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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Assessment and Measurement Program?
You can expect your online master’s in assessment and measurement program to offer convenience and a quality education that rivals traditional on-campus programs. Attendance requirements vary, allowing you to pursue your graduate degree while working full-time or fulfilling other personal obligations. You also have some control over completion time, with accelerated programs that get you to your degree faster and part-time options if you keep a busy schedule.
To find the best program for your situation, compare the curriculum and demands of multiple programs to locate the one that matches your career goals and won’t interfere with your lifestyle.
Available concentrations
Since assessment and measurement is a narrowly defined field, concentration options are limited. Here are a few that programs commonly offer:
Educational Diagnostics: Focuses on classic test theory and psychometrics principles as they apply to individuals. Graduates with this concentration may find positions as researchers, analysts, or directors of assessment for schools or government agencies or in the marketing department of a corporation.
Institutional assessment: Explores psychometrics and classic test theory principles related to groups and communities. This area of specialization equips graduates for jobs as directors of institutional research or researchers or analysts for schools, government agencies, or healthcare facilities.
Common degree curriculum
When comparing schools that offer an online master’s degree in assessment and measurement, you might notice that the curriculum offerings have significant differences. For this reason, it’s essential to look through each program carefully and determine whether it aligns with your professional goals. Choosing a program with suitable courses can impact your career, and you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of your graduate degree. Avoid online programs requiring on-campus classes unless the school is in your immediate area.
The curriculum will vary depending on the specific program and concentration you choose. Here are some courses that are standard in assessment and measurement programs.
Curriculum Design: Students will learn how to develop an engaging curriculum that encourages participation and accessibility. This course also covers the creation of assignments that align with the course’s goals.
Technology and Education: Explores the use of technology and various media types in the classroom to engage students and inspire their love of learning.
Teaching and Learning: Examines current and effective teaching approaches emphasizing the learning process and using technology effectively in a learning environment.
Certification and license preparation
Not all graduates of an online program in assessment and measurement will need certification or licensing. A graduate will need a state-mandated license if they choose to become a teacher. Each state has its own set of requirements for licensing that may require applicants to pass a state-recognized exam. Those seeking positions in educational administration may need certification to become a school principal. Certification requirements vary based on location, but the state licensing board sets standards.
Program accreditation
An accredited school is the best option for enrolling in an online master’s in assessment and management program because students will receive more from their degree. Without accreditation, degrees earned will not be recognized by licensing and certification boards, precluding you from professional designations. A school that isn’t accredited has not met the standards of education set by recognized accrediting agencies, and you may end up without the knowledge you need to be successful.
It’s also possible that a potential employer will choose to disqualify you as an applicant if your degree didn’t come from an accredited school or program. Enrolling in an online program at an accredited school protects your interests and ensures you’ll get the most out of your degree.
The time it takes to complete an online master’s in assessment and measurement program depends on several factors, including the number of required credits and whether you enroll full- or part-time. Full-time students can typically complete their program within two years. If you attend your program part-time, it may take three to four years. Some schools also offer an accelerated program that can reduce completion time by half. This option will require more significant commitment as the course load is much higher.
The way the school has structured the curriculum also has an impact on possible completion time. Cohort programs move groups of students through the curriculum together. This structure usually has only one or two start dates each year and does not allow flexibility in course completion. The self-paced model will enable students to control how long it takes to graduate. In this case, start dates are scattered throughout the year, allowing students to begin almost immediately when they enroll.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Assessment and Measurement Graduates
Earning your master’s degree provides significantly better employment opportunities than you have with a bachelor’s. Having a graduate degree proves the investment you’ve made in your field and demonstrates a deeper knowledge of your profession. Some positions require a graduate degree. In other cases, potential employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Students with an advanced degree are also better positioned to negotiate a better employment package.
Potential career choices for someone with a master’s in assessment and measurement generally offer a low-end salary of $50,000 to $60,000, with an upper range that more than doubles. The amount you can earn from any of these positions increases with the extra experience you gain from completing a graduate program.
Depending on their professional goals, someone with a graduate’s degree in assessment and measurement has several career paths they can choose from. Your master’s degree also allows you to advance within your organization, increase your salary potential, or seek better benefits.
Instructional coordinators are responsible for developing curriculum plans and setting the standards for teaching within their organization. Responsibilities include oversight for teacher training, classroom technology implementation, textbook selection, and new programs or content.
Training and development managers are responsible for all staff training efforts. Training materials, methods, and programs are all selected by the training and development manager before being implemented and evaluated for effectiveness.
Principals are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their school and managing school staff. Developing the standards for curriculum, providing teachers with professional evaluations, counseling students, managing school finances, and establishing security procedures are some of the responsibilities of a K-12 principal.
Postsecondary professors are responsible for teaching courses at a college or university to help students learn the subject matter they specialize in. Professors must develop lesson plans and assignments, advise students, create an instructional plan, and work with students taking their courses.
$80,840 per year
8%
Professional organizations
Professional organizations provide valuable benefits to their members by hosting networking events, offering continuing education, and helping members stay informed on the latest industry news. Once you complete your online master’s in assessment and measurement program, here are a few professional organizations you can look into.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development: The ASCD is open to educators and school administrators and provides members with networking opportunities at hosted events, discounts on school and office supplies, an enhanced career and job center, and industry publications and news.
National Education Association: As one of the largest professional organizations for educators, the NEA is open to anyone employed within public education. Members benefit from legal representation and insurance, access to research materials and career tools, and the opportunity to network with their peers at hosted events.
Association of American Educators: Membership in the AAE comes with liability insurance and legal protection, eligibility for scholarships and classroom grants, subscriptions to the organization’s newsletters, access to industry publications, access to professional resources and aids, and a members-only discount program. The organization also gathers information through surveys that focus on what members want and need from the government, then passes the information along to legislators.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Assessment and Measurement Degree
Online graduate degree programs are often cheaper when compared to programs that require on-campus attendance. However, you may still find yourself in need of some financial help to cover your tuition. If this is the case, start your search by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out whether you qualify for grants and loans issued by the government. If you need an additional or alternative source, you can also consider scholarships and private loans to help with the cost of graduate school.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
Understanding the best way to finance your education is essential. As you explore financial aid options, you can use the following resources to help answer your questions.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
