PhD in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation - Program Evaluation

Turn evidence into meaningful change with UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation (ERM) concentration in Program Evaluation. Designed for professionals who want to improve educational programs, inform policy, and drive organizational decision-making, this doctoral program combines advanced research training with hands-on evaluation experience. Working alongside expert faculty and real-world partners, you’ll develop the skills to design, conduct, and communicate evaluations that help organizations measure impact, strengthen outcomes, and create lasting improvements across education, government, nonprofit, and community settings.

Individuals applying to the Ph.D. program are assumed to have previous foundational training in quantitative methodology and/or evaluation, such as a master’s degree in a related field (methodology, measurement, evaluation, statistics, or mathematics) or other graduate training that aligns with the training provided by the ERM master’s degree. Those who are interested in pursuing the Ph.D. in ERM, but have not completed the necessary graduate training in quantitative methodology and/or evaluation, are encouraged to apply to the joint Master’s and Ph.D. program.

Ph.D. in Program Evaluation in Program Distinctions

One of the Ph.D. in Program Evaluation concentration’s strongest differentiators is its emphasis on hands-on evaluation work. Students apply advanced evaluation methods through projects involving local, national, and international clients, gaining experience with authentic evaluation challenges before graduating. This practical approach helps students build a professional portfolio while developing real-world consulting and research skills.

Students receive comprehensive training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods through a common doctoral core that includes:

• Educational measurement
• Validity and validation
• Experimental design
• Survey research
• Qualitative research methods
• Evaluation methodology

Students learn from internationally recognized faculty with expertise in educational research, measurement, psychometrics, and program evaluation. Faculty emphasize both scholarly research and applied practice while providing close mentoring throughout the doctoral experience.

The Program Evaluation Student Experience

This concentration in Program Evaluation offers coursework specifically focused on becoming an expert evaluator. Required courses include:

• Evaluation and Public Policy
• Advanced Theory in Program Evaluation
• Culturally Responsive Approaches to Research and Evaluation
• Applied Educational Evaluation

These courses move beyond research methodology to prepare students to evaluate complex educational, governmental, nonprofit, and community programs.

Program participants will be able to apply what they learn through OAERS. The Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Services (OAERS) provides doctoral students with opportunities to work on real evaluation projects for schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. This hands-on experience allows students to build professional portfolios, collaborate with expert faculty, and graduate prepared to lead evidence-based decision-making across a wide range of organizations.

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 Ph.D. in Program Evaluation

The Ph.D. program is intended for students who are interested in becoming an expert in research methodology, the measurement sciences, or program evaluation. Graduates are prepared for careers in higher education, government agencies, nonprofits, school districts, research organizations, and consulting firms. Common career paths include:

• Educational Consultant
• Educational Diagnostician
• Program Evaluator
• Evaluation Director
• Assessment and Accreditation Director
• Research Scientist or Research Analyst
• University Faculty
• Policy Analyst
• Psychometrician