction. Procedures for factor analysis, reliability analysis, and internal consistency evaluation in SPSS will be covered. 

PSYC xxx3 Analysis of Variance (3 credits)
Provides training in the various ANOVA statistical procedures including its test assumptions and interpretations. Factorial ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, and MANCOVA are included. 

PSYC xxx3 Regression and Correlation Analysis (3 credits)
Provides training in conducting correlational and regression procedures in SPSS with an introduction to structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling. 

PSYC xxx3 Introduction to Data Science (3 credits)
An introduction to computer programming including HTML and SQL.  

PSYC xxx3 User Experience (3 credits)
Examines the specific methods and analytic procedures common in user experience research. Attention is given to the role of research in the UX design process.   

PSYC xxx3 Data Science I: Introduction and Statistical Programs (3 credits)
Provides an introduction the field of data science and to statistical programming languages, such as R or Python. 

PSYC xxx3 Data Science II: Analytics (3 credits)
Provides an overview of and practice with common analytic methods used in the data science field such as learning machines, artificial intelligence, deep learning, and neural networks. 

PSYC xxx3 Evaluation Theory and Practice (3 credits)
Examines evaluation theories and practices which underpin the program evaluation.  Evaluation practices such as evaluability assessments, need assessments, and strategic planning are discussed.

PSYC 6xx3 Capstone Project (6 credits – 16 weeks)
Under the guidance of a faculty member, the student will conduct a program evaluation and procedure a professional report detailing their procedures and findings. 

PSYC 6xx3 Thesis I (6 credits)
This course represents part one of a two part series in which the student, under the guidance and supervision of a faculty, will design and proposed a research project. 

PSYC 6xx3 Thesis II (6 credits)
This course represents part two of a two part series in which the student, under the guidance and supervision of a faculty, will implement and defend a research project.