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

Prepare to lead meaningful change through research, data, and evidence-based decision-making with UNC Greensboro’s Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Educational Research, Measurement & Evaluation (ERM). These programs prepare students to improve educational programs, assessments, and policies through rigorous training in research methods, measurement, statistics, and program evaluation. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship from nationally recognized faculty, and opportunities to apply research skills to real-world challenges, students develop the expertise needed to evaluate programs, inform decisions, and advance learning in schools, organizations, and communities.

master’s and ph.d. in educational research, measurement, and evaluation Program Distinctions

Students in the Master’s and Ph.D. in Measurement and Evaluation program select from two specific concentrations:

• Measurement and Quantitative Methods
• Program Evaluation

Students will choose to officially pursue only one of these degree concentrations. In addition to the required core courses of the program, students will complete the additional required core for their chosen concentration based on professional and academic goals. Students may complete coursework in both areas, but the program does not currently recognize double concentrations. Students who complete both core concentrations will need to choose which concentration appears on their official transcript.

Program participants are able to develop expertise across the full research process, including:

• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Educational measurement and psychometrics
• Program evaluation
• Statistical analysis
• Research design
• Data interpretation for decision-making

Rather than focusing narrowly on statistics or evaluation alone, the curriculum builds broad methodological expertise that can be applied across many disciplines

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.

More About the Measurement and Quantitative Methods Concentration

Students learn not only how to analyze data but also how to develop valid instruments and understand the theory behind measurement, skills that are increasingly valuable in assessment, testing, policy, and research organizations. The program prepares students to apply research methods and approaches in real-world settings. Faculty offer much of the coursework during evening hours, allowing working professionals to balance graduate studies with their careers.

More About the Program Evaluation Concentration

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.

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 Experience for master’s and Ph.D. in erm Students

The Master’s and Ph.D. program is intended for individuals who have not previously completed a graduate degree (e.g., master’s degree) in a related field (e.g., quantitative methods, evaluation, or statistics). Students are expected to have taken at least an introductory course in statistics, but may have undergraduate training in a broad range of disciplines that include, but are not limited to, education, psychology, mathematics, statistics, and other fields in the behavioral and health sciences.

Students work on authentic evaluation, assessment, and research projects with clients through practical experiences, including fieldwork, practicums, internships, and applied consulting opportunities. These projects span local, national, and international organizations, allowing students to graduate with experience that extends well beyond coursework.

A defining part of the ERM student experience is the opportunity to apply research and evaluation skills through the Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Services (OAERS). Serving as a training ground for emerging leaders in assessment, program evaluation, and data analysis, OAERS allows students to contribute to real-world projects while working alongside faculty mentors and community partners. Through hands-on experiences in areas such as program evaluation, educational measurement, research design, and data analysis, students build the practical expertise and confidence needed to become effective researchers, evaluators, and data-informed decision-makers.

After Graduating with your Master’s and ph.d. in educational research, measurement, and evaluation

The program emphasizes using evidence and data to improve programs, policies, and organizational decision-making. That emphasis prepares graduates for careers such as:

• Research Analyst
• Program Evaluator
• Assessment Specialist
• Psychometrician
• Director of Assessment and Accreditation
• Educational Diagnostician
• College or University Professor