Master's in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation

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The Master’s in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation (ERM) is for people interested in the use of research methods and approaches in applied settings. Most of the M.S. coursework is offered during evening hours to accommodate individuals who are working during the day. UNC Greensboro’s program offers three concentrations: Measurement and Quantitative Methods, Practitioner Research in Measurement and Evaluation, and Program Evaluation.

ERM helps organizations make decisions based on what works. ERM degree holders support them with data about program efficacy, resource management, and participants’ needs. This program provides fantastic training for individuals ultimately interested in doctoral training in substantive fields that employ quantitative and qualitative research methods; examples of such fields include education, psychology, the health sciences, and public policy. 

The M.S. program provides training in the foundations of research methodology, educational measurement, and program evaluation. Students receive comprehensive training through a core set of required courses and hands-on, practical experience.

The Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation Master’s Program Distinctions

UNC Greensboro enhances the academic rigor of its ERM Master’s degree with practical evaluation, measurement, and assessment work with clients. Students may focus on program evaluation or measurement and quantitative methods. They work with diverse local, national, and international program settings. Students in the Department of Information, Library, and Research Sciences (ILRS) jump into relevant hands-on training as soon as possible.

The ERM program offers three concentrations:

• Measurement and Quantitative Methods
• Practitioner Research in Measurement and Evaluation
• Program Evaluation

With the Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Services (OAERS), students will build their portfolio before graduation with key skills:

• Build foundational relationships with community clients
• Work with any of OAERS’ STEM evaluation projects through the multi-institutional STEM Program Evaluation Lab (SPEL)
• Provide services to individuals and organizations with funding from contracts, grants, and foundations
• Apply experiences to support training and professional growth
• Ensure high quality, constantly improving work across a wide range of methodologies

ILRS’ internationally recognized faculty have developed a comprehensive range of academic and hands-on program experiences to enrich student understanding. Under their guidance, many students have gone on to win awards related to topical evaluation questions, such as the Australian Evaluation Society’s Publication Award for Excellence.

More on the Measurement and Quantitative Methods Concentration

The Measurement and Quantitative concentration gives graduate students rigorous training in mathematical and statistical methods for effective evaluation. These types of skills are in high demand as more programs become more data-driven. Students who choose this concentration spend additional coursework in analyzing the relationship between multiple variables in their data sets. They improve their understanding of the Item Response Theory (IRT) to explain the relationship between latent (unobservable) traits and their observed outcomes and manifestations.

More on the Practitioner Research in Measurement and Evaluation Program

The Master’s in Practitioner Research in Measurement and Evaluation (PRiME) program is intentionally designed for professionals from a variety backgrounds. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, nonprofit leader, or organizational professional, PRiME builds research skills progressively without requiring prior experience. From the start, the program builds practical skills students can apply across careers, industries, and professional interests. Rather than being limited to one discipline, PRiME teaches students how to use research, measurement, and evaluation methods to solve real-world challenges.

More on the Program Evaluation Concentration

Through a blend of rigorous research training, hands-on evaluation experience, and mentorship from nationally recognized faculty, participants in the Program Evaluation concentration learn to design meaningful evaluations, analyze complex data, and communicate actionable insights that drive positive change in education, nonprofits, government, healthcare, and beyond. The program is designed for people who are interested in the use of research methods and approaches in applied settings.

The Master’s in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation Student Experience

With much of the coursework offered during evening hours, M.S. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation program is designed for people who work during the day. Online course ensure additional flexibility to accommodate graduate students’ schedules.

This 30 credit-hour degree offers classes in the following:

• Design and Analysis of Educational Experiments
• Foundations of Educational Measurement Theory
• Item Response Theory
• Intermediate Statistical Methods in Education
• Survey Research Methods in Education
• Validity and Validation

The program culminates in a capstone experience. With their major advisor, students successfully complete a written comprehensive examination.

Through field experiences, practicums, and internships coordinated and supported by ERM’s Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Services (OAERS), students tailor their curriculum to meet their professional and academic goals.

After Graduating with an M.S. in ERM

The Master’s of Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation offers the requisite training for a career providing methodological support to organizations involved in research, program evaluation, and assessment.

Students completing the master’s program have a range of career options in the areas of research study design, data collection and analysis, program evaluation, and assessment.

Students graduating from the M.S. program are employed in a variety of professional settings and organizations that make data-driven decisions, including:

• State boards of education
• Assessment and testing
• Research-conducting organizations
• Program evaluation
• School districts

This program provides fantastic training for individuals ultimately interested in doctoral training in substantive fields that employ quantitative and qualitative research methods; examples of such fields include education, psychology, the health sciences, and public policy.