Online Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is a structured approach to gather, analyze and apply data for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of programs. This evaluation has a key emphasis on implementing improvements that benefit the program’s continual performance progression. Program evaluation is an important process of research throughout many industries to determine if a project or program achieves its desired goals. Utilizing this style of evaluation has become a routine operation for a wide range of industries to ensure that resources are being used appropriately.

A number of different jobs require well-developed program evaluation skills. Industries that commonly employ program evaluators include educational institutions, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, private companies and more. These professionals are highly skilled and apply several factors to deploy data-driven techniques that access the program efficiency for their organization's intended purposes.

What you’ll learn in this certificate program

This certificate offers statistical training in causal analysis, econometric techniques and research design that serve as the foundations of evidence-based management and program evaluation. You’ll also build foundational knowledge in data programming, quantitative analysis, research design and managerial experience. Additional topics you’ll cover include:

• Conceptual tools of conducting evaluation research and program evaluations.
• Foundations of data programming in R.
• Open source software and open data ecosystems.
• Research design and advanced regression tools.

Upon completing this certificate, you’ll be prepared to take over evaluation responsibilities in your current role or expand your evaluation toolkit for a career switch.