Master's and PhD in Educational Research, Measurement & Evaluation -Program Evaluation

Effective program evaluation drives better decisions, stronger organizations, and meaningful change. UNC Greensboro’s Master’s and Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation with a concentration in Program Evaluation prepares students to design, implement, and communicate high-quality evaluations that improve programs and inform policy across education, government, nonprofit, healthcare, and corporate settings. Through a curriculum that blends rigorous research methods with hands-on evaluation experience, students develop the skills to collect and analyze data, engage stakeholders, and turn evidence into actionable insights that create lasting impact.

Master’s and Ph.D. in Program Evaluation Program Distinctions

One of the greatest strengths of the Master’s and Ph.D. program at UNCG is its emphasis on applied learning. Students gain hands-on experience through the Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Services (OAERS), where they collaborate with faculty on evaluation and research projects for local, state, national, and international clients.

Students develop practical skills in:

• Designing program evaluations
• Collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data
• Measuring program outcomes and impact
• Writing evaluation reports for stakeholders
• Presenting actionable recommendations to clients

Rather than learning evaluation only in the classroom, students graduate with a portfolio of real-world experience.

The program emphasizes close faculty mentorship alongside scholarship. Students work with internationally recognized faculty who have developed a comprehensive range of academic and hands-on program experiences to enrich student understanding of the field of educational research methodology in either program evaluation or measurement and quantitative methods.

An Accelerated Master’s and Ph.D. pathway

A notable feature of UNCG’s program is the combined Master’s and Ph.D. option, designed for students entering after a bachelor’s degree.

Instead of earning the degrees separately, students complete an integrated curriculum that:

• Eliminates redundant coursework
• Shortens the overall time to the Ph.D.
• Provides a seamless transition into doctoral research

This can be especially attractive for students committed to doctoral study early in their careers.

The Program Evaluation Student Experience

Students in UNCG’s Program Evaluation concentration learn by doing. Coursework combines rigorous study of research methods and evaluation theory with hands-on projects that mirror the challenges evaluators face in professional settings. Working closely with expert faculty mentors, students develop practical skills in designing evaluations, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, engaging stakeholders, and communicating findings that drive informed decision-making.

Many students also gain valuable consulting experience through real-world evaluation projects, building a portfolio of work that prepares them for careers in education, government, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, and industry.

In addition to the required core courses of the program, students will complete the additional required core for the Program Evaluation concentration based on professional and academic goals.

Additional Required Core for the Program Evaluation Concentration: 12 Hours

• ERM 743: Advanced Evaluation Theory
• ERM 744: Policy in Evaluation
• ERM 745: Culturally Responsive Approaches to Research and Evaluation
• ERM 752: Applied Educational Evaluation

After Graduating with your Master’s and Ph.D. in Program Evaluation

Students graduating from the Master’s and Ph.D. in Program Evaluation concentration often seek leadership roles in:

• School districts
• Colleges and universities
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Foundations
• Healthcare organizations
• Research and consulting firms
• Corporate learning and workforce development

Graduates leave with evaluation skills that transfer well across numerous sectors.