How UIC’s Online Master of Education in MESA Prepares Students to Lead Program Evaluations

There is an increasing demand for professionals who understand the evaluation process. Evaluation is a powerful tool that helps organizations and communities examine the quality and impact of programs, policies, and interventions. UIC’s Online Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA) program equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design program evaluations, analyze data, and support data-informed decision making across education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors.

With a PhD in educational psychology and a specialization in evaluation methodology, Associate Professor Dr. Rebecca Teasdale brings both academic expertise and professional experience to the UIC Online Master of Education in MESA program. She has worked extensively in STEM education evaluation, in both formal and informal learning environments, as well as with community-based programs. Within MESA, her expertise centers on evaluation; the “E” in MESA.

In her course, EPSY 564: Evaluation I: Principles and Methods, Dr. Teasdale introduces students to the principles and methods of evaluation and shows them how to design an evaluation plan to strengthen programs and guide decision-making. In this course highlight, she shares how EPSY 564 equips students with the tools to become confident, capable evaluators and leaders in their fields.

Why Evaluation Principles and Methods Are Essential for Today’s Professionals

EPSY 564: Evaluation I: Principles and Methods is a foundational course that benefits two key groups of students: those who want to conduct program evaluations themselves, and those who work with programs and services that rely on evaluation. In both cases, students better understand what evaluation can do for them and how to interact with the process.

Evaluation is not a standardized activity. It is always customized to each specific community, context, and program. That means there are a lot of decisions to make along the way. A course like 564 provides options and background information so students can make informed decisions about the best program evaluation methods and activities for any situation.

I also approach 564 from an interdisciplinary perspective, because the field of evaluation itself is interdisciplinary. It draws from education, public health, public policy, sociology, and more. One of the things I really enjoy about the class is that it brings together students from diverse professional, academic, and personal backgrounds. We leverage that by sharing the different perspectives each student brings. The readings and examples also draw from a wide variety of fields, so even though we’re within the College of Education, the class explores the entire interdisciplinary field of evaluation.

Practical Skills Students Develop in Evaluation I: Principles and Methods

Students gain the foundational skills to plan and implement evaluations for various programs and services. They learn how to:

• Work with communities and partners to identify evaluation needs
• Design an evaluation plan
• Select appropriate data collection and analysis methods
• Use evaluation findings to inform action and improve services

The goal is for students to see how evaluation can improve programs and strengthen community services.

Hands-On Projects that Prepare Students for Real-World Evaluation

One of the most impactful parts of the course is a semester-long project where students design an evaluation plan for a program or service they care about. We move through the process step by step: analyzing the program and evaluation context, identifying who is involved and affected, choosing data collection and analysis methods, and creating a plan for how to share and use the findings. Students are guided along the way with my feedback and support from their classmates.

This project ensures that their design evaluation plan is directly connected to their professional field or an area they want to explore.

Preparing Students to Overcome Common Evaluation Challenges

Since evaluation is so contextual, one of the biggest challenges professionals face is knowing what approach to use in different situations. EPSY 564 gives students background knowledge and a toolbox they can draw from when encountering those variations in practice. Evaluation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Knowing that, and knowing they can shape and adapt methods for a specific program or community, gives students the ability to make evaluation meaningful and impactful.

Another key area we focus on is evaluation capacity building. Students learn how to work with partners and community members to share the knowledge they’ve gained, helping build evaluation skills in their organizations and communities beyond the classroom.

An Engaging Online Experience that Builds Community and Connections

I design my online classes to create a strong learning community. Students get to know one another, give feedback, and receive feedback from each other and from me. Students read about a topic each week, watch instructional videos, and then complete a hands-on activity. They share their work on discussion boards, comment on each other’s projects, and ask questions. At the end of the week, I summarize key takeaways for the whole group.

This process: learn, practice, share, receive feedback, and apply, keeps students engaged and supported. Since online learning can sometimes feel isolating, I offer office hours on Zoom to meet with students individually.

Another strength of the online format is seeing a wide range of examples from classmates. While I can provide one or two examples, in a class of 20 students, you see 20 different applications in education, public health, and other fields. Those exchanges often lead to deeper conversations about career options, transitions, and networking beyond the course itself.

Advice for Students Considering UIC’s Online MESA Program

UIC’s Online Master of Education in MESA program opens up opportunities for students in the Chicagoland area, across the country, and worldwide. Students learn alongside peers with different backgrounds, gaining perspectives that enhance their skills as program evaluators.

My advice is to take advantage of that diversity. Engage in class discussions, explore the wide variety of courses we offer, and make personal connections with faculty and peers. Even though it’s an online program, we are eager to get to know our students and build strong connections.