Advanced Research Methods Certificate
The Advanced Research Methods (ARM) Certificate is a graduate-level certificate in Education & Social Sciences Advanced Research Methods (ARM), offered by the School of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University. The program allows graduate students the opportunity to add to their degree’s minimum requirements for training in research methodology, and to obtain academic validation for their additional efforts.
Resources and Admissions Requirements
Requirements
Who can obtain the ARM Certificate?
- Graduate students in all departments in the SEHD
- Graduate students in departments outside the SEHD, at Texas A&M University who wish to add to their social science research training
- Professionals in the Bryan/College Station community who wish to improve their research skills.
While the ARM Certificate does not show up on your diploma it will be added to your transcript. The certificate allows graduate students the opportunity to add to their degree’s minimum requirmennts for training in research methodology, and to obtain academic validation for their additional efforts. Students are taught to master advanced competencies in education and social sciences research methods, with emphasis on quantitative or qualitative approaches to prepare to both engage in social science research and to teach these methods. As part of the certificate completion requirements, students will provide evidence of submission of a manuscript for publication as the main author, or as a co-author. Such requirement facilitates students’ initiation into the academic publication process, and allows them to become more ‘marketable’ in today’s competitive hiring practices.
The ARM Certificate is offered as a “stand alone” program for individuals who possess basic and intermediate research methods training. Prospective students who wish to acquire advanced social sciences and education research skills (due to requirements stemming from their current jobs) would be able to obtain the certificate with an investment of 12 credit hours, as opposed to 32-36 hours required for a Master’s degree. The certificate might represent an attractive option for already-graduated Master’s students (from SEHD or other schools/colleges), who wish to enhance or refresh their potentially dated research methods training.
Resources
When ALL requirements are complete, or during your final semester, submit this form that documents courses taken, submission (and receipt by journal) of article for publication, Graduate Chair’s approval and signature and Department Head’s signature.
Download the Departmental Application
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
4 ADVANCED* QUANTITATIVE OR QUALITATIVE (OR MIXED METHODS)
- Research Methods Courses
- Advanced Courses: Only courses identified as advanced, by the Research Certificate Committee will be eligible for credit (see list below)
- 12 hours
Requirement for Completion: Evidence of submission of a research-based article, for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, as main author or co-author.
Grade Requirement: In order to qualify for the Certificate, only courses for which students earned grades A, B, or S will be counted toward the Certificate.
Program Details
Degree: Teacher Certificate
Program Delivery: Traditional
Student may apply even if they have already taken all (or most) of the 12 credit hours, as long as their chair approves it. Course credits already taken for a degree plan may be applied toward the ARM certificate. Advanced-level research methods courses previously taken that are not listed on the approved course list may be applied to the ARM requirements, if they are approved by the committee overseeing the ARM Certificate.
Contact Advisors

BRENDA VAZQUEZ
Academic Advisor II
Frequently Asked Questions
Masters
Can you guide me through the application process?
Please visit our web page at https://tlac.tamu.edu/admissions/masters-admissions or https://tlac.tamu.edu/admissions/doctoral-admissions for step-by-step information about applying for our master’s and doctoral programs.
How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information
What are the typical program costs?
The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Click here for the cost of attendance estimator
Please note, you must update the program hours.
I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?
Please feel free to contact our Graduate Advising Office with any questions you may have. Our office information can be found at https://tlac.tamu.edu/student-services/graduate-advising.
How soon can I apply?
Prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible!
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?
Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the Office of Graduate Studies Financial Aid at https://financialaid.tamu.edu/graduate.