Alumni Spotlight: Emily Winchip earned the MEd MESA degree overseas
Alumni Spotlight: Emily Winchip earned the MEd MESA degree overseas Heading link
Emily Winchip graduated with a Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment (MESA) in 2015 while working at an international school overseas. Winchip went on to earn her PH.D. in Education from the University of Nottingham and currently works as an Assistant Professor at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Emily has always been interested in educational measurement and investigating how it affects education policy. She thought the specialization of UIC’s MESA degree in educational measurement for assessment was unique and more closely targeted her goals.
What skills did you gain or sharpen through your MESA program at UIC and how do you use them today?
The MESA program introduced me to Rasch measurement which has become my main method of analysis that I use. It also led me to apply for a Ph.D. which I completed in 2019. The UIC MESA program allowed me to move into working in higher education where I now work as an assistant professor.
What was the biggest takeaway from your MESA degree?
The technical training in statistics and critical discussion of assessment have really broadened the way I think about educational measurement. I can technically describe data but also discuss ethical considerations and critical analysis of assessments.
What would you tell (or what advice would you give) to prospective students considering the MESA degree or certificate program at UIC?
I would advise that online learning is flexible but needs careful attention to be scheduled into your week. I know people who would wait and do all their work in one day, but [doing a] small amount of work each day was very successful for me. And the MESA professors were fantastic!
MESA online quantitative research graduates are in high demand. Receiving this nationally ranked graduate degree or certificate, students are ready to succeed in a variety of research settings and environments. Choose from two online programs, a Master of Education Degree or a Graduate Certificate, and begin your journey today. To learn more about these online programs, visit mesaonline.ec.uic.edu/programs/contact-us.