Global Directory of Academic Programs in Evaluation

The program focuses on research methods for evaluating social interventions and policies, as well as the study of evidence-based practices and policies in areas such as children and families, poverty and inequality, mental health, refugees, drug use, violence prevention, and offending. The program aims to enhance students' critical analysis, problem-solving, and research skills in the field of evidence-based interventions and policies for social problems, allowing them to both evaluate research and conduct their own evaluations and research designs. This MSc is designed for individuals with a specific interest in understanding the effectiveness of policies such as alcohol and drug abuse regulations, gun control, public health, poverty policies, and social interventions such as cash transfers, parenting education, or violence prevention programs. It prepares students for careers in fields such as development, public policy, or policy and program evaluation.

The objective of the program is to equip students with the skills needed to: i) Design impact and performance analysis for complex organizations and interventions; ii) Recognize the potential of using various quantitative and qualitative methods based on the information needs of clients, funders, managers, executives, and other decision-makers; iii) Design and conduct studies that incorporate these methods, especially with reference to Big Data analysis; iv) Develop procedures for monitoring, management control, and implementation analysis, as well as profiling the beneficiaries of social interventions and services; v) Create guidelines and questions for assigning evaluation tasks to research organizations and institutions; vi) Accurately interpret the results of evaluation studies; and vii) Effectively communicate the findings of these studies to decision-makers and stakeholders.

The program focuses on the initiatives of various public and private organizations to advance development. It provides a comprehensive overview of past and current aid policies from multilateral and bilateral donors, including the major modes and instruments used. The institutional characteristics of the actors involved, including governments, community-based organizations, international NGOs, bilateral or multilateral donors, are analyzed to better understand their processes and outcomes. The course adopts the theoretical view that development can be seen as a series of interconnected collective action problems. It provides students with methodological and practical insights into development evaluation, its significance, and challenges.

The evaluation and management of public policies demand specialized skills, particularly the ability to assess the impacts of public actions and consider the multifaceted and potentially conflicting expectations of social actors. In response to these complexities, the program aims to educate professionals who are able to ensure the quality of their work and adept at addressing technical, social, and political challenges.

This program seeks to promote the increasing use of evaluation and drive its further development. The principle of evaluation has been codified in several legislative texts as a means of managing public actions (such as vocational training, urban development, technology and innovation support policies, etc.) and ensuring compliance with non-discrimination obligations. It provides students with a comprehensive education in the methods, techniques, and tools of the evaluation approach. Upon completion, students will be equipped to assess the impact, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and relevance of both public and private organizations' projects and action programs. Additionally, the course trains project managers to utilize evaluation tools in the planning and management of both public and private programs and projects.

The program distinguishes itself from others in several ways. Firstly, it prioritizes a combination of public health and education sciences over traditional public health tools such as epidemiology, health economics, and sociology of health. Additionally, the program is structured around four distinct areas of application, including health education for adolescents and young adults, health evaluation, risk sciences in environmental and occupational health, and therapeutic patient education. The mastery of public health tools is incorporated into each of these four courses, with the first year being identical for all students regardless of the course they choose in the second year.

The program aims to train students for careers in the evaluation, management, monitoring, and administration of education and training systems. It is targeted towards individuals employed in the National Education system, including teachers, educational advisors, and National Education inspectors, etc. The Master'sdegree offers professional development opportunities, including promotions, for individuals in stable employment. The program is also open to executives from Ministries of National Education in developing countries and teachers seconded to educational projects abroad.

Upon completion of program, students should be proficient in conducting evaluation work and applying a thoughtful evaluation approach. They will be able to: i) design an evaluation process, including the creation of a well-reasoned proposal for the public policy being studied, and assess the results; ii) collect, process, and analyze new or existing data, using theoretical and methodological knowledge; iii) generate conclusions that can be supported by those responsible for public action; and iv) lead a team, effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders, and foster a culture of dialogue.

The program offers training in social sciences applied to the fields of health and social issues with a solid European and international outlook. Students will be trained to use analysis and evaluation methodologies, and will be able to define objectives, assess programs and create indicators and decision-making tools.

The program aims to prepare students for further academic study in a PhD program or for direct entry into the workforce. The M2 EEDS concentration provides advanced training in economic analysis and evaluation, focusing on development, the environment, and sustainable development. This concentration helps students acquire the skills necessary for a PhD or a job in the field. The course emphasizes the political economy of development, taking into account the importance of context in analyzing and addressing important issues such as sustainable development goals, pro-poor growth, participatory processes, and environmental regulation instruments.