Global Directory of Academic Programs in Evaluation

This graduate program trains students to develop, implement, analyze and evaluate federal, state and local educational policies. The doctoral program focuses on creating a unique research and advancing educational policy conversations. Regardless of which education policy graduate program students choose, they will be well equipped for a meaningful career. Students who complete program go on to make an impact in local, state and national educational institutions and agencies. With a strong understanding of pressing educational policy issues, our graduates influence generations of future students.

The proram is grounded in Oregon State University’s commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders guided by the principle that equity-centered leadership can be learned and enhanced. The Ed.D. degree has a newly updated curriculum designed for students interested in advancing in leadership positions in higher education. The Ed.D. program's purpose is to educate students wanting to apply research to practice and develop practitioner knowledge.

This program equips students with the knowledge, experience, and resourcefulness needed to be a professional evaluator, evaluation researcher, or educator in a variety of settings. In this program, students will hone an interdisciplinary set of skills for designing and implementing effective evaluation strategies. Through advanced research techniques, students will be able to quickly and astutely discern issues in processes and systems, develop incisive solutions to bottlenecks and roadblocks, and manage organizational paradoxes with confidence. Students will gain experience in a full array of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, and will sharpen their skills in designing evaluation studies, data collection, data analysis, and how to effectively communicate results to improve policies and programs. Through new and ongoing organizational partnerships, students will work in real-life evaluation cases and get hands-on experience.

The program focuses on the characteristics, strengths, and educational needs of individuals and groups whose learning potential and opportunities for success are frequently unrealized. The program offers robust academic preparation of professionals who serve their communities, public school systems, institutions of higher education, and nontraditional educational environments. The program planning and evaluation concentration prepares professionals for leadership roles in program planning and evaluation in various settings. In addition to exposing students to different theories of evaluation, the program equips students with both qualitative and quantitative research/evaluation methods.

The program provides advanced study for those who seek careers in the administration or evaluation of educational programs in schools, colleges, or other institutional settings. Candidates may pursue a variety of research interests including but not limited to institutional research and assessment, educational measurement and evaluation, P-12 educational policy issues, post-secondary education, comparative education, and community/continuing education issues.

The program aims to equip students to able to: explore the theoretical and applied knowledge of contemporary issues in Measurement and Evaluation research; apply philosophy, principles and practice of Measurement and Evaluation to research; conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality; and continue to advance knowledge and its application in particular fields of study of Measurement and Evaluation.