Master of Arts in Research and Evaluation Methods
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: MA
Classroom Type: Fully Online Online and on campus classes
MA students come from a variety of backgrounds with the common thread of questioning status quo and exploring ‘what works’ in their field. This program is very practitioner-focused providing an opportunity for those who are interested in improving schools, social programs, and community organizations through high-quality research and evaluation, data-driven decisions and the dissemination of evidence-based research.
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education Human Development Psychology Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver Online
As a student in this program, you’ll be encouraged to examine real-world challenges impacting education and society today. You’ll learn how to address real life challenges through research and evaluation studies, from defining problems to conducting the study itself. In addition to coursework, you’ll develop skills using software and learn with real life data in practicums and internships.
You’ll learn to ask and solve problems by:
- Skillfully identifying and articulating questions to ask across multiple settings in your chosen field of practice
- Recognizing appropriate sources of information to collect data
- Designing methods of data collection such as questionnaires and interview protocols
- Analyzing data using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods
- Using Excel, SPSS, R, Dedoose, Qualtrics, Tableau, SQL, and other data analysis software programs
- Interpreting data and preparing presentations and reports
How it works
This program allows part-time and full-time students the ability to customize learning experiences based on their professional goals. Students can choose one or two of the certificates listed below to highlight specialized skills on the way to meeting the requirements of the 30-credit MA in Research and Evaluation Methods.
Certificate Options
Applied Measurement
Learn to measure the abstract variables used in daily decision-making. This involves deep critical thinking skills and the ability to combine statistical learning with understandings of human behavior. Individuals working in social sciences, education and mental health and who want to deepen their knowledge of diversity, respect, equity and inclusiveness may be particularly interested in this offering.
Applied Statistical Modeling
Learn advanced statistical modeling skills that have direct connections to practical educational issues and socially-just solutions for urban and diverse communities. Think and reason with quantitative data, especially using large scale datasets.
Classroom Assessment
Learn how assessments in education both support and hinder individuals in diverse groups. There are many biases to be aware of and overcome as we create more culturally inclusive assessments moving forward. We prepare students to be leaders in schools and districts who can advocate for change using data.
Culturally Responsive Methods
Learn how to conduct research studies and evaluations with a culturally responsive lens. We prepare leaders who can advocate for diversity, respect, and inclusiveness using data.
Program Evaluation
Experiences and connections with urban and diverse communities are at the heart of our online Program Evaluation certificate. Coursework involves helping real schools, community organizations and non-profits thrive through effective and culturally responsible program evaluation practices.
Qualitative Methods and Analysis
Develop your abilities to collect and analyze words, images, and observations to gain a deeper understanding of phenomena. We prepare leaders who can advocate for diversity, respect, and inclusiveness using data.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
The School of Education & Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver attracts students who are passionate about careers in educational research and evaluation. We match their passion with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world.
Sample Courses
- RSEM 5120 - Introduction to Research Methods 3 credits
- RSEM 7220 - Program Evaluation Theory and Design 3 credits
- RSEM 7080 - Methods of Qualitative Inquiry 3 credits
- RSEM 7110 - Intermediate Statistics 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:1 to 2 years
Required Credits for Completion:30
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
We practice "rolling admission" and after your application is complete, we strive to notify you of your admission status in no more than two to three weeks.
The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.
Fall Semester: June 30
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: April 30
Application Requirements
- 2 recommendation letters
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- If applying for an endorsement, proof of teaching license or special services license is required
- Resume/CV
- Written Statement: Describe your interest in the program, your special strengths, and the goals you hope to achieve through your work in the program
- $50.00 application fee
- International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-6300.
Additional Information
Our courses are positioned in educational and social science settings but transcend specific content areas. Roughly half of our Master’s students have content interest in educational settings including, K-12, early childhood, higher education, and informal ed (i.e. museums, outdoor education). Our other students have a wide variety of interests in health and psychology, library science, technology, and social justice work within families, communities, and society.
After gaining admission to the program, your course of study will guide you through the various competencies that are required. At the end of the program, you'll complete a practicum, an independent study project, or a master's thesis to gain on-the-ground experience with research and/or evaluation studies. You will need to perform satisfactorily on a written, comprehensive examination.