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Program Evaluation Certificate

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Program Evaluation Certificate

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The evaluation science graduate certificates, offered 100% virtually, are intended to prepare students in program evaluation across the fields of human services, education, public policy, health and other program and policy areas through thoughtful, effective and ethical use of evaluation models and methods. Certificate admission requires a bachelor's degree. Certificates can be completed in one year of part-time study.

 

For students who choose to pursue UD's master of science in evaluation science, all 12 credits from one certificate can be applied toward the M.S. degree.

 

12 Months

Part-Time

12

Credit Hours

100%

Online

$1,149

Cost per Credit

7

Week Courses

UD Online

Application Deadlines

 

Program Outcomes

 

This certificate is intended to prepare students in the basics of program evaluation across the fields of human services, education, public policy, health and other program and policy areas through thoughtful, effective and ethical use of evaluation models and methods. Aligned with the American Evaluation Association’s Guiding Principles for Evaluators and Evaluator Competencies, the certificate can be completed in one year of part-time study.

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.

More information about The Program Evaluation Certificate

Admission

Our graduate application system is designed to put you in control of the application and all documents associated with it.

You’ll need:

  1. A completed online application
  2. A bachelor’s degree in any academic background from a regionally accredited institution
  3. A current résumé
  4. A GPA of at least 3.0. (If your GPA is below 3.0, you should still apply, as we take your strengths and skills in other areas into account.)
  5. Unofficial copies of your transcripts (we'll need official versions once you're admitted)
  6. Letters of recommendation
  7. A personal statement

 

Curriculum

The 12-credit program includes three required 3-credit courses:

  • EVAL680: Foundations of Evaluation

  • EVAL755: Evaluation Models and Management

  • EVAL615: Research Design and Methods

In addition, students will choose one 3-credit elective from the following courses:

  • EVAL770: Quantitative Methods and Analysis

  • EVAL771: Qualitative Methods and Analysis

  • EVAL780: Survey Research

  • EVAL781: Mixed Methods Research

  • Advisor-approved specialization course

A course may be applied toward one certificate and one graduate degree. A course may not count toward multiple certificates.

Tuition & Aid

We're Committed to Affordability

$1,149 Per Credit Hour

You could fund your program by receiving a grant, qualifying for federal or private loans, utilizing military benefits or pursuing employer tuition reimbursement. Our dedicated admissions and financial personnel will help you through the process, including enrolling in a payment plan if applicable.

Career Outlook

More and more organizations are requiring program evaluation, and state funding mechanisms increasingly require evaluation of programs. They know in the long run that it’s a better use of resources. If you can determine early on that a program is not working, you will save money by making adjustments and decisions before unnecessary funds are spent on ineffective strategies. In just about any field now, there are programs where evaluation is needed.

Faculty

 

Name/ProfileDepartmentEmail
Sue GiancolaEvaluation Science, CRESPgiancola@udel.edu
Gail HeadleyMixed Methods Research, CRESPgheadley@udel.edu
Lauren BailesEducation and Social Policylbailes@udel.edu
Florence RanQuantitative Methods, Higher Education Policy, SOEfxran@udel.edu
Bryan VanGronigenQualitative Methods, Education and Social Policy, SOEbvg@udel.edu

Program Dates

 

SessionApplication DeadlineSession Start Date
Fall IAugust 1, 2026August 25, 2026
Fall IISeptember 1, 2026October 12, 2026
Spring IJanuary 1, 2027February 8, 2027
Spring IIMarch 1, 2027April 5, 2027
Summer IMay 1, 2027June 7, 2027

From our StudentS

  • McKenna Halverson

    Certificate, Program Evaluation, 2023

    Ph.D., Human Development and Family Sciences, 2025

    “The certificate program has enhanced my knowledge of evaluation strategies and made me more competitive on the job market. I have been able to provide insights from what I have learned to my professional work and also apply two of the four courses to my Ph.D. requirements.”

    McKenna Halverson

  • Amber Wool

    Certificate, Program Evaluation, 2023

    "The folks at UD have been really approachable. We have weekly office hours over Zoom, and they record the lectures in case you aren’t able to make it. It is very easy to be engaged and get the support I need.”

    Amber Wool

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate program entirely online?

Yes. There is no campus component to this program.

How do I apply to the Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate program?

The first step toward applying for this program is to complete your online application through the graduate student Application Management System.

What are the start dates for the Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate program through the year?

You may start this program in the fall, summer or spring semesters. See application deadlines above. Applicants are considered for admission on a rolling basis, which makes now the perfect time to apply.

What is your learning platform?

Canvas, which is currently used by over 2,000 schools throughout the United States.

How many credits are in the Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate program?

This program includes 12 total credit hours.

How long does it take to complete the Program Evaluation Graduate Certificate program?

The program can be completed in 12 months part-time. 

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