Program evaluation certificate
in Organizational Leadership, Policy and DevelopmentIn recent years, the demand for trained professionals in program evaluation has steadily increased. New tools in data collection and trends in accountability have created a need for well-designed program evaluations in funding agencies, non-profit organizations, and throughout the private sector. Our certificate in program evaluation prepares you to lead program evaluation efforts. You will learn applied methods, techniques, and processes, and how evaluation fits into larger economic, social, and political contexts.
Benefits
- Earn a credential that distinguishes you from other job candidates in a wide array of fields.
- Earn a credential while building credits toward a full Master’s program.
- Obtain specialized knowledge and feel confident and self-assured in your work.
Coursework
Students must complete at least 12 semester credits. The core curriculum consists of coursework in three areas: foundations of evaluation, evaluation theory, and internship experiences.
The curriculum includes 8-9 credits of required coursework and 3-4 credits of elective coursework; coursework must total at least 12 credits. Students with sufficient background and previous course experience may apply for a waiver of content requirements.
Foundations of evaluation
Take one course from the following:
- OLPD 5501—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
- PA 5311—Program Evaluation (3 cr)
- PUBH 6852—Program Evaluation in Health and Mental Health Settings (2 cr)
- SW 8603—Program Evaluation (2 cr)
Evaluation theory
- OLPD 5502—Theory and Models of Evaluation (3 cr)
OR OLPD 8502—Program Evaluation Theory and Models: Qualitative and Quantitative Alternatives (3 cr)
Internship in evaluation
OLPD 8596—Evaluation Internship (1-9 cr) [Only 3 credits of this course can count towards this certificate.
Elective coursework (3-4 credits)
Students may choose 3-4 credits of elective coursework from the following list to meet the overall program minimum of 12 credits. Additional courses may be approved by the program coordinator of evaluation studies.
- CI 8148—Conducting Qualitative Studies in Educational Contexts (3 cr)
- CI 8914—Critical Science Research (3 cr)
- EPSY 5221—Principles of Educational and Psychological Measurement (3 cr)
- EPSY 5244—Survey Design, Sampling, and Implementation (3 cr)
- FSOS 8013—Qualitative Family Research Methods (3 cr)
- OLPD 5056—Case Studies for Policy Research (3 cr)
- OLPD 5061—Ethnographic Research Methods (3 cr)
- OLPD 5521—Cost and Economic Analysis in Educational Evaluation (3 cr)
- OLPD 8595—Evaluation Problems (1-6 cr)
- PUBH 6724—The Health Care System and Public Health (3 cr)
- SW 8602—Direct Practice Evaluation (2 cr)
How to apply
Admission Deadline
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be submitted at any time.
Admission is open to degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students.
Admission Requirements
Degree: Completed graduate-level degree, master of education (M.Ed.) or master of arts (M.A.), in an appropriate content area, including education, social work, public health, or public policy.
Experience: Students must demonstrate relevant academic background, including research methodology and experience in a field in which program evaluation is practiced (e.g., public health, social work, or education). Admission will be based on an assessment of the applicant's advanced knowledge and level of professional experience in the field of program evaluation.
GRE scores: Not required
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):
TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading)
IELTS = 6.5
Readmission
If a graduate student in an OLPD program has become inactive they must follow the readmission procedures.
Whether you seek reactivation after accidentally being discontinued this term or want to return after a long absence these are the steps needed to re-apply.
- Complete the proper online readmission application.
If you have been away from the program less than five years use the Express Readmission Application and email it to olpd@umn.edu. All others must submit the Online Application for Readmission
- Once received, the department will forward your application to the appropriate admissions committee. Readmission decisions are normally determined by the program’s admissions committee, not any one individual faculty member.
Readmission is never guaranteed. Decisions for readmission are based on a review of previous progress toward degree completion, the proposed timeline for completion, the availability of faculty resources, and/or any additional application materials they may request from you. Individual programs/tracks reserve the right to readmit students under the current graduate program requirements, rules, and guidelines. They may also request an applicant to provide additional information prior to making a decision.
- Once the committee makes their recommendation, the department’s DGS will sign off on the decision and forward the result to the central Graduate Admissions Office for processing. Once processed, you will be notified of the decision.
Individual department programs and tracks reserve the right to require readmitted students to retake coursework if they deem it appropriate. Readmitted students are also required to abide by current time-to-degree policies as determined by the University, which may differ from the policy in place when they first started the degree program.
Individuals seeking readmission to the Ph.D., Ed.D., and M.A. program tracks in the former EDPA, WHRE, and WCFE majors can only reapply to the appropriate program track under the Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) major name.
Detailed Application Instructions
Click here to access the online application for admission.
Required fields in the application for admission are: Personal Information, Application Information, Educational Background, Languages, Awards & Activities, Employment/Residence Information, Financial Support, Applicant Statements #1 & #2, Program Specific Questions, Recommendation Letters (limit 2), and Resume or CV. All other fields or application materials are optional, but will be taken into consideration if submitted.
Fees: Review information about application fees here.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. Click here for more information about transcripts and credentials.
GRE scores are not only not required, they are not considered for applications to this program.
Statement #1, Personal Statement (required): Please provide a statement outlining your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. If there is a particular faculty member with whom you wish to study, please give that person’s name and explain why you want to study with that person. You may also wish to include other information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships, or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for advanced study in your chosen field. [Please do not exceed two pages, and refer to "program specific questions" below to avoid repetition]
Statement #2, Diversity Statement (required): Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota’s mission. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. [Please do not exceed one page.]
Statement #3: Extenuating Circumstances (optional): If your grades and/or test scores are not strong, and you would like to provide an explanation, please do so. [Limit 1200 characters.]
Program Specific Questions: Answer each question listed for these specific programs. Limit your response to 2 pages. Upload in the “Program Specific Questions” area:
1. What are your major areas of interest related to program evaluation?
2. What have been your past experiences in the area of program evaluation?
3. What is your current involvement in the area of program evaluation?
4. What is your anticipated or desired career interest related to program evaluation?
5. Why are you interested in the certificate in program evaluation?
Two letters of recommendation (required). The strongest recommendations typically come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable.
English Language Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) Click here for more information about TOEFL Scores.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.