by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Research Methodology & Quantitative Methods explores Research Methodology And Quantitative Methods. A Program That Focuses On The Design Of Research Studies, Measurement Of Variables, Data Analysis, And Formulation Of Models. Includes Instruction In Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, And Case Study Methods; Historical Research; Participant Observation; Questionnaire Design; Sampling Theory; And Statistical Methods. Examples: [Methodology, Measurement, And Statistics]. Continue reading for the essential details every research methodology & quantitative methods student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering research methodology & quantitative methods programs.
Across the country, research methodology & quantitative methods is a widely-pursued major, with 1,929 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Research Methodology & Quantitative Methods Schools ranking analyzes these 55 schools to determine the best overall colleges for research methodology & quantitative methods students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of research methodology & quantitative methods programs later in this article.
Coursework for Research Methodology & Quantitative Methods develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations research methodology & quantitative methods graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a research methodology & quantitative methods program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a research methodology & quantitative methods major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several research methodology & quantitative methods degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 167 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,725 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 36 |
People currently working in careers related to research methodology & quantitative methods tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 46.2% |
| Master’s degree | 23.7% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4.7% |
| Some college courses | 3.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.9% |
| Post-doctoral training | 1.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| First professional degree | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in research methodology & quantitative methods careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying research methodology & quantitative methods prepares you for many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to research methodology & quantitative methods.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to research methodology & quantitative methods.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 1,421,275 | 11.1% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Statisticians | 307,132 | 6.6% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 206,415 | 9.9% |
| Sociologists | 143,776 | 3.0% |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | 128,884 | 5.2% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of research methodology & quantitative methods graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,528 |
| 4 years | $43,428 |
| 5 years | $50,073 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for research methodology & quantitative methods graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers research methodology & quantitative methods grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Statisticians | $130,349 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Biostatisticians | $121,594 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Survey Researchers | $108,538 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
With 55 different research methodology & quantitative methods programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased research methodology & quantitative methods school rankings to help you.
Those considering research methodology & quantitative methods, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General | 15,565 |
| Survey Research/Methodology | 13 |
| Social Sciences, Other | 3 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
