EDPA Ph.D.: Evaluation Studies (ES) Track
Overview
The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in educational policy and administration with a program track in evaluation studies (ES), administered by the Graduate School and offered by the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD), provides an opportunity for intensive study of the techniques and process of evaluation and policy research and of the social and political context within which program evaluation occurs.
Graduates leave with a portfolio filled with evidence of their expertise with the tools of the evaluation trade—qualitative and quantitative inquiry methods, communication skills, and computer database analysis experience. Evaluation knowledge and skills are gleaned not only from time in the classroom but also from internships and collaboration with evaluation professionals in real-world settings. Evaluation studies students have access to some of the best evaluators in the field. One of the program's faculty members has received the American Evaluation Association's Myrdahl Award for Evaluation Practice. Other faculty members and regular speakers have written books on their areas of expertise. The Minnesota Evaluation Studies Institute (MESI), held each spring the the Twin Cities and sponsored by the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD), provides students with an opportunity to learn and reflect on relevant issues in evaluation with other national experts and practitioners.
Who enrolls in this program?
Students enrolled in ES are the
future leaders, university faculty members, and evaluators in the field of evaluation
studies. Students in the program will gain expertise in both quantitative and qualitative
methods and practical experience in the conduct of program evaluation and policy
studies. The program is selective and is limited to 10 students per year. All new
students begin the program in the fall semester.
What will my program look like?
The Ph.D. requires that students take at least
61 credits of coursework. With adviser's approval, students who already have a master's
degree can transfer up to 18 semester credits toward their Ph.D. In addition, 24
semester thesis credits are required for the dissertation. Typically, a course that
meets once a week throughout the semester is three credits. Students may complete
the coursework on either a full-time or part-time basis.
How long will my Ph.D. program take?
Attending full-time, including summers, students often can complete the required
coursework in 2 to 2½ years, at which time they complete preliminary written and
oral examinations. Many are able to complete their dissertation in another 1 to
2 years. Upon completion of their dissertation, students take a final oral examination.
Doctoral students must complete all their requirements and receive their degree
within five calendar years after passing their preliminary oral examination.
Contacts
For questions regarding the admissions process, admissions documents, or general information about the program contact:
Dr. Jeremy
Hernandez
Coordinator of graduate studies
Phone: 612-626-9377
Email: herna220@umn.edu
Specific questions regarding course content should be directed to the
program coordinator:
Dr. Stuart Yeh
Coordinator, evaluation studies program
Phone: 612-624-0285
Email: yehxx008@umn.edu
Revised April 2012