Faculty member, Dr. Everett V. Smith, shares MESA program benefits
Faculty Member, Everett V. Smith, PhD, Shares MESA Program Benefits Heading link
UIC’s Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment (MESA) program has helped experienced professionals become stronger, more successful evidence-based decision makers. Everett V. Smith, PhD, a professor and program director for the Online MESA program, shares his history with the program, insight on what students can expect, and the program benefits.
What is your educational background, and why did you decide to teach in the online MESA program at UIC?
I’ve been teaching at UIC since 1998. I was first introduced to classroom assessment methods during my Master of Teaching program, and I did so well that the faculty member at the time offered me a research/teaching assistantship to pursue a PhD in MESA. At UIC, our college decided the face-to-face MEd in MESA would be the college’s first online program. I’ve been teaching in the online program since its inception in Fall 2009.
Why should a prospective student choose the MESA program?
Our MESA program has an impressive depth of course offerings which allow students to tailor a plan of study that best meets their needs and career aspirations. Additionally, the fully online asynchronous program allows students to meet work and family commitments. Most of our students earn their degree while working full-time. Our faculty is committed to providing our online students with informative feedback promptly.
The MESA team comprises award-winning instructors recognized for their teaching expertise. All members of our team are accomplished contributors to a variety of national and internationally renowned journals.
By enrolling in the MESA program, students will learn a broad range of methods in the areas of statistics, psychometrics, evaluation, qualitative, and mixed methods. Our curriculum is consistently updated based on the development of new or improved methodology and new skills wanted by employers of MESA graduates.
What type of students thrive in the online MESA program?
All MESA courses are asynchronous, which allows students to learn on their own time without a set class schedule. Students who are self-disciplined and access the course frequently will thrive.
What are job prospects for students who graduate from the online MESA program at UIC?
The job prospects for MESA graduates are very good. They can secure jobs in a wide array of fields that cover educational, healthcare, behavioral, medical, and social science research settings. Job titles of some of our graduates include:
- Vice President of Psychometric Services
- Director of Institutional Research
- Senior Researcher Evaluation Consultant
- Director of Research Assessment
- Specialist Head of Group Assessments
- Quantitative Research Associate Director
- Exam Development and Psychometrics Testing Training Specialist
Have you seen an increase in demand for MESA prepared students? What is driving demand?
There has always been a strong demand for our MESA students in my 25+ years in the field. The main drivers of the demand for our graduates are industries needing people with methodological (quantitative and qualitative) skills to understand existing data, conduct research, run testing programs, and more.
What’s something you’ve learned about having a successful career that you’d like to pass on to online MESA students?
Never stop learning. Always challenge yourself to continue to refine your existing skills and learn new skills as the field of quantitative and qualitative methodology is always evolving.
MESA online graduates are in high demand. Receiving this nationally ranked graduate degree, students are ready to succeed in a variety of research settings and environments. Choose from two online programs, a Master of Education in MESA Degree or a MESA Graduate Certificate, and begin your journey today. To learn more, request information.