What is a program evaluator?

Although you may have never thought about becoming a program evaluator program evaluation has certainly touched your life at some point or another: from the clothes that you wear to the school programs that you participated in.

In education program evaluators can find careers in many different areas. Student who have graduated from the program are currently working professionals for state and federal agencies, private corporations, and not-for-profits.


Here are some possible areas that you might find yourself evaluating as a professional evaluator in the educational area:

• The impact of a school district’s after-school enrichment program.
• A large initiative to link low performing schools to museums around the world through video conferencing..
• The effectiveness of training teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms 
• The impact of a school-to-work program for high school students with special needs.
• The impact of a book-share literacy program on first-grade students from single parent families.

Program Evaluation Scheme

Students in the program evaluation scheme earn a degree in Educational Psychology. The program evaluation scheme is made up from a blending of core educational psychology courses with key courses in program evaluation.

The program evaluation scheme was developed for students interested in expanding their understanding of applied research methods to include the professional field of program evaluation. As part of this program students are provided in-depth experience in both theories of program evaluation, as well as practical application in instrument development and testing and measurement. Overall, this scheme is designed to assist students in developing skills and competencies necessary for mid-entry level positions in the field of program evaluation.

Key program evaluation courses are:

• Introduction to Program Evaluation (EPY 540)
• Program Evaluation: Theories, Instrument Development and Utilization (EPY 541)
• Grant Writing and Program Development (EPY 544)
• Practicum in Program Evaluation (EPY 546)

These program evaluation courses were designed and developed based on an analysis of key skills and competencies employers in the program evaluation industry were looking for in potential employees.