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PROGRAM EVALUATION GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Jan. 8, 2024

Next Start Date

4

Courses Required

$673

Cost Per Credit Hour

12

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Formats

Help guide those who fund, design and implement all types of programs as part of this rapidly growing field

The field of Program Evaluation has grown dramatically in the United States and around the globe in recent years.

Career opportunities can be found in state and federal agencies, non-profits, educational institutions, health care, charitable and human service programs, recreational programs, or independent consulting.

Using many different tools and skills across the spectrum of research and evaluation traditions, professional program evaluators work systematically to investigate the quality of programs of all types and sizes and gain a deep understanding of them. They help improve the quality and value of programs by communicating their findings to those who fund, design and implement programs, and who need information in order to spend their investments wisely.

The Certificate in Program Evaluation (PE) meets the needs of academics and professionals looking to gain knowledge and skills in the practice of program evaluation and provides real-world experience under the direction of seasoned professionals.

The program consists of four courses in Educational Psychology including a capstone project. All courses are available online to maximize flexibility for working professionals.


Two women evaluating documents and programs.

Students in the Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate program develop an individualized plan of study with their faculty advisor and gain real-world experience in performing evaluations.

Students learn how to conduct program evaluations in both a group setting and as a sole evaluator. They gain an understanding of the criteria, standards, and indicators used in evaluation and research and learn to assess the efficiency, effectiveness and appeal of program evaluations. They also design studies and develop tools utilizing modern research methods and current instruments, as well as developing writing skills to be used in evaluation studies and reports.

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Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

To be admitted into a graduate certificate program at WVU, a student must present evidence of a baccalaureate degree and a minimum 2.75 grade point average. This program operates under rolling admission deadlines. A completed application must be received at least two weeks prior to the beginning of any given semester, in order to allow adequate time for admissions processing, registration, and textbook purchase.

Admissions

  • When starting a new application, designate your student type as Certificate. Under the program you are applying select Program Evaluation. Then indicate your intended term of enrollment.
  • Pay the $60 non-refundable graduate application fee.
  • TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students. WVU requires international students to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to the central WVU Office of Admissions. Use the destination code 5904 to have TOEFL scores sent. Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission.
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
    1. Mail to:
      WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
      One Waterfront Place
      PO Box 6510
      Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
    2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.


Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate requires 12 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $673.
$8,076 – Residents and Non-Residents

Credits Cost
1 $673
3 $2,019
6 $4,038
9 $6,057

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Courses and Curriculum


Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate Curriculum Requirements

Students must maintain minimum GPA of 2.75 throughout program.

Course Title Credit Hours
EDP 617 Program Evaluation 3
EDP 618 Mixing Research Methodologies 3
EDP 619 Survey Research Methods 3
EDP 680 Capstone Seminar in Program Evaluation 3

Total Hours: 12

Your future in Program Evaluation

As a graduate of the Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate program, you will compete in a growing market and see continued upward movement along your career path. You will possess skills in research, measurement and evaluation and will work closely with those who fund, design and implement programs of all kinds.

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

The program is 100% online.

Each student, with his or her advisor, will develop a plan to support career interests and goals, while also documenting learning products from each course and how each learning product meets the career goals.

Within a group setting, students will locate and conduct a real-life program evaluation.

Each student, with guidance from an instructor, will individually develop and implement a program evaluation by the conclusion of the capstone course.

Why Program Evaluations are important

Program evaluators play a vital role in any organization, as they are responsible for helping to improve the quality of programs of all types and sizes. Additionally, professional evaluators gain a deep understanding of a program and communicate information that guides those who fund, design and implement the program in spending their investments wisely.

Career Paths

Career opportunities in Program Evaluation include non-profits and social service agencies, school and other educational institutions, health care, and corporate evaluation firms. State and federal agencies also have evaluation specialists on staff to hold government units accountable and provide evaluative information on programs and policies at the request of elected officials. Finally, there are many opportunities for professional evaluators to win bids for evaluation contracts and work independently for the clients who sponsor those contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete a graduate certificate in Program Evaluation?

Since we require 12 credits to complete the program, it will take as little as one year. Since it is online, students can take their time with each course based on availability.

What kind of jobs can I get with a Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate?

There are more than 100,000 program evaluation positions in the U.S. and the field is expected to grow almost 30 percent in the decade preceding 2026. Students who graduate with a degree in Program Evaluation may be prepared for the following careers. These are a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

  • Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst
  • Research Analyst
  • Outcomes Specialist
  • Evaluation Consultant
  • Research Strategy Analyst
  • Evaluation and Research Manager
  • Evaluation Officer

Is a graduate certificate in Program Evaluation worth it?

A Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation allows you to improve your skills in evaluation, research and writing and expand your career opportunities by having the ability to conduct program evaluations in both a group setting and as a sole evaluator.

Plus, pursuing your degree online gives you the flexibility to earn your degree while working full-time and/or managing family and personal responsibilities.

Is an online Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation respected?

The Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate curriculum is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our standards-based curriculum is centered on professional knowledge, practice, and leadership.

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