Program Evaluation Courses
Our courses, led by experienced Ph.D. level evaluators, are delivered entirely online, giving students the flexibility to fit school into their already busy life. Our curriculum was thoughtfully designed to provide general evaluation training aligned with the American Evaluation Association Competencies for Evaluators.
As shown the figure below, the suite of courses offered cover each of the main aspects of a typical evaluation process. Also, our evaluation courses are highly skill-based and provides students with opportunities to learn with and from diverse classmates and instructors.
Course Descriptions
To read more about the courses, click on the + to the right of the course name. Here you will find a description of the course, the semesters in which it is offered, and a list of the American Evaluation Association Evaluator Competencies (PDF 210KB) to which the course is aligned.
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PSY 880 - Foundations of Evaluation Practice
Description
This 3-credit course is designed to introduce students to the history, professional standards, and leading theories of program evaluation practice. Students will explore professional evaluators’ roles and the contexts in which program evaluation occurs. By the end of the semester, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Explain what program evaluation is and what program evaluators do.
- Identify how professional evaluation practice standards are used to determine the quality of an evaluation process and its products.
- Describe the basic tenets of the central theories of program evaluation practice.
- Compare and contrast theoretical approaches to evaluation practice.
- Identify how theories are used to inform practice decision-making.
- Describe the state of research on evaluation theory and practice.
Offered Summer and Fall Semesters; No Prerequisites
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5
- Context Competencies 3.1, 3.4, 3.8
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.4
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.5, 5.7
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
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PSY 881 - Evaluation Design
Description
In this 3-credit course, students will be introduced to the evaluation design process; learn how to engage stakeholders in crafting evaluation designs; study the fundamentals of designing exploratory, process, and outcome evaluations; and learn how to select an evaluation design that best meets a client’s information needs.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
- Select an evaluation design that meets clients’ informational needs.
- Identify and engage stakeholders in planning an evaluation design.
- Develop an appropriate sampling & recruitment design for an evaluation.
- Design a needs assessment.
- Construct a logic model and/or theory of change.
- Design a process evaluation.
- Determine program availability.
- Design an outcome evaluation.
- Determine when ongoing program monitoring is appropriate.
Offered Spring and Fall Semesters; No Prerequisites
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.8
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.12
- Context Competencies 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.2, 4.4, 4.7
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
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PSY 882 - Evaluation Data Collection Methods
Description
This 3-credit course will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to use various data collection tools commonly used in evaluation. In the data collection phase of an evaluation, evaluators gather credible evidence to answer the evaluation questions within practical, time, and resource constraints. By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
- Understand why and how to protect human rights when conducting evaluations.
- Explain the criteria used to judge the quality of quantitative and qualitative data and apply strategies for maximizing data quality when planning and conducting evaluation data collection.
- Write survey questions for a given evaluation.
- Find an existing measure of a construct of interest in a given evaluation.
- Design a self-administered questionnaire to collect data for a given evaluation.
- Use cognitive interviewing to improve a questionnaire for a given evaluation.
- Design a qualitative interview protocol for a given evaluation.
- Conduct a qualitative interview to collect data for a given evaluation.
- Plan a focus group for a given evaluation.
- Develop a focus group question route for a given evaluation.
- Write field notes based on direct observations of a setting.
- Design and test a structured observation protocol for a given evaluation.
- Assess the usability of agency records as a data source for a given evaluation.
- Identify potential secondary data sources and assess their appropriateness for a given evaluation.
- Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with colleagues to complete team-based tasks.
Offered Fall Semester Only; No Prerequisites
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.4
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 2.9, 2.10
- Context Competencies
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.7
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.8
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
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PSY 883 - Statistics for Evaluators I
Description
Students in this 3-credit course will learn about quantitative statistics, data management, and data analysis in an evaluation context. This course will focus specifically on foundational descriptive statistics and their applications and limitations in program evaluation. Students will also receive an introduction to the logic of inferential statistics, and their applications in evaluation. Student will build practical skills in conducting, interpreting, and reporting corresponding quantitative data analyses, in a widely used statistical software program (SPSS).
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
- Describe the logic, limitations, and application of descriptive and inferential statistics in an evaluation context.
- Given a quantitative evaluation, identify which descriptive and inferential statistics should be used.
- Given quantitative evaluation data, create an SPSS database and codebook and enter, clean, and manage data in SPSS.
- Given a quantitative evaluation, identify which descriptive statistics should be used; obtain said statistics from SPSS, interpret, and write-up results for an evaluation report.
- Identify specific evaluation contexts in which you would use divaricated correlations and multiple regression, and conduct divaricated correlation and multiple regression in SPSS.
- Interpret and describe the results of divaricated correlation and multiple regression in SPSS for an evaluation report.
Offered Spring Semester Only; No Prerequisites
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.4
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14
- Context Competencies 3.5
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.3, 4.6, 4.8, 4.10
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.6
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
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PSY 884 - Qualitative and Mixed Evaluation Methods
Description
In this 3-credit course students will be familiarized with qualitative and mixed method designs that are commonly used in program evaluation. Qualitative and mixed-method designs and data analytic approaches are essential for process and outcome evaluation. Students will learn basic approaches to qualitative and mixed method data analysis. By the end of the semester students will be expected to:
- Identify strategic themes and key traditions in qualitative research.
- Construct evaluation questions that are appropriate for qualitative research designs.
- Use a range of data collection techniques to gather qualitative data.
- Implement basic procedures to analyze and interpret qualitative data.
- Use verification strategies and quality criteria to ensure quality in qualitative studies.
- Describe common approaches to mixed methods analysis and identify challenges associated with conducting mixed methods studies.
Offered Spring and Summer Semesters; No Prerequisites
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2,2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14
- Context Competencies
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.3, 4.6, 4.7, 4.10
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.1, 5.2
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
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PSY 885 - Communicating and Reporting
Description
In this 3-credit course we will cover principles of effective communication and reporting. For evaluations to meet their aim of improving social programming and informing program and policy decisions, evaluators have to communicate findings effectively and promote their appropriate use. Students will learn how to develop a dissemination plan, facilitate stakeholder meetings and workshops, generate actionable recommendations, display data, and present findings using multiple modalities. By the end of the semester students will be expected to:
- Identify relevant audiences for an evaluation’s findings.
- Facilitate workshops to elicit stakeholder values and reflections on findings.
- Create a basic dissemination plan.
- Develop effective data displays.
- Present findings in diverse oral and written formats.
- Demonstrate knowledge of innovative methods for presenting evaluation findings.
Offered Spring Semester Only; No Prerequisites
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.9
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.6, 2.8, 2.13, 2.14
- Context Competencies 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.9
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.1, 5.2, 5.6
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
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PSY 886 - Evaluation Practicum Prep
Description
To fulfill the requirements for the Master's Degree in Program Evaluation, students must complete 12 credit hours of practicum (PSY 889) over the course of two semesters. Practicum involves working alongside evaluation practitioners in a professional evaluation setting, applying the theory, methods, and practice skills learned in the classroom. This 1-credit course prepares students for the practicum in two ways. First, the course is designed to guide students through the process of securing a practicum placement, and second, it teaches students to think critically about ethical challenges and action when working in the evaluation profession.
By the end of the semester students will have:
- Developed a compelling resume and cover letter.
- Identified and made verbal contact with potential practicum sites.
- Interviewed for positions at potential practicum sites.
- Selected a site and identified an on-site supervisor to oversee your practicum experience and evaluate your performance.
- Negotiated terms for the practicum with the on-site supervisor and submitted a draft learning contract to instructors.
- Provided on-site supervisor with draft of learning contract.
- Signed a learning contract with the on-site supervisor.
Offered Spring Semester Only; No Prerequisites
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PSY 887 - Statistics for Evaluators II
Description
In this 3-credit course students will learn about inferential statistics and quantitative data analysis in an evaluation context. This course will build upon material from Evaluation Statistics I. The course will cover additional inferential statistics and will introduce students to other statistical tools and data analysis issues, such as handling missing data, using statistics to determine sample size and match comparison groups, and non-parametric statistics. Student will build practical skills in conducting, interpreting and reporting corresponding quantitative data analyses, in SPSS.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
- Apply ethical standards to quantitative data management, analysis, and reporting.
- Understand the logic, limitations, and application of inferential and non-parametric statistics in an evaluation context.
- Identify specific evaluation contexts in which you would use t-tests, ANOVAs, and various non-parametric statistics, and conduct them in SPSS.
- Interpret and report the results of t-tests, ANOVAs, and various non-parametric statistics
- Calculate the effect size of an intervention.
- Conduct a power analysis to determine sample size or power to detect an intervention effect.
- Address missing and non-normal data.
- Given an evaluation, choose the appropriate statistical analysis and write an analysis plan.
Offered Summer Semester Only; Prerequisite PSY 883
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.4
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14
- Context Competencies 3.5
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.3, 4.6, 4.8, 4.10
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.6
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
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PSY 888 - Evaluation Management
Description
It’s one thing to do an evaluation by yourself, or to have a role on an evaluation team. It takes a very different set of skills to direct or manage an evaluation from start to finish. This 3-credit course puts students in the driver’s seat and engages them in thinking about what it takes to lead an evaluation, from soup (preparing the evaluation plan and budget) to nuts (orchestrating the pieces; facilitating use along the way; and delivering the results and promised products within a budget, timeline and certain expectations for quality). Students will learn the business aspects of evaluation management, such as writing evaluation proposals, negotiating and managing contracts, estimating and managing costs, and delivering results on time and within a budget. Students will learn the technical aspects of management, such as assuring quality of data collection and processing, facilitating use of evaluation processes and products for learning, obtaining IRB approval, and working with advisory groups. Students will learn relationship management such as leading an evaluation team, managing client relationships, verbal and nonverbal communications, and running effective meetings. The course focuses on the application of basic project management strategies to the management of program evaluations. Course content is divided into the four phases of project management: (1) planning, (2) executing, (3) controlling, and (4) closing.
By the end of the semester students will be expected to be able to:
- Reflect on how their own career aspirations fit within the field of program evaluation management by:
- Assessing their own level of program evaluation management expertise.
- Discussing the differences between structures and processes of managing evaluations within different contexts.
- Remember the basic concepts of project management and apply them to managing an evaluation project.
- Apply the planning and initiation concepts of evaluation management by:
- Writing an evaluation proposal with tasks, timeline and budget components
- Estimating evaluation costs.
- Developing evaluation contracts with both clients and evaluation team members.
- Apply the control aspects of evaluation management by:
- Assessing the data quality of organization.
- Discussing ways to assure high quality data collection, entry, analysis, reporting and storage.
- Completing a full set of Institutional Review Board application forms.
- Discussing how to manage IRB reporting requirements when a project violates human subjects protections.
- Value the importance of relationships and communication both with the evaluation team and with the stakeholders when managing an evaluation by:
- Conducting a stakeholder analysis.
- Discussing how to develop and work with Evaluation Advisory Groups.
- Conducting effective meetings.
- Developing a lesson plan for facilitating discussions related to evaluation use.
- Experimenting with verbal and nonverbal communication.
Offered Fall Semester Only; No Prerequisites
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.6
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14
- Context Competencies 3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 3.6
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
- Reflect on how their own career aspirations fit within the field of program evaluation management by:
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PSY 889 - Evaluation Practicum
Description
Program Evaluation Practicum is a two-semester, 6-credit, supervised practical application course in which students work alongside evaluation practitioners in a professional evaluation setting to gain first-hand understanding of how to apply the theory, methods, and skills learned in prior classes. This course provides students with the opportunity to further develop their evaluation skills by immersion in a real-world setting in which evaluations are currently being conducted. Settings might include government agencies, human service organizations, educational settings, healthcare organizations, and for-profit and nonprofit evaluation firms. Placements may be with internal or external evaluation entities.
Part 1 - Summer Semester Only
Part 2 - Fall Semester Only
AEA Evaluator Competencies
- Professional Practice Competencies 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
- Methodology Competencies 2.1, 2.2, 2.8, 2.10, 2.11
- Context Competencies 3.1, 3.2, 3.5
- Planning and Management Competencies 4.2, 4.6, 4.7
- Interpersonal Competencies 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8
Click here to view the full list of AEA Evaluator Competencies.
Program Requirements
To earn the program evaluation masters, students must complete the full suite of courses offered. This includes eight core content courses (24 credits) and a three-semester practicum sequence (13 credits).
To earn the program evaluation certificate, students must complete four of the eight core content courses (12 credits) as follows: 1) PSY 880: Foundations of Evaluation; 2) either PSY 881: Evaluation Design or PSY 884: Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation; and 3) any two of the other core content courses not already completed.
All of our courses except the practicum (PSY 886 & 889) can be taken for professional development through the MSU Lifelong Education program. Contact us to find out if there is space available.
Find more information about the requirements on the Programs page.