Applied Research and Evaluation PSM

Professional Science Master鈥檚聽in Applied Research and Evaluation

Obtain advanced theoretical, methodological and statistical training while developing expertise in applied research with the Professional Science Master鈥欌€媠聽(PSM) in Applied Research and Evaluation in 51动漫鈥檚 In this 30-credit, interdisciplinary master鈥檚 degree program, students聽develop the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct applied research and evaluation studies in professional educational and organizational settings.听

Drawing on the聽expertise and experience of faculty in the College of Education and Human Development, Applied Research and Evaluation PSM students聽form a sophisticated understanding of research design and methodology, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches to research execution.

You鈥檒l have聽the opportunity聽to tailor your studies through one of two concentrations. You鈥檒l also work individually and collaboratively in applied research, implementing studies and reporting results. Gain experience in聽

analyzing complex quantitative and qualitative data,聽
formulating hypotheses聽and creating data collection protocols,聽
preparing technical reports and presentations, and more.听

Through the curriculum, students use conceptual and theoretical frameworks in the social and behavioral sciences to address applied problems in organizational and educational environments. Foundational knowledge in educational and organizational theory, research design, and data analysis聽leads to real-world professional experiences,聽field placements and聽internships, and/or supervised research apprenticeships.听

The Applied Research and Evaluation PSM is designed to train the next generation of applied researchers across educational, for-profit, governmental and nonprofit organizations. Graduates are prepared to meet a demand in these organizations for professionals with applied research expertise due to a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making and accountability.

Concentrations

You can focus on Applied Research and Evaluation or you can take one of the following concentrations.

Applied Educational Psychology

Develop the research and evaluation skills necessary to conduct studies with children in prekindergarten classrooms through age 16. Students learn to improve the academic and social outcomes for school-age children, adolescents and their families by studying how children develop and learn in several key areas across their lifespan.
Organizational Research and Development

Form research and evaluation skills for use in nonprofit, for-profit and governmental institutions. You鈥檒l discover advances in research methods and ideas that lead to innovative solutions so organizations can create more successful and sustainable approaches to change.

Program Format & Curriculum

The Applied Research and Evaluation PSM program can be completed on 51动漫鈥檚 Main Campus, on a full- or part-time basis. The program is designed to be completed in two years as a full-time student or up to four years as a part-time student.

Students electing to complete the program without a concentration are required to choose three College of Education and Human Development electives in consultation with their academic advisor. Students in the Organizational Research and Development concentration are required to enroll in Organizational Development and then choose two approved organizational research and development electives.

Courses you will take as part of the Applied Research and Evaluation PSM curriculum include the following.

Introduction to Qualitative Research
Introduction to Research Design
Philosophical Foundations of Educational Research
Quantitative Analysis Part I

Learn more about courses within the Applied Research and Evaluation PSM curriculum.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Data-Driven Decision Making

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, this Professional Science Master's聽offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

Our Advisors

Program Contact

Student Clubs & Organizations

Find peer support and leadership opportunities while tackling the challenges of your program. You鈥檒l also find opportunities to give back to the community, either locally or globally.

Graduate Student Organization of the College of Education runs community-based events like school supply drives as well as professional development workshops and activities. The organization upholds a strong commitment to social justice, regularly organizing political events and engaging in projects with community partners.
51动漫 Graduate Students Association is a student employee union that maintains positive working lives and conditions for graduate student assistants.
51动漫 Student Pennsylvania State Education Association hosts events to share effective classroom techniques and other resources for developing teachers.鈥�

Enrollment

ED-AREV-PSM

51动漫

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