What You Should Know About This Degree
Master’s degrees in assessment and measurement typically fall into one of two categories. There are those that focus on educational assessment and measurement and are geared towards educators and education administrators who want to apply those skills to improving learning outcomes for students. Other programs take a broader approach, teaching students research methods that can be used in a variety of different fields, including marketing, psychology, project management, and more.
Before selecting a master’s degree in assessment and measurement, consider your educational background, current experience, and professional goals to select the type of program that most closely aligns with your interests.
Depending on your career goals, you may need to pursue further study after completing your master’s degree. Many advanced research positions require that individuals have a PhD, particularly if they are working on government-funded research. If you are considering obtaining a doctoral degree, you should select a master’s program that will prepare you for this type of advanced study. Some master’s programs are designed as terminal degrees and do not cover all of the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge PhD programs expect students to have.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions you can ask when researching online master’s in assessment and measurement programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Some programs are designed for students from all educational and professional backgrounds, while others require students to have some foundational knowledge of statistics, research methods, or mathematics. Be sure to review the program’s admissions requirements carefully before applying to confirm that you meet the basic eligibility qualifications.
- Are there any in-person requirements for this program? Some programs on our list are hybrid programs, meaning students complete coursework through a mix of in-person and online classes. Other programs have experiential learning components, such as internships. Be sure you carefully review the curriculum and schedule for a program before applying to ensure you are selecting a program that you can accommodate in your schedule.
Other steps you can take right now include gathering your application materials, confirming the application deadlines for the term in which you plan to start, and researching financial aid options. These resources can include institutional and private scholarships, student loans, assistantships, and tuition benefits from your employer if you are currently working.