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Interdisciplinary Studies program

Research and Evaluation Methods, MA

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Overview

CU Denver’s online Master of Arts in Research and Evaluation Methods provides an opportunity for those who are interested in improving the quality of education in schools and community organizations through high-quality research and evaluation, data-driven decisions and the dissemination of evidence-based research. Many of our alumni go on to become researchers, evaluators, consultants and school leaders in Colorado and throughout the world.

As a student in this program, you’ll be encouraged to examine real-world challenges impacting education and society today. You’ll learn how to address real-life issues through research and evaluation studies, from defining problems to conducting the study itself. In addition to basic coursework, you’ll develop your skills using software and learn by using real-life data in practicums and internships.

Teaching qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research here is an amazing experience because we focus on hands-on applied practice. Our graduates from the MA in Research and Evaluation Methods work in many environments, including non-profit agencies, school district assessment offices, large companies – workplaces that are interested in using data to make decisions to improve people’s lives.

Nancy Leech, Professor

Nancy Leech Professor University of Colorado Research Evaluation

Program Details

Our students come from a wide array of backgrounds, usually educational and often psychological. After gaining admission to the program, your course of study will guide you through the various competencies that are required.

You’ll learn to solve important assessment questions by:

  • Skillfully identifying and articulating questions to ask in urban and rural environments
  • Recognizing appropriate sources of information to collect data
  • Designing methods of data collection such as questionnaires and interview protocols
  • Analyzing data using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods
  • Using Excel, SPSS, Dedoose, Qualtrics and other data analysis software programs
  • Interpreting data and preparing presentations and reports

At the end of the program, you'll complete a practicum, an independent study project or a master's thesis. You will need to perform satisfactorily on a written, comprehensive examination.

Tuition and Fees

Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at the University of Colorado is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.

The tuition amount assessed is determined based on which University of Colorado campus, school, or college is offering your degree program, as well as if it is at the undergrad or graduate level, and finally your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

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Timeline

The MA in Research and Evaluation Methods requires 30 credits to complete.

Admissions

Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student, or an international student.

Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting an Enrollment Navigator today.

phan noc university of colorado

Being part of the research and evaluation concentration cohort was an amazing experience for me because of the personalized support from the faculty. They were very responsive to students' needs and provided many opportunities to apply the coursework to our interests.

Ngoc Phan, Alum

Career Paths

Students acquire skills necessary for a variety of roles that involve data-driven decisions. Students are prepared to facilitate decision-making based on evidence. Some students pursue the degree to enhance their skills as classroom teachers. Others work in environments where information and data from different sources are used to make informed decisions.

  • Program Evaluator
  • Research for a Nonprofit Organization
  • Director of Assessment and Accreditation
  • Research Analyst
  • Psychometrician

Courses

Courses at CU Denver are offered three times a year — fall, spring and summer. Not all courses are available every semester. For most programs, courses last 15 weeks, plus one week for finals. This is a big commitment, but we believe the extra time you spend dedicated to your studies pays off!

Example Courses

RSEM 5120 - Introduction to Research Methods 
This is a survey course that examines the purposes of research, the methods of quantitative, qualitative and mixed research, as well as the processes involved in research studies. The primary aims of this course are to improve your skills as an informed consumer of research and to provide you with the skills to conduct your own research.

RSEM 6100 - Methods of Qualitative Inquiry
Prepares graduate students to conduct field research employing qualitative methods and perspectives. Students become familiar with evolving theoretical and methodological perspectives in qualitative research drawn from anthropology, clinical psychology, sociology and education. Students apply techniques of qualitative data collections and analysis in a pilot investigation.

RSEM 7050 - Methods of Survey Research
Covers the purposes and methods of survey research. Topics included are: goals and uses of survey research, data collection methods, questionnaire and interview protocol design, reliability and validity of data collection methods, sampling, ways to reduce error in data collection and sampling, data analysis techniques commonly used in survey research studies, interpreting and reporting results, and ethical issues. Students design and conduct a survey as part of the course requirements.

Your Future Begins with CU Online

CU Online is a pioneer in distance education. Since offering our first online course in 1996, we have grown to provide the people of Colorado and the United States with high-quality, engaging online degrees and certificate programs. Now it is your turn to discover what you can accomplish when you earn your degree from CU Online.

Contact our Enrollment Navigators today to learn more about our programs.

Get Connected

Contact CU Online

Call us today: 303-315-3000

CU Online

Questions about enrollment?

Phone: 303-315-3000

Email: cuonline@cu.edu

 

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