Graduate minor
Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is an area of inquiry that uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to address questions of concern to policy makers, administrators, managers, and, in some cases, program participants. In this era of competing developments—increased accountability and the democratization of research activity—knowledge of program evaluation is a useful and valuable commodity. This minor is an interdisciplinary effort providing intensive study of the techniques and process of evaluation and policy research, in addition to the social and political context within which program evaluation occurs.

Benefits

  • Gain knowledge necessary to conduct evaluations combined with graduate majors or professional fields of study.
  • Develop the skills essential to professionals intending to use or conduct evaluation in non-profit and for-profit organizations.
  • Earn a credential that distinguishes you from other job candidates in a wide array of fields.

Coursework

  • Master's students: 9 credits minimum
  • Doctoral students: 15 credits minimum
  • Completed in 4 years for full time students
  • Credits from required courses in a major program will not count towards the minor.

Curriculum

Master's minor (9 credits)

Courses should be planned with the Major Adviser and the Program Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). Students with sufficient background and previous course experience equivalent to one or more courses within the curriculum may apply to waive appropriate requirements and replace with additional electives to meet the 9 credit minimum.

  • OLPD 5501/EPSY 5243—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
    OR another introductory evaluation course
  • OLPD 5502—Theory and Models of Evaluation (3 cr)
    OR OLPD 8502—Program Evaluation Theory and Models: Qualitative and Quantitative Alternatives (3 cr)
  • OLPD 8596—Evaluation Internship (3 cr)

Doctoral minor (15 credits)

Courses should be planned with the Major Adviser and the Program Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). Students with sufficient background and previous course experience equivalent to one or more courses within the curriculum may apply to waive appropriate requirements and replace with additional electives to meet the 15 credit minimum.

  • OLPD 5501/EPSY 5243—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
  • OLPD 5521—Cost and Economic Analysis in Educational Evaluation (3 cr)
  • OLPD 8502—Program Evaluation Theory and Models: Qualitative and Quantitative Alternatives (3 cr)
  • OLPD 8596—Evaluation Internship (3 cr)

Elective courses

List of acceptable courses. Additional courses may be approved by the Program Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

  • CI 8913—Interpretive Research (3 cr)
  • OLPD 5056—Case Studies for Policy Research (3 cr)
  • OLPD 5061—Ethnographic Research Methods (3 cr)
  • OLPD 5524/EPSY 5246—Evaluation Colloquium (1-6 cr)
  • OLPD 5841—Evaluation of OLPD (3 cr)
  • OLPD 8015—Research Design and Educational Policy (3 cr)
  • OLPD 8595/EPSY 8295—Evaluation Problems (1-6 cr)
  • PA 5311—Program Evaluation (3 cr)
  • PUBH 6852—Program Evaluation in Health and Mental Health Settings (2 cr)
  • SW 8602—Direct Practice Evaluation (2 cr)

Admission

Prior admission into an established M.A. or Ph.D. is required. Students must be in good standing and demonstrate relevant academic background and experience. Students in the existing evaluation-related concentrations in organizational leadership, policy, and development or educational psychology are not allowed into the minor. Students interested in admission to the minor should contact the Program Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). Admission requires the addition of the required minor coursework to the student's Graduate School degree program form and the minor DGS's signature on the form.

Contacts

Jeremy Hernandez
Coordinator of OLPD Graduate Studies
612-626-9377 | herna220@umn.edu

David R. Johnson
Director of Graduate Studies for Program Evaluation Minor
612-624-1062 | johns006@umn.edu