Why This Matters
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33% JOB GROWTH OVER NEXT DECADE
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for statisticians will grow much faster than average over the next decade, resulting in an increase of 14,900 jobs, many in the education sector.
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EARN A SIX-FIGURE SALARY
Top researchers in educational statistician roles at private organizations make an average of $105,030 annually. Those working in colleges and universities average $62,780 a year.
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INCREASED RECORD-KEEPING REQUIRES SKILLED ANALYSTS
At the district, state, and federal levels in education, more data is being captured today than ever before, leading to an increased need for individuals who can read, evaluate, and quantify the information in a meaningful way.
Our Research
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 on the program. Many of the programs on our list are fully online; others feature on-campus coursework or a hybrid model.
All our chosen programs are accredited by the appropriate regional or national accrediting agency, which includes the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. 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.
- 56 hours to write this article
- 70 universities and colleges we assessed
- 198 education programs we compared
The Top 25 Master’s in Assessment And Measurement Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
An individual with a master’s degree in assessment and measurement has a range of career options to choose from. They may work with a district-level or state department of education, collecting qualitative and quantitative data and analysing it to help administrators make sound decisions on educational policy and practice.
They may also work in the private sector, with an educational think tank, or with an organization such as the National Center for Education Statistics, an independent agency responsible for education-related statistics, research, and evaluation in America. Teaching at the college level or working for a testing organization provide other possible career tracks.
Many of the skills gained in a master’s degree in assessment and measurement are transferable as well. If an individual decides to leave the academic sector, they should have little problem finding a position in healthcare, business, or any other data-driven environment.
There are no national accreditations required for working in academic assessment and measurement. Educational accreditations vary greatly from state to state; to find out what credentialing you might need, the website of your state’s department of education should have that information.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Assessment and Measurement degree programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? There are two common methodologies for the delivery of online programs: synchronous, where classes are held at a specific time online, and asynchronous, where you can watch classes at a time convenient for you and there is increased flexibility in delivering assignments. If you choose to continue working while attending graduate school, you may find an asynchronous delivery method more convenient.
- How long does it take to complete this online program? Our listed programs require 30 to 60 credit hours for completion. Many of them can be completed in a year with full-time study, however some may take longer. If you are planning to go to school part time, plan on taking at least two years to get your master’s degree.
Admissions counselors can be an excellent source of information, even if you have not chosen a specific program. A quick phone call or email to a school you’re researching will help you understand the scope of the program and allow you to ask questions of a knowledgeable expert.
Admissions counselors will also be able to help you with financial aid issues. In addition to the scholarships that may be available from your chosen school, you may find financial aid via scholarships, grants, or loans from your place of work or your professional organizations.