Student working on evaluation with laptop, papers and charts

M.S. in Interdisciplinary Evaluation Science

Evaluate. Improve. Impact.

In a society with many so-called solutions, but no easy answers, the field of evaluation science evolved to bridge the potential disconnect between politics and policy – to give scientists a way to measure impact and assess success; to bring a critical-but-neutral perspective to what are often emotionally and politically driven issues.

Leveraging the expertise of faculty from colleges and departments throughout the University of Delaware, the master of science in interdisciplinary evaluation science  degree fills the growing need for solid, science-based assessments of social policies by preparing students to contribute to human service, education, public policy, health and other program and policy areas through thoughtful, effective and ethical use of evaluation models and methods.  

LATEST NEWS

Paradise restored

Doug Tallamy’s quest to save the world, one yard at a time

2024 UD holiday gift guide

Options abound for finding just the right gift for Blue Hens

Stress less during finals week

UD staff offering students activities, food and extended hours to study during finals week

About the Program

 

$1,069

per Credit

In order to maintain a strong, diverse and substantial pool of applicants, our tuition is designed to make us competitive, especially with our peer institutions.

 

30

Credits of Coursework

The M.S. in interdisciplinary evaluation science requires 30 credits of coursework at the graduate level. The 30 credits of coursework include 21 credits of required courses and a 9-credit concentration.

 

40+

Affiliated Faculty

Representing seven departments from colleges throughout UD, full-time faculty members — who are leaders in their field — share their individual expertise and unite to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

From Our Students

DESIGNED for professionals

Ideal for busy professionals looking to sharpen their skills and advance in their careers, all of the courses can be completed asynchronously online. Acquire knowledge in our classes today that can be applied in the workplace tomorrow.

Program Benefits

  • Select from 9 concentrations offered in partnership with other UD colleges
  • Complete the whole program online: part time or full time
  • Finish each class in 5-7 weeks
  • Learn from practicing evaluators who are experts in the field
  • Choose the certificate option and apply 12 credits toward the M.S. degree

CERTIFICATEs

  • Program Evaluation Certificate
  • Applied Research Methods Certificate

Be in Demand

After getting its start as a way to assess educational and social programs in the 1960s and 1970s, evaluation science is now embraced by many other fields. There is a substantial need for evaluation in a variety of industries including – but not limited to – insurance, health, education, government, national security, scientific research and agriculture. In just about any field, there are programs where evaluation is needed. Total U.S. employment in evaluation science is expected to grow by 8.3 million jobs from 2021-31, with nearly a third of the new jobs in healthcare and social assistance.

Our Universitywide resources allow students to focus on a methodological or methods-focused content area related to their interests and professional needs. As active members of the American Evaluation Association and other affinity organizations, we continually keep ourselves apprised of the latest trends and advancements in the field and incorporate these developments into our curriculum.

 

 

Teaching From Practical Experience

With over 40 affiliated faculty representing seven departments from colleges throughout UD, students in the M.S. program in interdisciplinary evaluation science have the opportunity to discover alongside practicing evaluators who are experts in the field.

What to Know Before Applying

Credits pie chart

The M.S. in interdisciplinary evaluation science requires 30 credits of coursework at the graduate level. The 30 credits of coursework include 21 credits of required courses and a 9-credit concentration.

Spanning six colleges across the University, the nine concentrations range from methodologically focused coursework, including applied statistics, business analytics and bioinformatics data science, to content-focused coursework, including early childhood policy, educational technology, education policy, health policy, higher education policy and public policy.

To apply for admission to the interdisciplinary evaluation science program, please use the Apply Today button above.

The admissions criteria will identify those applicants who are likely to be successful evaluation professionals. Specifically, the program seeks to attract applicants who have:

  1. A demonstrated commitment to social change and betterment through effective programs and other interventions, and
  2. An academic and/or professional background that indicates the ability to successfully complete the program. Acceptance to the program is based on a composite of the applicant’s scholastic record, any standardized test scores, letters of reference and a personal statement. Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration. Admission is selective and competitive based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities.

University policy on admissions: Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths. Applicants for the master of science in interdisciplinary evaluation science will apply to the Graduate College. At the time of application, applicants will specify their preferred concentration area, as well as their first and second alternative concentration areas. These alternate concentration areas will be used if the preferred concentration area is full. The specific criteria for GPA and test scores are:

  • Applicants should have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0 = A); however all applications will be considered.
  • GRE scores are not required.
  • If English is not an applicant’s first language, then the applicant must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or TOEFL Essentials is required of all foreign national applicants. If TOEFL scores are submitted, a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (TOEFL iBT) is required for consideration for admission. If TOEFL Essentials scores are submitted, a minimum score of 10.5 is required for consideration for admission.
UD Memorial Hall with fountain in foreground

This degree is intended to be a self-paying program. Tuition for the 2023-24 academic year is $1,069 per credit hour. To be considered for federal student loans, students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Aid is generally awarded for the academic year, but disbursement (payment) is split between the fall and spring semesters.