Master of Education (M.A.) in Research and Evaluation Methods
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Research and Evaluation Methods
Elevate your work with data driven evaluation and assessment
In today’s data-driven world, there is increasing demand for researchers with the data science skills to lead and conduct research and evaluation investigations that help institutions and schools enhance their decision-making procedures and ensure equitable outcomes for all stakeholders. The M.A. in Research and Evaluation Methods program at Boston College is designed to equip you with the robust background in methodology, research design, and data analysis you’ll need to help meet that demand. This training will allow you the flexibility to work in a variety of research and evaluation fields.
With a curriculum that incorporates quantitative and qualitative methods, including courses in evaluation theory and practice, you will develop strong skills in research and evaluation design, data collection and management, data analysis, report writing, and organizational communication.
In the M.A. in Research and Evaluation Methods program at Boston College, you will:
- experience research and evaluation practice through multiple perspectives, including an emphasis on social justice. Coursework and projects will engage you in critical discussions around ways to develop and conduct studies that honor the perspectives and experiences of marginalized populations;
- have hands-on opportunities to work on applied research and evaluation projects in a variety of settings including K-12 and higher education, psychology, social services, and public health; and
- connect with expert Boston-area research and evaluation professionals working in leadership positions at research and evaluation firms and funding agencies.
This program will enable you to:
- appreciate and understand the differences among various research approaches and methodologies and be able to identify appropriate methods to address specific research questions
- design a research or evaluation study
- interpret and report quantitative and qualitative designs, procedures, and results
- conduct statistical analyses of the data collected
- communicate research findings effectively including using data visualizations and reports
- critically analyze published quantitative and qualitative research
“If you’re interested in social change and in applying methodology to understand if programs are making a difference, we will give you the theoretical and practical tools to do that.”
At a Glance
How many courses will I take?
This program consists of 10 courses for a total of 30 credits.
How long is the program?
Part-time students complete the program in 2–3 years.
Full-time students can complete the program in 1 year.
When can I start?
You can begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall semester.
Can I enroll part time?
You can enroll in the program part time or full time.
What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 10
- Credits: 30
- Comprehensive Exam
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MESA7462 | Assessment and Test Construction This course addresses the major issues of educational assessment, with emphasis on the characteristics, administration, scoring, and interpretation of both formal and informal assessments, including but not limited to tests of achievement. All forms of assessment are examined including observation, portfolios, performance tasks, and paper-and-pencil tests, including standardized tests. Basic techniques of test construction, item writing, and analysis are included. Standardized norm-referenced tests and statewide testing programs are also examined. |
3 |
| MESA7460 | Interpretation and Evaluation of Research This course will improve a students' understanding of the empirical research literature in education and psychology. It concentrates on developing the conceptual foundations of empirical research and the practical analytic skills needed by a competent reader and user of research articles. Topics address purpose statements, hypotheses, sampling techniques, sample sizes and power, instrument development, internal and external validity, and typical quantitative research designs. Exercises emphasize the critical evaluation of published research. |
3 |
| MESA7466 | Evaluation Practice and Methods This course introduces the process of conducting evaluations from beginning to end. Evaluation is a form of applied social science research focused on systematically assessing the value--merit, worth, or significance--of interventions. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to evaluation, this course draws on scholarly articles and examples from multiple fields including education, public health, social services, and international development and addressing evaluation at various scales including program, organizational, and systems-level evaluations. By the end of the course, students will gain knowledge of how to carry out evaluations; apply this knowledge to develop evaluation plans for real-world interventions; and gain skills to critique existing evaluations supporting their development as informed, critical consumers of evaluations. |
3 |
| MESA7467 | Evaluation Theory and Research Evaluation as a professional practice and academic discipline is characterized by variation in perspectives on what evaluation is and how it should be practiced. This course introduces students to evaluation theory, key debates, and research on evaluation in order to develop students as critical, responsible evaluators and evaluation scholars. |
3 |
| MESA7468 | Introductory Statistics An introduction to descriptive statistics. Topics include methods of data summarization and presentation; measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression; the normal distribution; probability; and an introduction to hypothesis testing. Provides computer instruction on PC and Mac platforms and in the SPSS statistical package. |
3 |
| MESA7469 | Intermediate Statistics Topics and computer exercises address tests of means, partial and part correlations, multiple regression, analysis of variance with planned and post hoc comparisons, analysis of covariance, repeated measures analysis, elements of experimental design, and power analysis. |
3 |
| MESA7565 | Large Scale Assessment: Methods and Practice Examines large scale assessment procedures internationally (TIMSS and PIRLS) and nationally (NAEP and NCLB). Considers technical, operational, and reporting procedures in view of requirements for reliability and validity as well as resource constraints and political issues. Uses examples from the TIMSS and PIRLS international assessments in mathematics, science, and reading to illustrate procedures for instrument development, sampling, data collection, analysis, IRT scaling, and reporting results. |
3 |
| APSY8851 | Design of Qualitative Research Introduces the foundations and techniques of carrying out qualitative research. Topics include philosophical underpinnings, planning for a qualitative research project, negotiating entry, ethics of conducting research, data collection and analysis, and writing/presenting qualitative research. Requires a research project involving participant observation and/or interviewing. |
3 |
Students will select 2 electives (3 credits each) with the help of their advisor. Students may use these electives to specialize in a content area in assessment, measurement, evaluation, or statistics.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MESA8100 | Master's Comprehensive Exam In order to ensure that all students graduating from the master's program have a fundamental understanding of the field which they are about to enter, they are required to complete a comprehensive examination covering the broad areas of the core courses. |
0 |
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.
Alumni Profiles
Learn about MESA M.A. alumni careers.
Where do our graduates work?
American Institutes for Research
Researcher
Northern Illinois University
Assistant Professor
Bank of America Operations
Project Analyst
Hanover Research
Research Associate
Pearson
Director of Efficacy Analytics and Studies
Cumberland County College
President
ACT Inc.
Principal Psychometrician
Measured Progress
Director, Innovation Lab
Maguire Associates
Senior Vice President of Research
Sheffield Research and Evaluation
Senior Consultant
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the MESA Department.
Financial Assistance
Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $8.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable.
Deadlines
- Fall
Regular Decision - 1/6
- Rolling Admission
- Until 8/1
- Intl. Applicants
- Until 7/1
- Spring
Regular Decision - 11/1
- Summer
Regular Decision - 4/1
Apply Now
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required, however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Resume
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Two letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in lieu of official transcripts for the application review process. In the event that one is admitted into a program and enrolls, our office will need official transcripts prior to course registration. To expedite application processing times, our office encourages you to send unofficial transcripts electronically to our email address at GSOE@BC.EDU. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include all of the following items:
- Course titles and grades for each course
- Year and entry term for each of the courses listed
- Translated into English by certified translation agent (if not already in English)
- Original and translated transcripts must be provided
If you are able to secure official transcripts, please note the following:
- An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
- Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
- If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Standardized Tests
Submitting GRE test scores is optional and not required for 2021 entry term(s). If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Writing Sample
Not required.
International Students
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
Academic Tools
Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214