Oct 31, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Master of Science in Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment


Check departmental information for any additional requirements. For application links and additional information visit the college page or the NIU Online Page.

This 36-semester-hour program is designed to prepare professionals who are broadly trained in both the theory and practice of qualitative and quantitative research, program evaluation, and assessment/measurement. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate educational research and evaluation studies; select and implement suitable qualitative and quantitative data analytic procedures; design and evaluate assessments and other instruments; and relate empirical findings to educational and social science policies and practices. While the program entails a comprehensive and rigorous core curriculum, students may pursue specialized areas of professional interest (e.g., advanced qualitative research design, statistical analysis) through elective courses. Students are prepared for careers as researchers, evaluators, assessment specialists, and data analysts in educational, business, government, and other professional settings, as well as advanced training in social science disciplines. 

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, evaluation and assessment, 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 study abroad credit.

Elective Courses Credits (9-14)


Course work within the department from any of the categories below, selected in consultation with program advisor (9 credits for those students who pursue the Master’s Thesis or Master’s Project capstone options/14 credits for those students who pursue the Master’s Portfolio capstone option.) 

Other


Internship Credits (3-15)


In addition to coursework and a capstone experience (i.e., thesis, project, or portfolio), the program requires an internship. 

Capstone Credits (1-6)


In addition to coursework and an internship, the program requires that students complete a capstone experience. For the capstone experience, a student has the option to complete a thesis, a project, or a portfolio. 

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, evaluation, or assessment. 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. The capstone experience serves as the comprehensive examination for students in the program. 

Requirements for Accelerated B.S. in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation/M.S. in Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment (MSEREA)


This accelerated sequence leads to both a B.S. in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation and a M.S. in Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment. Up to 18 credit hours of Emphasis specific courses count towards both the MSEREA and B.S. degrees.

Eligibility requirements for application to the MSEREA program through the accelerated B.S. in Applied Management program are:

  • Undergraduate majoring in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation
  • Completion of at least 9 credit hours of Emphasis specific courses.
  • Minimum of 3.2 GPA.
  • Completion of all M.S. in Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment program application requirements, including application to the graduate school, statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation, transcripts for all college coursework. The GRE is not required for admission if GPA requirement is met.
  • Students must meet Graduate School application deadlines.

Interested students should talk with an advisor as early as possible and should apply during their junior year.

Curriculum


Students must complete all the requirements for the B.S. in Applied Management with Emphasis in Instructional Technology, Training and Evaluation and the general education requirements before admission. Beginning with the first semester of their final undergraduate year, students will start taking classes in the M.S. in Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment (MSEREA) program. These courses will count toward the final 18 credits of the undergraduate degree. Upon receiving their undergraduate degree, students will work with an advisor to establish a timeline for completion of the MSEREA program.