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Program Evaluation

Program Evaluation

This program is under review (suspended). Please check back for updates in Summer or Fall 2023. 

QUICK FACTS

Credential:
Graduate certificate

Duration:
2 years

Format:
Part time

How to apply

Start date:
No intake until further notice 

Location:
Online

Cost:
(Details)

FEATURES:

  • Four courses delivered online over two years make this program ideal for working professionals
  • 12 credits can be transferred to Royal Roads University to earn a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Learn to evaluate projects, policies, programs, regulations, and other initiatives in order to determine their relevance, success, and cost-effectiveness.

The graduate certificate in Program Evaluation consists of four courses, for a total of 15 graduate-level credits, offered over two years. All four courses are delivered online, making it perfect for working professionals in the social sciences and public administration who wish to grow their careers and extend their expertise in the area of program evaluation.

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.

All courses are competency-based, designed to provide you 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 link scholarship to practice through case studies and problem-solving exercises. The goal is to enable you to apply sound evaluation methodologies in an ethical and professional manner. With the support of a faculty advisor, you have the opportunity to work in your interest area.

Program recognition and transfer options

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

Once you have completed your Program Evaluation graduate certificate at UFV, you have to option to receive 12 credits at Royal Roads University towards earning a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Required courses
CourseTitleCredit
PREV 700 The Context of Policy Development and Performance Evaluation 3
PREV 710 Program Evaluation Principles and Processes 4
PREV 720 Evaluation Design and Issues in Program Evaluation I 4
PREV 730 Evaluation Design and Issues in Program Evaluation II 4

View course descriptions

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

In Canada, program evaluation is a mandatory function for all government departments and agencies. In recent years, The Auditor General of Canada reports facing a shortage of qualified evaluators, particularly at the senior levels. This has resulted in expanded opportunities for experienced professionals who have  relevant credentials.

Trained professionals in program evaluation are also needed to meet the reporting needs of funding agencies and program managers, both in the corporate and non-profit spheres. Projects exist in sectors as diverse as human resources, technology, finance, energy, social enterprise, and more.

Payscale reports that job satisfaction among program evaluators is high. Practitioners help improve program outcomes, while also enjoying the variety afforded by working on a different project every few weeks or months.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

OTHER ADMISSION CATEGORIES

International students

This program is open to international students

  • How to apply (Note: Program is currently suspended for 1 year while additional flexibility in course offerings is implemented)

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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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 inquiry, situational analysis, and reflective practice.

QUESTIONS?

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