Alumni Spotlight: Online MESA Certificate Graduate reflects on the supportive online community

Meet Mary Elizabeth Stephens, a 2020 graduate of the Online Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA) Graduate Certificate. Located in Utah, Mary Elizabeth was hoping to grow professionally, and after reviewing the program benefits, she deemed the UIC online certificate as a valuable investment.

Recalling moments of being stuck on an assignment or uncertainty on how to proceed in the program, Mary Elizabeth always felt the support of her fellow classmates, instructors, and advisor. Built as an asynchronous program, she assures prospective students that the program is “built for working professionals in an online environment.” Learn how the MESA program fosters a supportive and positive online learning environment that will help you succeed.

What factors led you to choose the online MESA certificate program? 

The online MESA program was flexible and covered topics that I was hoping to grow in professionally. The additional credential seemed like a reach, but with the program being fully online with guaranteed support, the opportunity to build into a Master of Education, and the robust calendar of course offerings that matched my needs, I decided it was worth a try. After an amazing first class, and the incredible support I encountered after I needed to pause for two semesters, I was excited to complete the certificate.

With the MESA program being asynchronous, what were the benefits? Were your instructors available to answer your questions?

All the instructors that I worked with were incredibly quick to respond and seemed fully invested in helping me find an answer to any question or concern I had. One instructor even had guidelines on her syllabus for communication, such as her email turnaround time, which I really appreciated. Another instructor was able to troubleshoot with me on whether her class schedule would fit some of my special needs. The advisors were equally engaged and excited to work with me.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MESA certificate program at UIC? 

I would tell prospective students to ‘ask if you have a question!’ There was once a tricky assignment in a class and a classmate had posted on a discussion board that they were lost. Within an hour, three other classmates had not only shared some tips to get started on the assignment but provided a few pathways on how to get to the correct answer. Within the day, the professor had also chimed in and provided a robust study guide for that entire unit.

There was another time I had a question about whether I could take some time off in the program. I asked an advisor who responded quickly and supportively and gave me clear advice on some paths I could take plus what my next steps would be. In short, every time I’ve had a question within my MESA program, I received thorough, clear, and helpful answers.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

I loved my time in the certificate program! It was a program built for working professionals in an online environment, and it had a level of polish I hadn’t expected and truly enjoyed. The program gave me new skills and new paths to explore. My boss and colleagues also noticed higher levels of confidence and a stronger sense of direction with my research projects and reports.

I feel as though the MESA program at UIC is worth the cost and is a high caliber program for professionals wanting to expand their skills and deepen their understanding of education research methods.

Speak with an enrollment specialist today to learn more about the program. Click here to request information.

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. Talk to an enrollment specialist to learn more about these online programs.