MESA 8450 Multilevel Regression Models

This course introduces students to multilevel regression modeling (aka hierarchical models or mixed effects models) for analyzing data with a nesting or hierarchical structure. We discuss the appropriate uses of multilevel regression modeling, the statistical models that underpin the approach, and how to construct models to address substantive issues. We consider a variety of types of models, including random intercept, and random slope and intercept models; models for longitudinal data; and models for discrete outcomes. We cover various issues related to the design of multilevel studies, model building and the interpretation of the output from HLM and SPSS software programs.

Course overview

Department
Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment
School
Lynch
Credits
3
Level
Graduate
Offered
Biannually in the Spring

Catalog details

Prerequisites
MESA8430

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Course evaluations

Response-weighted averages from Boston College’s official course evaluations (Avalanche/Blue).

Course rating
4.52 / 5 · Excellent
35 responses
Instructor rating
4.54 / 5 · Excellent
35 responses
Terms evaluated
3
Most recent: Spring 2026

Scales: overall ratings run from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent); agreement questions from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree); weekly effort from 1 (up to 1 hour) to 5 (10 or more hours).

Evaluations by term and instructor
TermInstructorCourse overallInstructor overallWell organizedClear learning objectivesIntellectually challengingHelpful assignmentsApplicable beyond courseAttendance necessaryWeekly effortResponses
Spring 2026Laura O'Dwyer4.84.84.74.85.05.04.94.97–9 hrs/week11 of 11
Spring 2025Laura O'Dwyer4.64.64.64.64.74.94.84.710+ hrs/week13 of 13
Spring 2024Laura O'Dwyer4.14.24.54.54.84.84.64.7—11 of 20

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-10-09. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Laura O'Dwyer
    Spring 2027, Spring 2026, Spring 2025, Spring 2024 · Official rating 4.54/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Spring 2027 · Laura O'Dwyer · Campion Hall 131 Tu 01:30PM-04:00PM · Offered