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.
Who’s an ideal candidate for this program?
An ideal candidate is a student who possesses a strong drive to achieve social impact and has obtained either an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of social science. If you’re an undergraduate student, this certificate offers you valuable professional skills that benefit career opportunities and earning potential in your early career stages. This certificate program would also be valuable if you’ve completed a graduate degree and are contemplating an educational return for a specialization after working in the field.
This certificate complements degrees in substantive fields, including criminology, economic development, education, health care, social services and more. Whether you’re just beginning your career in program evaluation or looking to upskill, this graduate certificate in program evaluation can help you reach your goals.
If you’re interested in full-time quantitative evaluation roles, you should consider the Master of Science in evaluation and data analytics.
Arizona State University’s graduate certificate in program evaluation is designed to deepen your evaluation capacity and strengthen your analytical skills. In this program, you’ll develop expertise in impact evaluation through evidence-based quantitative approaches. These data-driven skills are in high demand across a variety of industries to show the effectiveness of an organization’s program usages.
You’ll learn how to conduct program evaluation with a range of quantitative tools. These methods of program evaluation may include open-source software, regression tools, geographic information system applications and more.
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Applicants must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's program. Or applicants must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application.
- Personal statement.
- Official transcripts.
- Written statement of career and educational goals.
Applicants are eligible to apply if they've earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students need to have completed an undergraduate course in inferential statistics (hypothesis testing) before enrollment.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
There are no required admission examinations for this program.
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”