How to Get a Master's Degree in Assessment & Evaluation
It's a watershed moment in educational policy, as legislators and administrators take a fresh look at improving the nation's schools. Assessment and program evaluation experts are playing lead roles in education reform, supplying research data and developing appropriate responses. Evaluators can shape the educational system through either policy recommendations or program initiatives.
A master's degree in assessment & evaluation qualifies you to gather and interpret information about educational programs and student performance. A two-year graduate degree program provides a foundation in research methodology and current scholarship, and culminates in an independent research project. Mid-career professionals can earn a master's degree online while they work.
WorldWideLearn.com's guide to the master's degree in assessment and evaluation helps you prepare for graduate study in education.
Master's Degrees in Assessment & Evaluation: An Overview
The field of educational assessment and evaluation takes a systematic approach to improving the quality of schools. The American Higher Education Assessment Forum defines assessment as "an ongoing process aimed at understanding and improving student learning." Steps in this effort include:
- Setting appropriate quality standards and criteria for assessment
- Systematically gathering, analyzing, and interpreting evidence to gauge performance
- Using these results to document and improve performance
To achieve these goals, program evaluators rely on both quantitative and qualitative research tools--standardized tests, interviews, surveys, case studies, and focus groups. The process engages diverse fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, and statistics.
Graduate degrees in assessment and evaluation are broadly similar. Both are social science research degrees culminating in a thesis project; a U.S. Department of Education-sponsored study found that "research and statistics requirements are not significantly different for M.Ed. versus M.S./M.A. programs." Nevertheless, you're likely to encounter subtle differences in emphasis and resources.
Master of Education
The M.Ed. in assessment and evaluation offers a comprehensive background in education administration, with training in curriculum and program development, testing, and educational policy. The Master of Education emphasizes professional development and applied social science research.
Master of Science
The M.S. in assessment and evaluation falls firmly on the quantitative side of the disciplinary spectrum. If your interest lies in statistical methods and numerical analysis, a M.S. program is likely to feature the right mix of faculty expertise, specialization options, and technology resources.
Your academic interests and preferred program format determine which degree works best for you. Many M.Ed. programs, for example, are designed to accommodate working professionals who want to earn a master's degree online. Learn more about your master's degree options at WorldWideLearn.com's The Master's Degree Explained.
Specializations
Master's degrees in education encourage students to specialize in a topic of interest. Most M.Ed. and M.S. programs require a capstone research project in this area of expertise, in addition to elective courses.
Assessment and evaluation specializations typically focus on a particular problem or research methodology:
focuses on the application of technology such as Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) programs to analyze qualitative and numerical data.
emphasizes deep, contextual research methods such as interviews and case studies. In addition to studying qualitative methods, scholars consider issues such as subjectivity and bias.
- Statistical Methods in Program Evaluation
emphasize the collection and numerical analysis of large-scale data sets. Topics include models, correlation and regression methods, factor analysis, multivariate analysis, survey research, and applied psychometrics.
focuses on the development of tests for measuring student performance and program effectiveness.
- Education Policy and Curriculum Development
emphasize the end-point of assessment and evaluation: the development of appropriate solutions on both the policy and program levels.
Program-Specific Specializations
Most graduate students also target a specific educational program or student group in their research. Program specializations can focus on language, math and science, or institutional assessment. Demographic specializations emphasize a particular grade level or constituency: special education, early childhood, K-12 education, higher education, or teacher evaluation and accountability.
For a closer look at the discipline and specialization options, see the U.S. Department of Education's Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), a national information clearinghouse that includes assessment and evaluation (ERIC-AE).
Career Track
Once you earn a master's degree online or on campus, you qualify for a range of roles in educational assessment and evaluation. Common career tracks include:
The M.Ed. can serve as a stepping stone to a career teaching courses in evaluation, assessment, and research methods at the college level. Most universities require aspiring professors to complete a doctoral degree as well.
- Program Evaluation Director:
Assessment and evaluation graduates can lead assessment and evaluation projects at the national, state, and local levels.
Apply your training as an independent consultant. Assessment and evaluation experts provide guidance on research methodology and on appropriate policy and program responses.
Program evaluators make good on their broad research training to analyze and optimize school programs.
WorldWideLearn.com's Career Pathways resource offers career planning and assessment tools to help you determine which career direction suits you best.
Plan for a Master's Degree in Educational Assessment & Evaluation
Understanding your academic and career preferences can help you position yourself for success as you plan for graduate school. The following steps take you from ambition to action.
Step One: Find the Right Graduate Assessment & Evaluation Program
Kick off a successful academic journey by identifying campus or online master's degree programs that meet your requirements.
1. List Accredited M.Ed. or MS Programs
Access lists of graduate M.Ed. and/or Master of Science programs in educational assessment and evaluation. It's important to vet programs for accreditation, even at this preliminary stage. The value of accreditation should be readily apparent to any aspiring assessment and evaluation professional: these regular program evaluations apply systematic methods to verify the quality of graduate degree programs. The quality of your education, the value of your master's degree, and your eligibility for federal financial aid depend on accreditation by an independent agency. The U.S. Department of Education Web site features a searchable database of approved regional and national accreditation agencies.
WorldWideLearn.com represents accredited master's degree programs. The site is geared to working professionals who want to earn a master's degree online or through a convenient campus program.
The American Evaluation Association maintains a list of graduate assessment & evaluation programs worldwide. School information includes contacts information, program focus, available specializations, and names of evaluation faculty.
2. Choose Program Format: Campus or Online Master's Degree?
The diversity of today's degree program formats has made graduate school accessible to a broader range of students, including those who benefit the most from advanced education--mid-career professionals. Master's degrees in education are available as:
Earn a master's degree online, accessing advanced education technology via the Internet and working at your own pace. Online master's degrees in assessment and evaluation allow working administrators to sharpen their research skills and transition into this growing specialty.
- Full-time campus programs.
The traditional format attracts recent college graduates and others who can afford to focus primarily on their education. Campus programs offer advantages such as access to computing and library facilities and a collegial support network. If you're aiming for an academic career, these advantages could boost your prospects of getting into a competitive doctoral program and landing a job as a college professor.
- Part-time and flexible-schedule campus programs.
Designed for local working professionals, these master's programs feature flexible scheduling, including weekend and night courses and part-time programs.
Both the campus and online master's degree in assessment and evaluation can hone your research skills and catapult you into an advanced role in academic evaluation. The right program format for you depends on your life circumstances and career goals.
WorldWideLearn.com's Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections help you find programs with your chosen delivery format. Search Degrees by Location for campus graduate programs in your area.
3. Explore Academic Programs
With the critical logistics accounted for, you're ready to tackle the detailed program research. Investigate and compare the resources of individual programs to determine which ones reflect your academic goals and values.
The following features reveal a program's academic landscape:
Evaluate required and elective courses as well as degree specializations.
- Departmental Associations.
Departmental affiliations--education, statistics, public administration--reveal program emphases, resources, and potential research partnerships.
Master's degree programs can incorporate lectures, group work, clinics, internships, and independent research projects.
Faculty can hail from the program evaluation profession or the academic, and typically bring expertise in a specialized area.
Career-focused M.Ed. or M.S. programs maintain relationships with firms and public agencies dedicated to educational assessment and evaluation.
Graduate school brings together talented and experienced administrators. Given a collegial, collaborative learning environment, you can learn as much from your peers as your instructors.
WorldWideLearn.com facilitates your research by matching you with schools that meet your basic criteria. Fill out a form indicating your preferences, and school representatives contact you to discuss master's degree program details and answer your questions.
School websiteslet you dig into another level of detail, with links to graduate student handbooks, course descriptions, degree requirements, special programs, faculty CVs and publications.
Informational interviews offer a valuable glimpse into the educational experience--as well as the long-term professional value of the degree. Schedule appointments with current graduate students, alumni, and faculty. If possible, visit the school campus in person to tour facilities and experience local amenities.
4. Evaluate Program Quality
Evaluate program quality in order to narrow down and prioritize your application list. Because the best schools are also the most competitive, aim for programs that fit your academic profile. Admissions committees evaluate applicants based on factors such as GPA, test scores, and work experience.
Quality indicators include:
- Rankings and reputation
- Student demographics, including educational background and level of work experience
- Job placement and salary statistics
- Availability of career support services
Rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Best Graduate Schools in Education, with breakdowns by specialty. Depending on your area of interest, relevant specialties can include Education Policy, Educational Administration, or Curriculum & Instruction.
Admissions Departments collect valuable data about the graduate student community, including admissions statistics (average GPA and test scores), placement data (starting salary, employer), and demographics (age, gender, professional experience). Ask your admissions counselor for this information.
Step Two: Apply to Graduate Assessment & Evaluation Programs
Once you've chosen five schools that match your profile, you're ready to prepare your admission application.
1. Complete Prerequisites
Most graduate assessment & evaluation programs maintain the following eligibility standards:
- A bachelor's degree in education, statistics, or a social science field
- Prerequisite courses in statistics or education, if your degree was in another discipline
- Standardized tests, including the GRE and TOEFL (for international students)
- Work experience (an advantage for some master's programs)
WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide can help you complete your prerequisites with information about online courses, test preparation resources, and application strategy.
2. Prepare Application Materials
An application to graduate school typically requires both an online information form and these supporting materials:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (two or three, from academic or professional sources)
- Test scores
- Personal essay or statement of research interests
- Resume
Some programs also arrange for finalists to interview with an admissions counselor or faculty in your intended research area.
3. Apply for Financial Aid
It's not too early to plan your financial investment. Graduate assessment and evaluation programs offer a number of financial aid programs to help offset the cost of your education. Options include, in order of desirability:
- Fellowships and scholarships
- Research and tuition grants
- Corporate sponsorships, including tuition assistance
- Paid teaching and research assistantships
- Low-interest student loans
The following resources can help you secure financial aid:
- Meet with financial aid advisors at your top schools to determine your eligibility for financial aid.
- Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This comprehensive application covers all federal financial aid programs, including Stafford Loans.
- The American Educational Research Association publishes a detailed list of Funding Resources for graduate students in assessment & evaluation.
- WorldWideLearn.com features a resource page on graduate education funding.
In addition to direct financial aid, you can reduce the cost of your education by working while you study. The option to earn a master's degree online makes it possible to get your degree without interrupting your career.
Step Three: Build Your Academic Network
The opportunity to swap insights with peers and mentors is the highlight of a graduate education. Start building your academic network now by:
1. Joining Professional Associations
Major organizations include the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the American Evaluation Association.
2. Reading Journals
Respected publications in assessment and evaluation include:
- Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics (JEBS)
- Journal of Statistics in Education (JSE)
- CRESST Resource Papers
- CRESST Reports
- Education Policy Analysis Archives (online searchable archive of journal articles)
- National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, & Student Testing (CRESST)
For journals and listservs in particular academic specialties, consult the ERIC-AE database of journals, newsletters, and reports.
3. Attending Networking Events and Conferences
The best way to build rapport and exchange ideas remains the face-to-face meeting. Universities and professional associations sponsor events and conferences to foster connections among assessment & evaluation scholars.
Conclusion
Education administrators are facing historic challenges, as standards for educational excellence rise and school budgets diminish. Skilled assessment and evaluation professionals bring the expertise to improve programs and achieve better results. Earn a master's degree online or on campus, and build the research skills and expertise to lead education reform in the coming decades.
Sources
- American Educational Research Association (AERA).
- Best Education Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
- Drake, Liselle, and Lawrence Rudner. Assessment and Evaluation Resources on the Internet, ERIC-AE.
- Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation, Boston College Lynch School of Education.
- Master of Science in Educational Research and Evaluation, Northern Illinois University.
- Master's Degree in Program Evaluation, University of Texas at Austin.
- National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST).
- Osquthorpe, Russell T. The Growing Confusion Among Master's Programs in Education. Education Resources Information Center (ERIC).
- Policy, Organization, Management, and Evaluation--Graduate Student Handbook. UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education.
- Program Evaluation and Assessment, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education.
- University Programs, American Evaluation Association.
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