Ph.D. in Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology

GSAS Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology

Fordham’s doctoral program in psychometrics and quantitative psychology (PQP) offers a broad education in various sophisticated measurement, evaluation, and statistical skills. Students in our program not only learn how to develop and apply advanced data analytic methods but are also trained to understand data in context and evaluate methods critically. Our graduates are prepared for careers in industry, research, and teaching.

With help and guidance from faculty mentors, our doctoral students perform research in one or more of the following areas:

  • Cognitive diagnostic modeling
  • Bayesian statistics
  • Structural equation modeling
  • Item response theory
  • Hierarchical linear modeling
  • Longitudinal modeling
  • Missing data analysis
  • Categorical data analysis
  • Mixture modeling
  • Propensity score analysis
  • Estimation theory and psychometric/statistical algorithm development
  • Affective instrument design
  • Latent variable modeling
  • Measurement invariance/Differential item functioning

Our program also provides a strong foundation in general psychology. Students regularly interact with faculty and students in other psychology doctoral programs. Consistent with Fordham’s commitment to the dignity and uniqueness of each person, students develop a deep understanding of the ethical principles that guide modern research.

Program Basic Requirements

  • 81 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree (51 credits for students who hold an M.S. or M.A. degree in a relevant field)
  • Comprehensive exam
  • Ph.D. dissertation

Careers

Our alumni have gone on to jobs at established institutions in a variety of fields. Recent examples include:

  • Industry: Council for Aid to Education, ZS Associates, Loblaw Digital (Canada), IMC Financial Markets, The Miriam Hospital
  • Academics: Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Koç University (Turkey), Northwestern University, University of Florida College of Medicine, Georgia Institute of Technology

Recent Achievements

  • Congratulations to Hyunjung Lee for winning the 2024 Korean American University Professors Association (KAUPA) scholarship
  • Congratulations to Mark Himmelstein for winning the 2025 Dissertation Prize from the Psychometric Society
  • Congratulations to Vicky Song for winning the 2025 NCME Brenda H. Loyd Outstanding Dissertation Award
  • Congratulations to Hyunjung Lee for winning the 2025 KSEA-KUSCO Graduate Scholarship (KSEA = Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association)
  • Congratulations to Hyunjung Lee for winning the 2025 Michael B. Salwen Scholarship from KAERA (Korean-American Educational Researchers Association)

For potential applicants who are seeking a master's degree in psychometrics and quantitative psychology, please consider the Master of Science Program in Applied Psychological Methods (Test and Measures Track).