Start your journey
Evaluate with purpose. Lead with insight.
The Master of Arts in evaluation studies at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities prepares you to do more than just collect data—it empowers you to drive organizational change. The MA is designed for action. You will master a sophisticated toolkit of methods to assess impact, illuminate solutions, and improve programs across education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector.
Step beyond the classroom through our organizational partnerships, where you will work on real-life evaluation cases to gain the high-demand, hands-on experience employers value most. Our curriculum ensures you gain expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches, always with an intentional focus on culturally responsive and inclusive evaluation practices.
This program is available in person and fully online. All students are admitted together regardless of modality, and you may switch between in-person and online courses at any time. Prefer a fully online experience? Learn more about the online MA in evaluation studies.
Why Minnesota?
- We specialize in multidisciplinary evaluation. Housed within a top-tier College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).You won't just learn statistics; you'll learn to navigate the complex human and political contexts that make evaluation successful.
- Our Twin Cities location offers direct, in-person access to a vibrant ecosystem of Fortune 500 companies, state agencies, and global NGOs—and our fully online option means you can tap into this network and community from anywhere in the country.
- Culturally responsive focus: our curriculum prioritizes equity and inclusion, ensuring you graduate with the skills to conduct evaluations that are respectful and relevant to diverse communities.
- Flexible delivery: this program is now available as fully remote distance learning, with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online coursework. In-person study remains fully available for students who prefer it.
Careers
Our alumni lead impact assessment and fill critical roles as behavioral scientists, program managers, research managers, and evaluation specialists in diverse settings:
- Nonprofits and NGOs, measuring social impact and program efficacy.
- Government agencies, evaluating public policy and community initiatives.
- Healthcare systems, improving patient outcomes through data-driven insights.
- Private sector roles, leading market research and organizational development.
Applications are due by February 1 for a Fall semester start.
- Fall semester start only.
- Applicants may only apply to one OLPD track.
- Applications are not complete until all required materials and fees have been received. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered until the next review date the following year. It is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before any submission deadlines.
- Applicants will be asked to indicate whether they plan to pursue fully remote distance learning. This designation does not affect admission decisions, which are reviewed under the same criteria for all applicants. The application process is identical for remote and in-person options; the program is the same.
- Applications are processed by the Graduate School. A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department's admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials.
Degree: Bachelor's degree
GPA: 3.0 undergraduate
GRE: Do not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):
- TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading)
- IELTS = 6.5
- Refer to this page for all English language proficiency requirements.
Writing Sample
Provide an English language scholarly writing sample. Scholarly writing samples may include: sole-authored manuscripts, course papers, and papers prepared for academic conferences. Your sample should provide evidence of your ability to effectively conceptualize and communicate complex ideas and demonstrate clarity, organization, and appropriate use of grammar and style. Group work, blog or newspaper articles, published papers as co-author, posters, infographics, and work written by or with the help of generative AI software will not be acceptable for this purpose.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
International students who will have completed 16 semester credits (within the past 24 months) in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States before entering the University of Minnesota are exempt from the testing requirement but may be asked to take locally administered English tests after arrival on campus. Click here for more information about English language proficiency requirements.
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 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.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact olpd@umn.edu. If you have technical questions regarding the application system itself, please reach out to gsquest@umn.edu.
Tuition and fees
Visit the University of Minnesota's One Stop tuition page for information on tuition and residency policies.
This program follows the guidelines listed under the "Graduate and professional" sub-heading. The general graduate tuition rate includes a 6-14 credit band for full-time registration. Each credit above or below the plateau is assessed on a per-credit basis. Distance learning students' in-state or out-of-state tuition rates are determined by University of Minnesota residency policy detailed on the tuition page.
Review the Cost of Attendance page as well as information about student fees assessed by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Get more information on funding opportunities!
University Funding Opportunities:
Refer to the University of Minnesota Graduate School's funding page, specifically the page on fellowships for prospective / incoming students. Questions about University funding opportunities should be directed to the Graduate School —612.625.7579, or gsfellow@umn.edu
CEHD Funding Opportunities:
Refer to CEHD funding opportunities.
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works a little differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Check out this One Stop link for more information on eligibility, required steps, and timelines.
Contact us
If you simply have a question and would like someone to reach back out with information, please complete our request information form. Your information will not be shared outside our department.
Coursework
Courses for this program offered in-person and fully online. Distance learning students will experience a blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Students who prefer to attend in person may continue to do so.
The program consists of a minimum of 30 credits (Plan A: 20 credits coursework plus 10 thesis credits; Plan B: 30 credits coursework, including internship). For a full list of requirements, visit the University of Minnesota program catalog and select "Evaluation Studies" under "Requirements" > "Program Sub-Plan Requirements."
To match your specific goals, the program offers two tailored tracks: Plan A is ideal for those eyeing future doctoral research and includes a 10-credit thesis, while Plan B is geared for professionals focusing on additional coursework and a culminating project or internship. This comprehensive preparation ensures our graduates are truly career-ready, moving into critical roles as behavioral scientists, research managers, and evaluation specialists across government, industry, and the nonprofit sector.
- Choose Plan A if: You are passionate about contributing to the science of evaluation and want a direct pipeline to doctoral-level research.
- Choose Plan B if: You want to maximize your applied toolkit by taking more elective credits in specialized areas (like leadership, policy, or data analytics) and completing a high-impact professional project.
With our Plan A option, we offer a unique pathway for students who want a professional degree but want to keep the door open for a PhD—a flexibility many programs lack.
Program core (6 credits)
- OLPD 5501—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
- OLPD 5502—Theory and Models of Evaluation (3 cr)
Research design and methods (6 credits minimum)
- Two methods courses—one qualitative and one quantitative—selected in consultation with advisor.
Electives (3 credits minimum)
- Selected in consultation with advisor to meet total credit requirement.
Related fields (6 credits taken outside evaluation studies)
- The master’s degree requires at least 6 semester credits to be taken outside the evaluation studies program track that directly relate to the student’s area of study. These courses should be selected in consultation with the advisor and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student’s thesis. These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department, such as EPSY 5261—Introductory Statistical Methods (3 cr).
Thesis credits (10 credits)
Take 10 or more credits of the following:
- OLPD 8777—Thesis Credits: Master's (10 cr)
Program core (9 credits)
- OLPD 5501—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
- OLPD 5502—Theory and Models of Evaluation (3 cr)
- OLPD 8596—Evaluation Internship (3cr)
Research design and methods (6 credits minimum)
- Two methods courses—one qualitative and one quantitative—selected in consultation with advisor.
Electives (6 credits minimum)
- Selected in consultation with advisor to meet total credit requirement.
Related fields (6 credits taken outside evaluation studies)
- The master’s degree requires at least 6 semester credits be taken outside the ES program track that directly relate to the student’s area of study. Courses should be selected in consultation with the advisor and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student’s thesis. These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department.
Plan B paper (3 credits)
Total of 120 hours of work required. Students must take:
- OLPD 5095—Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (3 cr).
Faculty
These core faculty members advise students, serve on student committees, and design and teach courses in the program.
These affiliate faculty members provide expert consultation to program faculty and students, and serve as external members on student committees.
Contact us
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.