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We routinely compare and rank people and their accomplishments in daily life, the workplace, sports, and research through exams, assessments, and evaluations. This makes assessment and measurement crucial fields.
Current assessment and measurement professionals who want to pursue higher-level educational assessment or psychometrics positions should pursue a doctoral program in assessment and measurement.
PayScale says doctorate degree holders in assessment and measurement employment fields have an average base pay of $92,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a projected 7% growth in the employment of Education, Training, and Library experts.
Overview
Online doctorates in assessment and measurement academic programs offer students a balance between flexibility and academic rigor. Like on-campus programs, online doctorates build up on the student’s master’s degree graduate training and education while focusing more on the research and use of assessment and measurement principles in educational contexts.
It is intended for anyone who wants to advance their knowledge and proficiency in measurement theory, psychometrics, and educational research and evaluation.
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Methodology
Doctorates in assessment and measurement are challenging to find online. However, we managed to locate four online programs and one traditional program that allows students to customize their courses to align with their current work-life schedules.
Each doctorate program was picked based on these criteria:
- Delivered as a hybrid program to emphasize convenience for adult doctoral students,
- Features courses that strongly underscore Psychometrics or program assessment strategies and include topics in assessments in educational contexts, statistical analysis, research methodology, and test production,
- Offered through a curriculum of research courses encouraging students to work with academics or perform independent fieldwork,
- Offers financial aid opportunities and other student support services to help with student success, including online libraries, virtual research tools, and academic support services,
- Taught by a faculty of distinguished professionals with actual expertise in developing assessments,
- Obtained approval from regionally accrediting institutions, ensuring the doctorate’s value in the workplace.
Read our Methodology page for more details.
Top 5 Online Doctoral Programs in Assessment & Measurement
Liberty University
PhD in Higher Education – Assessment and Evaluation
Liberty, a leader in educational outcomes assessment, offers a Ph.D. in Higher Education degree that lets graduate students focus their courses and studies on Assessment and Evaluation topics. Students receive extensive training to prepare them for various careers in evaluating educational policies, methods, and programs in higher education settings.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the development of research and analytical skills to improve decision-making and academic results.
This 100% online program has no on-campus requirement; however, students can pursue face-to-face intensives. Students must complete all four sections of the assessment and evaluation degree program: higher education core, assessment and evaluation, research, and dissertation courses.
The last part of the program, the dissertation, allows students to work on a research project of their choice to develop their skills and contribute to the existing body of knowledge.
Program design and assessment, institutional research, evaluation and measurement tools, and compliance and report writing are the program’s featured courses. Additional courses will explore quantitative and quantitative methodology, data and quantitative analysis and interpretation, advanced educational measurement and evaluation, policy analysis in higher education, and research design.
Western Michigan University
Ph.D. in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research
Western Michigan University offers an interactive approach to its online Ph.D. in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research to prepare students for academic careers, research, profit and governmental organizations, and other contexts.
The curriculum provides students with extensive training in applied and theoretical measurement and research methods. Students who want to study in close interactions with peers and faculty can pursue the doctoral program in a hybrid learning format, combining face-to-face and online coursework.
Students must complete a qualifying exam that gauges their understanding of evaluation, measurement, and research as part of the program requirements. The exam is usually given after completing the required courses and covers the program’s core subjects.
Qualified students can take advantage of the program’s financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships, assistantships, grants, and loans. In addition to financial assistance, students will benefit from the university’s top-notch academic faculty with national and international recognition. Several student support services are also available for online students, including technical support and academic advising.
Columbia University
Ph.D. in Measurement And Evaluation
Columbia University offers a 75-credit hours PhD in Measurement And Evaluation degree program that prepares students for various positions in different educational contexts. Graduates gain advanced abilities for effectively implementing assessment strategies and program evaluation.
Students will also learn how to measure program effectiveness through quantitative educational and psychological data analysis.
This doctorate suits students with a strong background in a substantive area of psychology who wish to advance the development and application of measurement techniques.
Some of the program’s courses include psychological measurement, psychometric theory, causal inference for program evaluation, research methods in social psychology, and quantitative methods for evaluating educational policies and programs.
First- and second-year students are not allowed to enroll part-time. Each class will move in cohorts, allowing frequent student-student and student-teacher interactions. Graduates will be required to maintain high coursework marks to qualify for their doctoral dissertations and empirical papers. Additionally, students will have qualifying exams that will allow them to advance in their coursework.
Walden University
PhD in Education – Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation
Walden University offers an online PhD in Education with a Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation concentration that gives students engagement and knowledge in educational assessment and measurement.
This Non-Licensure program is best for students who want to use ongoing education research to effect positive educational change and improve student and school performance.
While the doctorate program can be completed fully online, students can participate in various optional on-site residencies or fieldwork opportunities. Students who do so can build lifetime bonds with their peers and faculty.
This program integrates pedagogical foundations to provide students with coursework exploring program assessment, strategic planning, curriculum mapping, systems, technology, and curriculum audit. Graduates will have advanced professional knowledge and develop more practical skills using a systems approach to curriculum and assessment design, modification, and evaluation.
University of Missouri
PhD in Statistics, Measurement & Evaluation in Education
University of Missouri’s online PhD in Statistics, Measurement & Evaluation in Education offers a rigorous curriculum that promotes effective assessment practice and the development and psychometric evaluation.
This program will require students to complete in-depth training in statistical techniques, educational measurement, and research methodology to develop their skills in conducting methodical and scientific research. Graduates frequently land jobs at postsecondary institutions, testing businesses, and research institutions.
Students explore several courses in education development and psychometric evaluation, from the quantitative underpinnings of educational research to more sophisticated techniques in multivariate statistics, multilevel modeling, and latent variable modeling. The curriculum also includes courses in classical test theory, item response theory, and generalizability theory.
This highly customizable degree program provides students with the unique opportunity to create their own plan of study. Students will receive guidance from academic advisors in developing their study plans, allowing them to effectively align their coursework toward their career goals and research interests.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Doctor of Assessment and Measurement
Students in online doctorates in assessment and measurement programs receive the same on-campus academic rigor. Online students will have the same courses required as their traditional counterparts.
While the curriculum may vary between specialization and program objectives, here are the most common lessons in assessment and measurement doctorates.
Assessment Theory and Design
You’ll learn the underpinnings of measuring and assessment, including various assessment models, techniques, and principles. You’ll discover how to create reliable and valid tests that complement learning goals and standards.
Psychometrics
The theory and methods used to measure and assess psychological and educational dimensions are the focus of psychometrics. You will study a variety of psychometric theories, including factor analysis, item response theory, reliability, and validity.
Thanks to this knowledge, you will be better able to comprehend how statistics are employed in measuring and assessing.
Data Collection and Analysis
You will gain knowledge of various quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Learning about survey design, interviewing techniques, observational techniques, and the application of assessment tools may be necessary.
You will also become proficient in statistical analysis methods employed in educational research and evaluation.
Assessment and Evaluation Practices
You will examine various assessment types that are applied in educational contexts, including formative, summative, and performance-based tests. You will learn how to analyze assessment data, interpret results, and provide meaningful feedback to assist instructional decision-making.
Program Evaluation
Evaluation of educational programs focuses on determining their efficacy and effects. You will gain knowledge of the program evaluation models, data-gathering procedures, and data analysis strategies.
This includes knowing how to plan and carry out evaluation studies, examine program results, and offer recommendations for program improvement that are supported by the available data.
Research Methods
Doctoral programs in assessment and measurement teach you sophisticated research techniques used in the field. Learning about study design, qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques, literature reviews, and ethical issues in educational research are all part of this.
Leadership and Policy
Coursework on leadership in measuring and evaluation, as well as on educational policy concerns, may be included in some programs. You could research subjects including educational leadership, educational policy analysis, and the moral implications of assessment and evaluation procedures.
Dissertation
A dissertation is often the final part of doctoral-level coursework. These courses will require you to carry out original research in the field and present findings to a committee of faculty members.
Career Opportunities for Online Doctor of Assessment and Measurement Graduates
Educational Leadership and Administration
You can seek leadership positions in educational institutions or agencies with a doctorate in assessment and measurement. These professionals are responsible for managing data-driven decision-making processes, formulating assessment policies, or giving educators chances for professional growth in assessment and measurement techniques.
Assessment Specialist
Assessment specialists are hired at educational institutions, governmental organizations, and assessment companies. These professionals create and deliver assessments to monitor student learning outcomes, evaluate educational programs, or evaluate employee performance in businesses using their assessment design, development, and implementation knowledge.
Higher Education Faculty
Many institutions and colleges prefer candidates with graduate degrees in assessment and measurement for teaching positions in educational research, measurement, assessment, and evaluation.
You can support the academic community as a faculty member by conducting research, supervising graduate students, and teaching courses on measurement and assessment.
Assessment and Data Analyst
Organizations, including educational institutions, educational technology businesses, and research enterprises, frequently employ assessment and data analysts to manage and evaluate massive amounts of assessment data.
You can use your statistical analysis, psychometrics, and data management skills to decipher test findings, spot patterns and trends, and offer insightful information to guide decision-making.
Independent Researcher
Thanks to your advanced research abilities and knowledge of Assessment and Measurement, you can do independent study in the area. To advance the field, these professionals perform research independently, frequently outside of conventional academic or institutional settings.
Assessment Tool and Instrument Development
You can contribute to creating and improving approaches, tools, and instruments for evaluation. This could entail working with testing businesses or educational institutions to provide trustworthy and legitimate tests, customizing already-existing measurements, or doing research to enhance assessment procedures.
Research and Evaluation Consultant
Research or evaluation consultation is another popular career path among assessment and measurement doctoral graduates. These consultants plan and conduct research studies, program evaluations, and needs analyses in educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, or governmental organizations.
Your expertise in data analysis, study design, and measurement can support firms in making decisions based on solid facts and enhancing their offerings.
Educational Policy and Planning
Thanks to your in-depth understanding of assessment and measurement procedures, you can work in educational policy and planning positions. Designing and implementing policies and practices relating to assessment, accountability, and educational reform may entail working with policymakers, educational leaders, or administrators.
Assessment and Measurement Professional Organizations
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
The Assessment and Measurement subfield of educational research is a part of the sizable interdisciplinary organization known as AERA. It encourages scholarly research, dissemination, and education reform.
Assessment and measurement-related conferences, books, divisions, and interest groups are all available through AERA.
American Evaluation Association (AEA)
The AEA is a group devoted to advancing and promoting the evaluation profession. The association provides tools, conferences, and professional development opportunities for people engaged in evaluation research and practice.
Association of Test Publishers (ATP)
Test publishers, developers, and other entities with a connection to testing and evaluation are represented by ATP. It offers a forum for knowledge exchange, industry-standard advocacy, and support of fair and ethical testing procedures.
CREATE or Consortium for Research on Educational Assessment & Teaching Effectiveness
The main goals of the collaborative research center CREATE are the enhancement of evaluation procedures and the effectiveness of instruction. It brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to solve the issues of assessment and measurement in education and advance evidence-based approaches.
National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME)
The NCME is a well-known group devoted to improving educational measurement and evaluation. It brings together academics, professionals, and decision-makers active in measurement and assessment. NCME provides webinars, publications, seminars, and other resources to promote professional growth and teamwork in the industry.
International Test Commission (ITC)
ITC is a global organization that supports the creation and application of evaluation, testing, and measurement tools. It brings together experts from many nations who work in assessment and measurement and offers a forum for cooperation, research, and the exchange of best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Doctorate in Assessment and Measurement?
Assessment and measurement doctorates are advanced academic degree programs focused on the ideas, procedures, and methods of assessment, measurement, and evaluation in various domains, including social sciences, psychology, and education.
Is funding available for Doctorate in Assessment and Measurement programs?
Several universities provide funding options for Ph.D. students, including scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, or grants. Loans and employer-sponsored education are also available.
How long does it take to complete a Doctorate in Assessment and Measurement?
An online doctorate in assessment and measurement can take up to five years, depending on your pacing of the required coursework.
Key Takeaways
- Through an online doctoral program in assessment and measurement, you will acquire the skills and information required to create and use high-quality assessments, analyze assessment data, and conduct research and evaluation studies in educational settings.
- Students will be prepared to work in educational research, assessment and evaluation jobs, leadership roles, and academia.
- Several organizations provide assessment and measurement students and professionals the opportunity to participate in networking events and help them stay current with industry developments.
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