SRM Program Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the Survey Research Methods online certificate program. In addition, students must have access to Stata software. SPSS would be helpful but is not required. To obtain the Survey Research Methods certificate, participants must successfully complete 3 online courses for a total of 11 credit hours. Credits earned in the Survey Research Methods program may be transferred towards the fulfillment of the Master of Public Administration degree, in the event certificate participants apply and are admitted to the program. In addition to the MPA, participants may be able to transfer earned certificate credits into other degree programs. This program is a UIC campus certificate; credits earned will appear on the student's transcripts.
Required SRM Courses
PA 582 - Survey Data Collection Methods, 4 credit hours.
This course focuses on examining the impact of survey data collection techniques on data quality and survey costs. The course involves learning about and discussing the major data collection methods used in surveys (e.g., face-to-face interviewing, telephone survey and mail questionnaires); new advances in data collection, including computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) and computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI); and the role of interviewers and their impact on survey data. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SRM certificate program, graduate or professional standing or consent of the instructor.
PA 588 - Applied Survey Sampling and Analysis, 4 credit hours.
This course provides an overview of current methods and issues in regards to the theory and logic of data editing, imputation, weighting and special considerations in the analysis and reporting of data from complex sample surveys. This course provides an in-depth overview of available procedures and standards for survey data reduction and data analysis activities. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SRM Certificate program, MPA or PhD in Public Administration program or consent of the instructor.
CHSC 577/PA 577- Survey Questionnaire Design, 3 credit hours.
This course provides in-depth training and experience in survey questionnaire design. The course trains students to develop and assess survey questions to measure key groups of variables for surveys involving different modes of data collection. It also teaches students how to understand the effects of question formatting, wording, coding and ordering on responses and data quality. Students develop and present questionnaires related to their individual interests. Prerequisite(s) :Admission to the SRM Certificate program, CHSC 446 (or equivalent) or CHSC 447/PA 447 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.