Graduate Courses

Research and Evaluation (ResEv)
John H. Schuh, Program Coordinator

Degree Research and Evaluation offers work for the master of science degree with thesis with a specialization in research and evaluation.

Emphasis Research and Evaluation students receive a broad foundation in the areas of quantitative and qualitative research methodology, data anlaysis, assessment, and evaluation. Students select one area for in-depth study.

Prerequisites Prerequisites to major graduate work in educational leadership are completion of an undergraduate degree with coursework appropriate to the planned specialization, and evidence that the student ranks above average in scholastic achievement and promise of professional competence.

Learning Opportunities Students in Research and Evaluation will complete courses, laboratory experiences, field experiences, independent research and a thesis.

Careers Graduates are prepared for professional roles in institutional research, assessment of student learning, and program evaluation in post-secondary settings, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations.

Outcomes Graduates of the Master’s Program with a specialization in research and evaluation will be prepared for leadership roles for careers in assessment and evaluation. By the time of graduation, students will demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to:

•Articulate current issues and principles in research, program evaluation, and assessment.
•Implement various conceptual approaches to research, program evaluation, and assessment.
•Effectively use the principles and skills of research data analysis.
•Interpret data and prepare accurate and useful reports.

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, Open to Qualified Undergraduate Students
ResEv 550. Educational Research. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate classification. Understanding the nature of quantitative and qualitative research; reviewing the literature; developing research problems and questions; research designs; data collection and analysis issues; evaluating research studies.

ResEv 552. Basic Educational Statistics. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 550. Statistical concepts and procedures for analyzing educational data; descriptive statistics, correlation, t tests, and chi square with computer applications.

ResEv 553. Intermediate Educational Statistics. (2-1) Cr. 2. Prereq: 552. A continuation of statistical concepts and procedures for analyzing educational data; inferential techniques including simple and multiple regression, multiple ANOVA, etc., with educational computer applications.

ResEv 554. Intermediate Research Methods. (3-0) Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: 550, 580, Stat 401 or ResEv 552. Intermediate quantitative and qualitative research methodology in preparation for carrying out thesis and dissertation research; problem formulation; design; data collection and analysis; interpreting and summarizing research findings.

ResEv 560. Assessing Student Learning. (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 550 or basic statistical skills. The purpose and techniques of formal and informal classroom assessment; rubrics, performance assessment, portfolios, paper and pencil tests, communicating assessment findings; emphasis on both theory and practical applications.

Resev 580. Qualitative Research Methodology. (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 550. Qualitative research procedures in education, particularly historical, philosophical, biographical, ethnographic, and case study; use of sources, principles of qualitative research, methods of data collection and analysis, field techniques, and writing of research results.

ResEv 590. Special Topics. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate standing. Guided reading and in research and evaluation study on special topic.

ResEv 593. Workshop. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate standing. Intensive, concentrated exposure to a special educational research or evaluation problem.

ResEv 597. Program Evaluation. (Same as Hg Ed 597.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 550. Evaluation models and professional standards; techniques of evaluating educational programs; emphasis on both theory and practical applications.

Courses for Graduate Students
ResEv 615. Current Topics in Research and Evaluation. (1-0) Cr. 1; may be taken 3 times. F.S.

ResEv 680. Critical Issues in Interpretive Methodology. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 580. An intensive reading and discussion course focusing on contemporary methodological theory for interpretive inquiry; examines how interpretive field work is conducted, how narrative and ethnographic data are theorized and analyzed, and how interpretive texts are written.

ResEv 690. Advanced Special Topics. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate standing. Guided reading and/or study on special topics of an advanced nature.

ResEv 699. Research. Cr. arr. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate standing.