Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA)
Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA)
With a focus on solving critical, global problems, our Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment programs integrate state-of-the-art research design, statistical methods, and testing. Students collaborate with faculty who are active practitioners, internationally recognized for their influential work in communities.
Coursework blends theory and application, preparing students for careers in government, testing organizations, nonprofits, and schools.
Drawing on the Lynch School aspiration to “enhance the human condition, to expand the human imagination, and to make the world more just," the mission of the MESA program is to:
- Contribute to national and international efforts to solve critical educational and human problems in a diverse global community
- Educate the next generation of scholars and practitioners who will engage in reflective social inquiry
- Foster meaningful scholarly inquiry into both theoretical and applied aspects of social systems
- Advance creative approaches to important measurement, evaluation, and research problems in educational and other social science fields
- Provide students with the necessary theoretical and applied skills and experience to become research and evaluation leaders in their professional fields
- Prepare students to make original and substantive contributions to the fields of measurement, evaluation, and statistics
In service of this mission:
- The MESA program is committed to high quality, rigorous, collaborative, and equity-minded research, teaching, and mentoring
- The MESA program trains students in state-of-the-art statistical, research, and evaluation methods
- Students in MESA develop expertise in research methodology, measurement, evaluation, and applied statistics
- MESA faculty members have expertise in classroom and large-scale assessment, measurement and item response theory, factor analysis and structural equation modeling, categorical data analysis, multilevel modeling, generalized linear models, program evaluation, psychometrics, etc.
- Graduates of the MESA program find employment in colleges, universities, research centers, testing agencies, school systems, ministries of education and other government agencies, and industry
- Students completing the doctoral/master's degrees are capable of conducting independent research and evaluation, constructing measurement instruments, analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data, and contributing to the theory of research and evaluation methodology
Explore Our Programs
Applied Statistics & Psychometrics, M.S.
<h3>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS</h3>
<ul>
<li>Exposure to the latest trends in psychometric theory and research.</li>
<li>Internships with national organizations such as ACT, ETS, and Cognia.</li>
<li>Coursework forcuses on organizational, educational, and behavioral improvement and equity through evidence-based research.</li>
</ul>
<p>Use advance data analysis and statistical expertise to improve evidence-based organizational decision-making and practices. </p>
Educational Researcher
Educational Consultant
Principal Psychometrician
Project Analyst
Educator
Institutional Researcher
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Science-MS-in-Applied-Statistics-and-Psychometrics
Institutional Research Certificate
<h3><b>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Program combines foundational courses in higher educaiton administration with the MESA department's strength in data analysis, evaluation, and research design. </li>
<li>Quantitative and qualitative research methods coursework are included.</li>
</ul>
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<p>Prepare for a career in higher education as an institutional research officer or analyst by helping schools address institution-related questions and problems. </p>
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Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, & Assessment, Ph.D.
<h3><strong>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS </strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Examine institutional programs, design quantitative research studies, develop assessment instruments, and analyze organizational data to help inform policy-making.</li>
<li>Research Assistantships drive students to produce conference presentations, publications, and consulting opportunities.</li>
<li>Opportunities to collaborate on research with faculty to better integrate theory and practice.</li>
</ul>
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<p>Hone research methodology and data analysis skills to inform policy-making in education and other critical areas.</p>
Professor
Researcher
Director of Efficacy Analytics and Studies
Senior Vice President of Research
Director of Innovations Lab
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Doctor-of-Philosophy-Ph-D-in-Measurement-Evaluation-Statistics-and-Assessment
Research and Evaluation Methods, M.A.
<h3>PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS</h3>
<ul>
<li>Students have hands-on opportunities to work on applied research and evaluation projects in a variety of settings including K-12 and higher education, social services, and public health. </li>
<li>Learn ways to develop and conduct studies that honor the perspectives and experiences of marginalized populations. </li>
<li>Wide selection of electives make the program customizable for each student. </li>
</ul>
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<p>Develop data-driven skills to improve organizational decision-making and conduct vital evaluations to examine the processes and outcomes of their work.</p>
Educational Researcher
Educator
Data Analyst
Evaluation Specialist
Consultant
Institutional Researcher
bc:schools/LSOE/academics/programs/Master-of-Education-MEd-in-Educational-Research-Methodology
MESA Research Centers
The national and international demand for sophisticated education researchers is reflected through the two world renowned MESA‐affiliated research centers:
The TIMSS and PIRLS International Study Center
The Center for the Study of Testing, Evaluation, and Educational Policy
The Center conducts comparative studies in math, science, and reading educational achievement throughout the world under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.
CSTEEP conducts its work on both small and large scales, working with individual schools, districts, states, as well as countries to advance educational testing practices and policy, and to improve the quality and fairness of education.