Advanced Research Methods for Developmental and Family Science (Graduate Certificate)

Graduate students in HDFS or Human Sciences disciplines can apply to this optional certificate, Advanced Research Methods for Human Sciences, to recognize the completion of additional training in research methods and statistics, beyond core course requirements. Courses for the certificate are designed to provide a well-rounded background in methodology and statistics in social sciences. Completion of the certificate will be noted on the student's official transcript.

Student Learning Objectives

Register for the Advanced Research Methods Certificate

Application Guide for registering for the Advanced Research Methods Certificate


Application Requirements:

Transcripts: If you submitted your official transcript(s) when you applied for graduate school at Auburn University it is not necessary to submit your transcript(s) when you apply for the certificate program. You can leave that part of the application empty when you complete it.

Personal Statement: Please submit a 1-2 page double-spaced letter about your interest in the certificate program and the value of the certificate program for your career plans. Please briefly describe relevant courses you have already completed.

Letter of Recommendation: Please submit a 1-2 page double-spaced letter of recommendation that describes how the applicant will benefit from completing the certificate. The letter would typically be from the applicant’s major professor, but could be from someone else.

After submitting your application, please email the certificate coordinator, Dr. Hinnant, at jbh0020@auburn.edu so that your application can be reviewed in a timely manner.


Graduate Certificate requires 21 semester hours.

HDFS Core Requirements     15 hours
Elective Courses     6 hours

Course Titles and Associated Credits

Required Courses: (15 hours)

HDFS 7050
A Research Methods in Human Development and Family Science I
HDFS 7060
Research Methods in Human Development and Family Science II
HDFS 7970
Longitudinal Data Analysis
HDFS 8050
Covariance Structure Analysis
HDFS 8060
Multilevel Modeling

 

Elective Courses: (6 hours - two out of three elective courses below)

HDFS 8070
Moderation and Mediation Analysis
HDFS 8080
Survival and Latent Class Analysis
HDFS 8090
Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences

 

HDFS Advanced Research Methods for Human Sciences
Certificate Curriculum Map and Timeline

21 course credits: 15 credits in 5 required courses; 6 credits in elective courses

Year 1 Year 1 Year 2 Year 2 Year 3 Year 3 Year 4 Year 4
Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring

Required Course Options

HDFS 7050 Research Methods I HDFS 7060 Research Methods II HDFS 8050 Covariance Structure Analysis HDFS 7970 Longitudinal Data Analysis HDFS 8050 Covariance Structure Analysis HDFS 7970 Longitudinal Data Analysis HDFS 8050 Covariance Structure Analysis HDFS 7970 Longitudinal Data Analysis
HDFS 8060 Multilevel Modeling HDFS 8060 Multilevel Modeling HDFS 8060 Multilevel Modeling

Elective Course Options

HDFS 8070 Moderation and Mediation Analysis HDFS 8080 Survival and Latent Class Analysis HDFS 8070 Moderation and Mediation Analysis HDFS 8080 Survival and Latent Class Analysis HDFS 8070 Moderation and Mediation Analysis HDFS 8080 Survival and Latent Class Analysis
HDFS 8090 Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences HDFS 8090 Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences HDFS 8090 Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences