Assessment and measurement postgraduate programs combine education and statistics to prepare students for research positions in school districts, testing organizations, certification boards, and healthcare organizations. These positions range from instructional coordinators, who earned an average salary of $66,490 (as of 2022), to data scientists, who earned an average annual wage of $103,500.
Tuition and fees for a master’s degree in assessment and measurement cost $20,513 in 2023, and many students earn these degrees before pursuing a Doctorate in Education degree (Ed.D.).
How to Choose an Assessment and Measurement Degree Program
Choose your area of study
The most common type of master’s degree in assessment and measurement is a Master of Education (MEd). Students use these degrees to deepen their knowledge of instruction, assessment, and educational research. If they go on to become teachers, or if they are teachers earning a second degree, they can apply what they learn in an assessment and measurement program to their class instruction or district curriculum.
MEd degrees in assessment and measurement include:
- MEd in educational research methodology
- MEd in educational research and measurement
- MEd in evaluation, assessment, research, and learning
- MEd in measurement, evaluation, statistics, and assessment
- MEd in evaluation and measurement
When students earn their master’s degrees in assessment and measurement from other colleges, including colleges of arts or science, their career goals may be outside education. Postgraduate degrees in assessment and measurement from colleges of arts focus more on psychological development and humanities-based research methods, while degrees from colleges of science focus on technical training and math-based data analysis.
If that sounds more like your desired career and coursework path, consider degrees like:
- Master of Arts in evaluation, measurement, and research
- Master of Science in research, evaluation, measurement, and statistics
- Master of Science in measurement and evaluation
- Master of Science in educational research and evaluation
- Master of Science in education
Research schools and programs
The institution and program you choose should be accredited by reputable accreditation agencies. Institutional accreditation agencies like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education regularly ensure that institutions offer students a high-quality, rigorous education. Programmatic accreditation agencies like the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation assess education programs for their adherence to educational and professional standards.
After you’ve made a list of accredited schools and programs, consider your own needs. Are you willing to travel to a new area, or would you rather finish your postgraduate degree locally? Would you prefer to finish your degree in a full-time setting, or will you need a more flexible program that allows you to work part-time? Visit your prospective school to ask these questions and to address other concerns on a school tour.
Prepare for tests and applications
Entrance requirements for an assessment and measurement program will likely include:
- Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
- A letter of intent (or application cover letter)
- Sealed transcripts from your bachelor’s program
- A minimum college GPA
- Test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Gather these items as soon as possible, and take the GRE or GMAT as soon as possible — just in case you need time to retake it. Check with your future school about their admissions requirements, deadlines, and early acceptance opportunities.
Schools of education may have additional requirements, such as prerequisites in undergraduate education classes and anywhere from 20 to 100 hours of classroom observation (depending on the program). Speak to a program representative who can give you an accurate view of what you’ll need in your application package.
Select your program
Most assessment and measurement programs are available through an institution’s school of education. Research the department’s education program, contact graduates or professors, and read through any updated syllabi you find for the courses offered. Choose the program with the school of education that matches your own educational philosophy, while still providing an academic challenge.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
While researching costs for a postgraduate degree, start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form — no matter your financial situation. The FAFSA form will show whether you qualify for federal grants and loans, which could increase the aid you can apply toward your postgraduate education. If you’re currently working, research employer tuition assistance to see if your employer could help you pay for higher education.
Best 50 Accredited Assessment and Measurement Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
In a graduate program in assessment and measurement, you may earn a master of arts, master of science, or master of education, depending on the focus of the program. Many of the programs on our list are fully online; others feature on-campus coursework or a hybrid model.
All of the schools featured on this list are regionally accredited institutions. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Accreditation indicates that the school has developed a rigorous and appropriate curriculum and employs only professors with the top credentials in their field, as well as relevant real-world experience.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Assessment and Measurement Degree Program?
Most assessment and measurement degree courses apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to educational contexts. Students with experience in teaching or social sciences can bring prior knowledge to their postgraduate coursework, and students interested in data analysis may find new opportunities to apply their skills.
Course formats in assessment and measurement degree programs include lectures, discussions, case studies, classroom experience, various research projects, and a capstone project or graduate thesis.
Potential courses you’ll take in an assessment and measurement degree program
- Educational Measurement. Students apply classical test theory to test construction and result analysis, and examine the effectiveness of assessment devices in the classroom and larger contexts, such as district-wide or state-wide assessments.
- Educational Research. Educational research courses teach students to interpret educational data by using several qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as correlation and regression tools. They’ll conduct research studies to learn more about educational methods and address challenges posed by results.
- Instructional Design. Instructional design theory applies educational philosophy and best practices — including learning domains and learning styles — to instructional material construction and evaluation.
- Statistics. In statistics courses, students learn the fundamentals of applied statistics, including probability and data analysis, as it relates to behavioral and social sciences. They’ll also use historical and modern statistical models in a number of academic contexts.
Assessment and Measurement Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an assessment and measurement degree program?
Check your program’s admission website for specific requirements, including minimum test scores, application fees, classroom observation hours, and deadlines. Contact the admission office at your prospective program to verify what you’ll need in your application package and to see if they need additional time commitments from you (such as interviews or classroom observation hours).
How much does an assessment and measurement degree cost?
In 2023, tuition and fees for a master’s degree in assessment and measurement cost an average of $20,513. Room and board, educational supplies (such as books and computers), transportation costs, and other factors may also impact your budget.
How long does it take to earn an assessment and measurement degree?
Most master’s degrees in assessment and measurement require 30 to 60 graduation credits. The average full-time student takes one to two years to complete the program, depending on how many credits they take at a time. Accelerated programs can take less time, and part-time schedules may require three to four years to complete all 30 credits.