Data and Research Design

The Cognitive Psychology in Context program at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College is well-suited for students interested in the cognitive processes that underlie thinking and behavior in everyday settings. Students in this program receive a well-rounded foundation in human psychology and behavior by studying the mental processes that inform the actions of every person. It is a perfect fit for those pursuing doctoral studies in cognitive science, as it provides vital research experience to strengthen their future applications. The program is ideal for those interested in industry careers, offering hands-on experience in research design, data management and analysis.

While at Peabody College, students work in a lab under faculty supervision. 

Our accomplished faculty in cognitive psychology combines their research on fundamental processes with an interest in how cognition supports real-world performance and learning. Their research strengths lie in diverse areas of cognitive psychology, such as: 

• Language 
• Learning
• Neuroscience 
• Visual cognition and learning 
• Representation 
• The cognitive and brain bases of math learning
• Social cognition and emotion
• Learning in media and technological settings
• Machine learning 
• Cognition in the arts

Peabody’s MS in Cognitive Psychology is a 36-credit hour program that includes courses and graduate seminars in cognition, cognitive development, data management and quantitative methods and related areas of study. Students can choose between completing a thesis or a capstone project and presentation. 

By completing the MS in Cognitive Psychology in Context, students gain valuable educational and research experience that prepares them for future success in their chosen careers. Those pursuing doctoral programs in cognitive science will benefit from the in-depth research experience that makes their applications more competitive. For those interested in industry roles, the skills developed in research design, data management and analysis equip them to excel in various applied settings.

A major part of the program curriculum is work in a lab under the supervision of one of our faculty members. Students will complete a thesis or a capstone project with support from their faculty mentor. Below is a sample of current student laboratory placements and their research projects:

• Levin Lab, Eye Movement in Cyber Learning 
• Brain Development Lab, Foreign Language Effect and Reasoning
• Building Knowledge Lab, Predictors of False Belief and False Memory Formation
• Advanced Learning Lab, Capturing Students Study and Learning Habits
• LAND Lab, Establishing Persistent Recognition through Transient Neural Communication
• Computational Cognitive Development Lab, Retrospective Bayesian Reasoning Development
• Conversation Lab, Exploring Ambiguity within Misinformation
• Hands on Play Lab, Handskill Formation in Children

Vanderbilt University's Peabody College tailors the M.Ed. in Child Studies (Research Track) for individuals looking to explore developmental research or clinical science, especially for those with an inclination towards psychology. Whether students aim to secure positions in research or wish to forge a pathway toward doctoral studies, this degree provides a qualitative and quantitative grounding that aligns them with their academic and career goals.

The 36-hour program complements a blend of 24-30 credit hours of core curriculum and 6-12 credit hours of elective coursework personalized to meet individual interests and professional aspirations. The core curriculum provides an immersive understanding of child development research and theory, while the elective coursework empowers students to bring a concentrated focus to areas such as clinical psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology and counseling psychology.

Students foster real-world applications of theoretical knowledge by completing a research project suitable for publication and participating in a research team under faculty mentorship.

The M.Ed. in Child Studies (Research Track) program is known for successfully placing its graduates in competitive doctoral programs and research positions across various psychology and clinical science domains. More than 90 percent of students who have sought doctoral programs after completion have secured admission at esteemed institutions, affirming the program's success. A sample of recent graduate placements includes the following:

• Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
• Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology, McGill University
• Ph.D. Candidate, Developmental Psychology, University of Pittsburgh
• Ph.D. Candidate, Developmental Psychology, Vanderbilt University
• Ph.D. Candidate, Counseling Psychology and Applied Human Development, Boston University
• Ph.D. Candidate, Psychology and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame
• Psy.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology, Palo-Alto Pacific Graduate School of Psychology-Stanford University PsyD Consortium
• Ph.D. Candidate, Experimental Psychology, Oxford University (England)

Furthermore, this degree opens the doors to multiple areas in psychology, development and education, fostering promising career trajectories. Whether it be doctoral studies or research positions, the M.Ed. in Child Studies at Vanderbilt is instrumental in shaping diligent researchers capable of addressing real-world challenges in child studies.

Peabody College tailors its M.Ed. in Quantitative Methods for individuals passionate about quantitative analysis, data science and their application in behavioral, social and educational sciences. This program perfectly fits aspiring professionals eager to develop and deploy their research design, measurement and statistical modeling skills in various applied research settings, such as educational analytics, business and healthcare.

The Quantitative Methods program comprises a 33-credit hour curriculum, introducing students to quantitative analysis' theoretical foundations and practical applications. The curriculum includes three mandatory core courses, one seminar hour focused on quantitative methods, and a two-hour internship for an immersive experience in design, measurement and statistical support. Additionally, students can choose seven elective courses to build expertise in specific areas of interest.

Armed with an M.Ed. in Quantitative Methods from Peabody College, graduates will possess the essential research skills and practical knowledge to excel in their careers. They will be well-prepared for opportunities in healthcare analytics, medical research, business analytics, psychometric assessment, testing companies and many more. Furthermore, graduates often choose to continue their education through prestigious doctoral programs, fostering further growth in their chosen field.

Some job titles graduates of this degree hold are: 

• Biostatistician, Cleveland Clinic
• Data Science Manager, Capital One Financial Services
• Research Data Analyst, HCA Healthcare
• Data Analyst, Tennessee Department of Health
• Health Policy Analyst, Vanderbilt University Medical School
• Artificial Intelligence Designer, 1st Edge
• Statistical Research Analyst, Tennessee Department of Health
• Quantitative Research Associate, Habitat for Humanity
• Data Visualization Engineer, Dallas College
• Statistical Programmer, RAND Corporation

Vanderbilt University's Peabody College crafted the MPP in Education Policy, with a track in Quantitative Methods, for those committed to enhancing educational policy through superior research. This program fits perfectly into research design by providing students with a profound understanding of how to systematically investigate policy issues, devise effective solutions and assess the impact of policy changes on education.

The Education Policy program focuses on quantitative methods and embeds a comprehensive curriculum to equip students with the knowledge and competencies to address pressing educational policy challenges. Students will grapple with vital topics such as policy analysis, economics of education, education leadership and sociology of education.

As part of this intensive curriculum, this degree includes core requirements and courses in policymaking, applied research and data analysis. Students will also take specialized courses based on their interests, plus a field-based practicum that addresses a meaningful policy problem.

Although designed as a two-year program of study, students can accelerate the M.P.P and complete the program within one year by enrolling in online and summer course offerings. 

An MPP in Education Policy from Peabody College sets the course for a prosperous career in multiple policy-focused roles in education. The program primes graduates for opportunities in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, consulting firms and research institutions. The quantitative skills and policy knowledge cultivated throughout the program equip graduates to turn policy-driven research into actionable change, making a tangible difference in the education landscape.

Some career titles graduates of this program hold are: 

• Associate Legislative Research Analyst, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Nashville, Tennessee
• Director of Policy, Texas Aspires, Austin, Texas
• Director of School Partnerships, OneGoal, New York, New York
• K-12 Data and Policy Analyst, Education Trust, Washington, D.C.
• National Policy Associate, Centerstone, Nashville, Tennessee
• School Governance Liaison, Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, Georgia
• Vice President of Policy, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Nashville, Tennessee