Certificate in Institutional Research

On this Page:

Program Overview
Program Goals and Objectives
Degree Requirements
Admissions Requirements 
Useful Links
Program Contact

Program Overview

The Certificate in Institutional Research at The Florida State University is an online Certificate program designed to provide academic and professional development opportunities for institutional researchers, administrators, graduate students, and faculty from all areas of higher education.

Students will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of institutional research, explore institutional, state, and national databases, and apply their knowledge to practical situations.

History of the Certificate

The Certificate in Institutional Research was developed in 2002 with a grant from the Association for Institutional Research and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Courses were developed to appeal to a variety of professionals and students who have an interest in advancing their understanding of Institutional Research theory and practice. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Schwartz, the Certificate has evolved from a hybrid on- and off-campus format to an online program, accessible to students across the world.

Currently, there are more than 70 students pursing the Certificate and over 50 students have completed the Certificate requirements since 2005.

Program Goals and Objectives

• To enhance knowledge and understanding of Institutional Research and the relevant issues of current practice.
• To promote the use of Institutional Research in policy development and administrative processes at educational institutions.
• To stimulate interest in using national databases to address educational issues.
• To promote professional collaboration and the advancement of Institutional Research in the US and other countries.

Certificate Requirements

The Certificate program consists of 18 credit hours of graduate-level coursework in three areas of study:

• Institutional Research Theory and Practice
• Higher Education Administration
• Educational Research

Students may transfer in up to six (6) elective credits from graduate-level courses in Research and/or Statistics.

Curriculum Information

Admission Requirements

Applications for the Certificate in Institutional Research are accepted on a continuous basis. However, it is recommended that students begin the program in the summer with the Introduction to Institutional Research course.

Applications are evaluated by the program coordinator and the program director using the following criteria:

1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
2. Evidence of ability to meet program goals and objectives.
3. Research interests and experience. 

Note: Lack of experience in institutional or educational research will not negate acceptance. Research interests and the potential for professional development are major considerations in the application evaluation process.

To apply to the Certificate in Institutional Research program, please fill out the application form below and email it to the Program Coordinator.

Florida State University Certificate in Institutional Research Application.

Enrollment Information

Useful Links

FSU Career Center
FSU Financial Aid

Program Contact

Program Coordinator/Certificate in IR
Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
1209 Stone Building
1114 W. Call Street
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4452

ircertificate@coe.fsu.edu

850.644.6777
850.644.1258 (FAX)

Program Faculty