What Can You Do with a Master of Education in MESA Degree? Career Paths and Salary Insights
What Can You Do with a Master of Education in MESA Degree? Career Paths and Salary Insights
Professionals with a background in measurement, evaluation, statistics, and assessment (MESA) play a vital role in how organizations across industries use data to make informed, strategic decisions. The University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Master of Education in MESA program equips students with these in-demand skills, blending research design, data analysis, and real-world application.
From schools and hospitals to government agencies and tech companies, MESA-trained professionals drive progress by evaluating what works and why. This guide outlines the diverse career paths available to MESA graduates, the industries where these roles are in demand, and how salaries compare across the field.
What Is Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA)?
MESA is an interdisciplinary field focused on designing research studies, conducting program evaluations, and applying both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess outcomes. Professionals with MESA training learn to:
- Choose effective data collection methods
- Analyze information using statistical tools
- Interpret findings and assess validity
- Communicate insights that drive improvement
UIC offers an asynchronous, fully online Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment and a graduate certificate for professionals looking to specialize in research and evaluation methods.
Industries That Hire MESA Graduates
MESA-trained professionals work in a wide range of sectors. Here’s how they contribute across industries:
Industries That Hire MESA Graduates
| Industry | MESA Role |
|---|---|
| Education | Design assessments, evaluate learning outcomes, and analyze program effectiveness. |
| Healthcare | Evaluate treatment effectiveness, analyze patient outcomes, and support data-informed care strategies. |
| Government | Measure policy impacts, conduct surveys, and inform public programs with data. |
| Nonprofits | Assess program performance, measure community outcomes, and strengthen funding proposals. |
| Licensure & Certification | Design, implement, and validate certification exams and credentialing processes. |
| Private Sector | Use data to guide business strategies, employee training, or customer research initiatives. |
Career Paths and Salaries for Master of Education in MESA Graduates
Career Paths and Salaries for Master of Education in MESA Graduates
MESA graduates can be found in various roles where data evaluation and measurement are essential. Here are a few career examples, along with average salaries based on Glassdoor data:
Career Paths and Salaries for Master of Education in MESA Graduates
| Position | Average Salary | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation and Data Specialist | $75,000 | Collects and analyzes data to assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making processes. |
| Psychometrician | $80,000 | Develops and validates assessment tools to measure learning and performance accurately. |
| Director of Assessment and Accreditation | $83,000 | Oversees the assessment processes and ensures compliance with accreditation standards to maintain assessment quality. |
| Data Analyst | $84,000 | Utilizes statistical methods to analyze data and provides insights to improve, for example, teaching and learning outcomes. |
| Test Developer | $90,000 | Designs and constructs assessments and exams to measure knowledge and skills accurately. |
| Certification Manager | $103,000 | Manages the certification process, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and oversees assessment procedures. |
| Institutional Research Officer | $107,000 | Conducts research and analysis to support institutional decision-making, which includes enrollment projections and program evaluation. |
| Educational Assessment Consultant | $108,000 | Advises on how to improve learning outcomes through better assessment practices. |
| Institutional Researcher | $113,000 | Conducts data studies for schools or public agencies to inform planning and improvement efforts. |
How the UIC Online MESA Program Helps You Advance Your Career
How the UIC Online MESA Program Helps You Advance Your Career
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers two fully online, asynchronous MESA options: a master’s degree and a graduate certificate. Both are designed to give students the skills to thrive in data science careers.
Key areas of study include:
- Psychometric and measurement design
- Qualitative and mixed methods research
- Survey development and methodology
- Proficiency in tools like SPSS, SAS, R, Winsteps, and IRTPro
Students can complete the master’s program in as few as 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The graduate certificate can be completed in 6 to 12 months. Whether launching your career or transitioning into a more analytical role, UIC’s MESA programs provide a flexible path to growing your skill set and earning potential.
Learn more about the UIC Online MESA program.