Program evaluation is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using data to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of programs or policies, contributing to continuous program improvement. The certificate program is based on the American Evaluation Association’s competencies, equipping current and future evaluators with a breadth of understanding of culturally-responsive and socially just evaluation. This prepares students to lead program evaluation efforts that address social justice in line with the evolving nature of evaluation practice. Participants will learn applied methods, techniques, and processes, and how evaluation fits into larger economic, social, and political contexts. The program addresses the need for evaluators in government, nonprofit, and private sectors at the state, national, and international levels to practice high-quality culturally responsive and social justice-focused evaluations across disciplines. This program is designed for individuals who:

• currently are required to conduct evaluation as part of their jobs, but do not have formal training in evaluation,
• want to brush up their evaluation practice,
• novice or new evaluators, and/or
• are seeking to deepen their understanding of evaluation practice.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

Certificate Program Requirements

Required: 12 credit hours

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Required Courses (9 credits)
ERM 642	Evaluation of Educational Programs	3
or ERM 741	Evaluation of Educational Programs
ERM 643	Applied Educational Evaluation	3
or ERM 752	Applied Educational Evaluation
ERM 645	Culturally Responsive Approaches to Research and Evaluation	3
or ERM 745	Culturally Responsive Approaches to Research and Evaluation
Area of Emphasis (3 credits)
Select one course (3 credits) from the following: *		3
ERM 600	Validity and Validation
or ERM 700	Validity and Validation
ERM 604	Methods of Educational Research
or ERM 704	Methods of Educational Research
ERM 644	Approaches to Collaborative Research and Evaluation in Education
or ERM 744	Approaches to Collaborative Research and Evaluation in Education
ERM 650	Foundations of Qualitative Research Methods
or ERM 749	Foundations of Qualitative Research Methods
ERM 667	Foundations of Educational Measurement Theory
or ERM 767	Foundations of Educational Measurement Theory
Total Credit Hours		12

*

That aligns with the student's cohort area of emphasis (e.g. measurement, policy, collaborative evaluation).