Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Master of Science in Educational Research and Evaluation


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Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

This 36-semester-hour program is designed to prepare professionals in the fields of educational assessment, evaluation, and qualitative and quantitative research. Students learn to plan and design educational evaluations, implement and interpret qualitative and statistical data analytic procedures, and relate the findings to educational and social science policy. Students pursue this degree either in a general track or with an area of study in advanced quantitative methods, in assessment, or in program evaluation. Study in the general track allows students to focus on a specific discipline of the department, e.g., evaluation and technology or qualitative research. The area of study in advanced quantitative methods prepares students for careers as data analysts/statisticians in educational, business, and professional settings, as well as in governmental agencies. The area of study in assessment furthers students’ knowledge of the theory and practice of assessment; this specialization also provides opportunities for teacher professional development. The area of study in program evaluation prepares students for careers as evaluators for school districts, business and professional organizations, culturally based institutions, and military and government agencies.

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Admission

An applicant must submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Student-at-Large, Study-Abroad, and Transfer Credit

A maximum of 15 student-at-large and transfer semester hours in combination may be applied toward the master’s degree in educational research and evaluation, with the exception that a maximum of 18 student-at-large semester hours from the certificate of graduate study in advanced quantitative methodology in education may be applied towards this master’s degree. See “Requirements for Graduate Degrees” for limitation on studyabroad credit.

Requirements


Course work or One of the following areas of study (12)


Course work selected in consultation with program adviser including a minimum of 6 semester hours in the department (12), OR one of the following areas of study (12)

Advanced Quantitative Methods


Students in the advanced quantitative methodology area of study must take ETR 529.

Comprehensive Examination


The comprehensive examination is based on the student’s program of study and typically focuses on examination of an issue or problem in educational research and evaluation. Students should contact the department office no later than the semester prior to anticipated program completion and graduation to obtain an application for the comprehensive examination.

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