As a student in this program, you’ll be encouraged to examine real-world challenges impacting education and society today. You’ll learn how to address real life challenges through research and evaluation studies, from defining problems to conducting the study itself. In addition to coursework, you’ll develop skills using software and learn with real life data in practicums and internships.

You’ll learn to ask and solve problems by:

• Skillfully identifying and articulating questions to ask across multiple settings in your chosen field of practice
• Recognizing appropriate sources of information to collect data
• Designing methods of data collection such as questionnaires and interview protocols
• Analyzing data using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods
• Using Excel, SPSS, R, Dedoose, Qualtrics, Tableau, SQL, and other data analysis software programs
• Interpreting data and preparing presentations and reports

How it works

This program allows part-time and full-time students the ability to customize learning experiences based on their professional goals. Students can choose one or two of the certificates listed below to highlight specialized skills on the way to meeting the requirements of the 30-credit MA in Research and Evaluation Methods.

Certificate Options

Applied Measurement

Learn to measure the abstract variables used in daily decision-making. This involves deep critical thinking skills and the ability to combine statistical learning with understandings of human behavior. Individuals working in social sciences, education and mental health and who want to deepen their knowledge of diversity, respect, equity and inclusiveness may be particularly interested in this offering.

Applied Statistical Modeling

Learn advanced statistical modeling skills that have direct connections to practical educational issues and socially-just solutions for urban and diverse communities. Think and reason with quantitative data, especially using large scale datasets.

Classroom Assessment

Learn how assessments in education both support and hinder individuals in diverse groups. There are many biases to be aware of and overcome as we create more culturally inclusive assessments moving forward. We prepare students to be leaders in schools and districts who can advocate for change using data.

Culturally Responsive Methods

Learn how to conduct research studies and evaluations with a culturally responsive lens. We prepare leaders who can advocate for diversity, respect, and inclusiveness using data.

Program Evaluation

Experiences and connections with urban and diverse communities are at the heart of our online Program Evaluation certificate. Coursework involves helping real schools, community organizations and non-profits thrive through effective and culturally responsible program evaluation practices.

Qualitative Methods and Analysis

Develop your abilities to collect and analyze words, images, and observations to gain a deeper understanding of phenomena. We prepare leaders who can advocate for diversity, respect, and inclusiveness using data.

Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development

The School of Education & Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver attracts students who are passionate about careers in educational research and evaluation. We match their passion with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world.