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Graduate Certificate in Education Assessment, Evaluation, and Data Literacy, Concentration in Program Evaluation

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Assess and Evaluate for Continuous Improvement 

In this era of data-informed decision-making in education, there is an increasing need for individuals well versed in creating and managing educational programs that allow systematic gathering, analysis, and interpretation of high quality evidence. The graduate certificate in educational assessment, evaluation, and data literacy provides individuals in educational settings knowledge and skills to effectively use data to support learning and instruction as well as monitor and measure program success. Courses are tailored to meet the aims and scope of two concentrations: data literacy and program evaluation.

Concentration in Program Evaluation

Students in the program evaluation concentration take five courses (i.e., 16 credits) in educational research methods, educational statistics, qualitative methods, and program evaluation. The Program Evaluation concentration prepares individuals seeking evaluation positions in educational organizations as well as government and non-government agencies. Therefore, the concentration is relevant for current graduate students, program coordinators, and directors interested in developing, leading, or evaluating educational programs. Students complete an internship experience as part of an advanced program evaluation course to gain first-hand experience conducting and supporting evaluation of a program of their choice. Students in the program evaluation certificate can use up to 16 credits toward their Master’s or doctoral program. We encourage currently enrolled degree students or recent graduates to consider the program evaluation concentration if they are interested in a career in educational evaluation.

Concentration in Program Evaluation

The Program Evaluation Concentration offers skills development in:
• Critiquing and evaluating current educational research
• Applying basic concepts and assumptions pertinent to statistical analyses
• Applying basic approaches to qualitative data analysis and interpretation
• Adopting the ethical principles, competencies, and professional standards that inform evaluation practice to critique and conduct evaluations
• Understanding the role of theory in program development and evaluation
• Planning and implementing program evaluations grounded in appropriate theory and research