Online Master’s Degree in Education (Evaluation Methodology MS)
College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences
Program Overview
Looking for an exciting and fast-growing field? Pursue a online master's degree in Education, with a concentration in Evaluation Methodology through a fully online program via the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Demand for evaluation methodology professionals is increasing. Learn the skills necessary to plan, organize, and implement program evaluations in schools, higher education institutions, community organizations, and government agencies.
Based on real-world scenarios, you'll also learn to conduct research, analyze and interpret data, and make data-driven decisions.
Credit Hours
30
Cost Per Credit Hour*
In-State $700
Out-of-State $775
Testing Requirements
No GRE
Field Experience
Required
*Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees. Please contact your department for additional information on any related fees, and visit Tuition and Fees in Detail at One Stop.
Pursue A Masters in Evaluation Methodology
Looking for an exciting and fast-growing field? The demand for research and evaluation methodology professionals is increasing due to the use of technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. Streamlined work processes lead to more data and a greater need for skilled professionals educated in evaluation processes, standards, and best practices.
What does “evaluation” really mean?
Evaluation is the systematic study of an organization or program’s fidelity, merit, or worth using a recognized set of national standards. The Evaluation Methodology concentration master’s (MS) program is designed to provide students with a broad and rigorous study of the field of evaluation applicable to a variety of career settings. Students will learn quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods evaluation designs, effective communication skills, cutting-edge reporting strategies, and hands-on application of evaluation procedures. The program prepares professionals who are seeking to enhance their skills and develop new competencies in evaluation methodology. All program faculty are active members of the American Evaluation Association.
Secure hands-on experience in the field
Students in this 30-graduate credit hour program will complete core coursework in evaluation principles and practice, methodology, and engage in field-based evaluation experiences. Students will get hands-on experience conducting program evaluations in their Program Evaluation 1 and 2 (ESM 533/534) course sequence in their first year, and they will be responsible for leading an evaluation project in their field of interest as part of the Evaluation Practicum 1 and 2 (ESM 590/591) course sequence in their second year. As a requirement of graduation, students will develop a portfolio that will showcase their practical experiences and exemplars from these and other courses. The program is designed to prepare students to successfully complete a portfolio-based comprehensive examination prior to graduation. Additionally, the program is structured to be completed in two years (6 credits, 2 classes per semester); however, students may take up to six years to finish their degree.
Online asynchronous evaluation program with synchronous support
The Evaluation Methodology master’s program is designed for the working professional. It is offered fully online and asynchronously, which enables students to complete their weekly assignments at times convenient for them. While courses are asynchronous, program faculty offer optional synchronous help sessions and weekly online student hours and are available for one-on-one meetings as students progress through the coursework. The Evaluation Methodology Program Coordinator will serve as the students’ main advisor, ensuring that each student successfully advances through courses, assisting them with obtaining relevant professional development, guiding them through their practicum courses, and mentoring them as they finalize their final project (i.e., comprehensive exam portfolio). Each semester students will also be required to attend at least one virtual advising session (either with their cohort or individually, depending on the semester) led by the Evaluation Methodology faculty, where students will receive guidance regarding courses, practical experience opportunities, program activities, career planning, and be able to ask questions relevant to their needs.
Expert instructors in evaluation methodology
Courses in the Evaluation Methodology program are taught by experienced professionals in the field of evaluation. Our instructors work as evaluation professionals, applied researchers, and full-time evaluation faculty, many of which have won prestigious teaching awards and routinely earn positive teaching evaluations. With this level of expertise and experience, professors in the Education: Evaluation Methodology program are able to assist those looking into the program and base admission decisions on the whole student, their relevant work and life experiences, previous coursework, and their passion for exploring the world of evaluation.
Featured Courses
Students in the MS Education with a Concentration in Evaluation Methodology program take courses to expand their growing knowledge of program performance assessment. Some of these courses include:
ESM 533: Program Evaluation I
Introduction to applied formative and summative program evaluation, including basic practices and techniques of evaluation research design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation and communication of results to promote legitimate use. Major course emphasis is on student design of a field-based evaluation targeted to a specific local campus or community program of need.
ESM 560: Evaluation Designs & Data Collection Methods
Review of common designs utilized in program evaluations. Data collection methods such as surveys, assessments, interviews, focus groups, and observations will be discussed.
ESM 570: Disseminating Evaluation Results
Focuses on ways to disseminate evaluation results to clients. Creating data visualizations, creating infographics, writing executive summaries, writing evaluation reports, and presenting evaluation results will be discussed. Students will work with real evaluation data to create visualizations, reports, and presentations.
ESM 590: Evaluation Practicum I
This is the first course in a two-course sequence focused on giving students real-world experience conducting evaluations. Students will use their knowledge gained in the program to assist a client in an evaluation of their program or system. The evaluation can occur in a variety of settings including education, health, or government. The major goal for this course is for students to design and implement an evaluation study for their client.
Program Career Pathways
The Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Evaluation Methodology program is designed to prepare students for a variety of career pathways, including the following:
Data Manager
Evaluation Analyst
EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT CONSULTANT
Market Research Analyst
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
POLICY & PROGRAM EVALUATION ANALYST
Program Evaluator
PROGRAM EVALUATION SPECIALIST
Social & Community Service Manager
