Best Online Master’s in Assessment And Measurement Degree Programs of 2025

From diving into a school district’s test scores to studying market research on a new product or advertising campaign, people with an online master’s in assessment and measurement can apply their knowledge of statistics and analysis to several fields.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of jobs for market research analysts will grow 13% (much faster than average) from 2022 to 2032, with a median annual salary of about $68,000. The BLS says that the number of jobs for instructional coordinators will grow 2% (as fast as average), with a median annual salary of about $66,000.

Most master’s degrees require about 30 credits taken over one to two years, although some more advanced programs require 60 credits. Tuition costs vary between public and private institutions, ranging from $300 per credit to more than $1,600. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition averages $12,596 at public institutions and $28,017 at private schools.

We interviewed Michelle Pickett, director of Northern Illinois University’s Academic Advising Center, for her insights on selecting the best online master’s in assessment and measurement program and how aligning your career goals can enhance your academic success.

Choose your area of study

The first step in choosing an online master’s in assessment and measurement degree program is deciding on personal goals. Colleges offer several master’s degrees in this area, such as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Education (MEd). Each has a slightly different focus, and many programs also offer concentrations that allow you to specialize in a particular niche.

An MEd focuses on educational applications, while an MS provides more technical training. An MA is an interdisciplinary degree covering various research methods that can be applied to project management, marketing, psychology, and other fields. Common concentration options include educational leadership and educational diagnostics.

If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals. “Researching the growth opportunities for a career is important,” says Pickett. “It helps individuals discern the full scope and opportunities for an area they are interested in pursuing. Understanding this information is just one factor individuals can use to make a well-informed decision about their career path.”

Research schools and programs

You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Also, students who want to work in an academic environment should check whether programs are accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Other things to consider when researching schools are what support services they offer for online students, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities, and faculty experience and credentials.

Pickett encourages students to take advantage of the following items to learn more about their programs:

• Check out the school’s admissions website
• Take a virtual tour
• Browse the school’s course catalog
• Visit the webpage of the academic department you are interested in
• Research the school’s support services for students
• Explore their housing and dining options
• Learn about their financial aid options

Prepare for tests and applications

Each program varies in its application requirements and process. Most master’s degree programs in assessment and measurement require:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Official college transcripts
• A professional resume and records of any employment or training
• A personal statement or essay about your goals
• Letters of recommendation from personal and professional references

In addition, some programs may ask students to submit standardized test scores, such as those from the GRE. If you need to take the GRE, prepare and sit for the exam while researching schools.

Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Once you’ve collected all the necessary information on the schools you’re considering, review the programs and select the ones that best suit your needs. Some students apply to multiple programs to increase their chances of acceptance, while others may focus on one or two programs based on factors like cost or concentration options.

There’s no magic number of schools to apply to, but remember that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly. If you need financial assistance with these fees, talk with the school about a fee waiver.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

“It’s essential for individuals pursuing online degree programs to understand their learning styles and to have access to adequate technology resources to take their classes,” Pickett says. “Adequate technology includes high-speed internet access and a laptop or computer with current software; having a quiet place in your home is also important to focus on your classes. Proper access to resources and a supportive environment are very important for student success.”

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

During the research process, find out what type of financial support students in an online master’s in assessment and measurement can receive, including grants, scholarships, work-study, fellowships, and assistantships.

Students should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines federal student loans and need-based institutional aid eligibility.

Employers may cover some costs through employer tuition assistance benefits, especially if a master’s in assessment and measurement relates to a student’s current job. Talk with the school’s financial aid office for detailed answers about how to pay for your degree.