Graduate Studies

Graduate certificate in Program Evaluation

Strong program development and performance require ongoing program evaluation and meaningful structures of accountability. Program evaluation seeks to assess the relevance, sustainability, impact, effectiveness, and efficiency of programs, projects, policies, and regulations by focusing on program design and results. It involves the systematic gathering of information about the performance of projects, policies, programs, regulations, and other initiatives in order to determine their relevance, success, and cost-effectiveness.

Program evaluations are complex endeavours that must be conducted professionally and competently in order to be both credible and useful. The quality and integrity of evaluations depend on the quality and competence of the professionals involved. As an evaluator, you must be able to apply appropriate research and statistical methods rigorously. You must be able to make sound critical evidence-based judgments and communicate well with clients in order to support them in bringing about change. The core competencies of evaluators have been empirically identified by major professional associations, including the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES), and the Treasury Board of Canada.

The graduate certificate in Program Evaluation consists of four courses, for a total of 15 graduate-level credits. All courses are competency-based, designed to provide professionals and managers with the practical knowledge, skills, and credibility for conducting, managing, or participating in the program evaluation process.

Inquiry-based learning is a central feature of the training approach. You will link scholarship to practice through case studies and problem-solving exercises. The goal is to enable students to apply sound evaluation methodologies in an ethical and professional manner. Students will have the opportunity to work in their interest areas with the support of a faculty advisor.

This program delivers a transformative learning experience to individuals from various sectors who expect to be involved in various capacities in program evaluation. You will acquire the core competencies required to professionally conduct a program evaluation.

The program is designed to ensure that graduates can:

• evaluate programs and/or manage a program evaluation process in accordance with recognized professional evaluation standards;
• design and conduct program evaluations utilizing the most appropriate tools and methods;
• utilize sound research methodologies and tools to systematically gather, analyze, present, and interpret data;
• conduct in-depth needs assessments, process/implementation evaluations, and results/impact analyses including cost/benefit analysis;
• establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with stakeholders; and
• engage in systematic enquiry, situational analysis, and reflective practice.

These program outcomes will be monitored, and will provide the basis upon which students’ individual performance will be assessed. The course material is intellectually and personally challenging. The curriculum makes extensive use of student-led inquiry, case studies, and problem-solving learning methods. The curriculum is designed to suit the needs of students who have already acquired some work/professional experience.

This graduate certificate will be recognized by the Canadian Evaluation Society and members of the Consortium of Universities for Evaluation Education.

Entrance requirements

All applicants must:

1. Have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a professional or social science discipline (e.g., public administration, criminal justice, social work, education, business administration, sociology, or economics).
2. Have acquired professional experience.
3. Have successfully completed an undergraduate course in research methodology and an introductory-level statistics course.
4. Attend an interview or orientation session, if required.
5. Meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. You will be required to pay a $75 application fee.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• A resume.
• Official sealed transcripts (or interim transcripts) from every post-secondary institution you have attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
  
• Three letters of reference (at least one of which must be from an academic, and at least one of which must be from someone who can speak to your work experience). Please use the forms provided in the application package. Have the letters completed, sealed, signed, and returned with your application package.
2. You will be advised of an admission decision and provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see Fees and additional costs section below). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.
3. In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due by the end August.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. There will be additional costs for textbooks.

Dates and location

Courses will be offered using combined delivery methods with a short term of in-class sessions and the remaining classes through online and self-directed study over three successive semesters. Any in-class sessions will be held at the Abbotsford campus.

Methods of delivery

This program will employ various delivery methods including in class, online, and self-directed study.

Prerequisites

A prerequisite is a requirement which must be met before a student enters a course or program. A D grade does not, unless stated otherwise, meet a prerequisite requirement. Students who do not have the stated prerequisite courses may not register in a course having these requirements without the permission of the School of Graduate Studies.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

You may be able to obtain credit for prior learning through evaluation of previous studies or learning through experience for a maximum of 25% of the certificate’s total number of credits. Contact the program coordinator for further information.

Course withdrawal deadlines

Course withdrawal deadlines follow UFV's Course Withdrawal policy (81). Please see the General Regulations for Graduate Studies.

Graduation

Candidates who qualify to receive a UFV graduate certificate must be approved by the UFV School of Graduate Studies and the University Senate. Students must submit a Request for Graduation form to the UFV Office of the Registrar by April 1.

Completion time

The four required courses are offered sequentially over a period of four semesters, therefore time required to complete this program will normally be 24 months.

Maximum length of time to complete program

All students must complete the certificate within four years.

Program requirements and continuance in program

To maintain status as a program student and to continue in the program, students must maintain a minimum program grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Residency

UFV Graduate Studies policy requires that at least 75% of program courses be taken at UFV. A maximum of one course (25%) may be taken at another university for transfer or prior learning assessment credit. This would require advance approval of the Program Evaluation coordinator and the Associate Vice-President, Research, Engagement and Graduate Studies.

Re-taking courses

Students can re-take a course if they wish to improve the grade earned in the course. Permission of the Graduate program committee is required (Please see General Regulations for Graduate Studies.)

Auditing courses

Students wishing to audit a course must request permission from the instructor no later than 30% of the course duration. No changes from regular to audit status will be permitted after this date. Please note that students taking a course for credit will be given first priority to register for seats in courses. See UFV's Course Audit policy (108) for more information on auditing.

Academic regulations

Governed by the General Regulations for Graduate Studies.

Program outline

The graduate certificate in Program Evaluation consists of four courses, for a total of 15 graduate-level credits.

Required courses

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.