Best Online Master’s in Assessment and Measurement Programs

We've ranked the top online master's in assessment and measurement programs. Compare schools by cost and convenience. Earn your master's degree online.
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Updated on May 5, 2023
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Assessments and measurements play an important role in evaluating and comparing people and processes. They help leaders make informed decisions. A master's in assessment and measurement prepares students for careers in education or business. Learners can specialize in curriculum design, educational assessments, or market and operations research.

Graduates in this field should enjoy postgraduate choice and opportunity. While growth in education will fluctuate with institutional budgets, increased student enrollments should drive demand for professionals in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of more than 920,000 education, training, and library occupations between 2020 and 2030.

Here, we showcase the best online master's in assessment and measurement from the top online schools. We also highlight the application process, career outlooks, and additional considerations to help guide your graduate school decision.

What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Assessment and Measurement Program?

A master's in assessment and measurement can look different depending on the school and program. Typically, these programs feature between 30-45 credits and take 1-2 years to complete. The training often explores the foundations of assessment, teaching students how to collect information and evaluate it using statistical analysis and human behavior.

Nearing the end of the program, learners may complete a research or capstone project. They might also complete an internship for more practical experience. Online learners can usually complete their internships locally.

When preparing for graduate school, students should think about the type of degree they want. A master's in assessment and evaluation may award an M.Ed., MA, or MS degree, with the differences between these varying by school. In general, M.Ed. programs focus on education applications, and MS programs focus on technical training. MA programs focus on interdisciplinary applications.

Students might also consider their ideal track, as many programs offer specialization options. Potential choices could include curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and educational diagnostics. With a concentration, learners can manipulate their educational and professional direction more easily and open new postgraduate opportunities.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Popular Online Assessment and Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Assessment and Measurement Program?

Educational Measurement

This course explores the methods and applications of measurement in education. Students learn how to plan, administer, and evaluate tests. They also look at standardized tests and the impact they have on learning and assessments.

Group Comparison Designs and Analyses

In this course, students learn how to design tests and devices to compare groups of individuals. The training also explores the analysis of these tests and how they can be used to encourage growth and development.

Evaluation Approaches

Students in this course examine evaluation theories and methods, including samples and cross-sections. They also look at the precision and effectiveness of evaluations and the impacts they can have on future outcomes.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

In this course, students learn how leaders can use data to improve decision-making. They look at the methods and tools available for quantitative and qualitative analysis and how data-informed decisions can improve effectiveness.

Predictive Designs

This course explores how professionals design predictive tests using analytics and regression statistics. Learners may evaluate the effectiveness of these methods and look at possible applications and developments.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Assessment and Measurement Program?

Admission requirements vary by program and school, but prospective students should expect to see similarities across the board. According to our graduate admissions guide, most programs require candidates to have a bachelor's degree for entry into a master's in assessment and measurement.

Schools may want to see that applicants have an education-related degree or meet a minimum GPA. Online applicants might also need to meet technological requirements.

Application

Prospective students can apply directly to the school and program or use one of the college application systems to streamline the process. Applicants can access graduate schools through these systems, but most graduate programs require an application directly through their school rather than application systems.

Test Scores

While many schools have introduced test waivers due to COVID-19, these tests may play a large role in the admissions process in the future. Standardized tests like the GRE and GMAT help graduate schools compare applicants. Prospective students can improve their admission chances by completing GRE prep.

Letters of Recommendations

College applications request letters of recommendation from prospective students to learn more about them from people who know them. Applicants typically need three letters, usually from former professors and employers. Prospective students should choose references from relevant fields for the greatest impact.

Resume and Work Experience

The college application resume serves many purposes. It highlights the prospective student's professional experience and direction. The resume also provides details on any relevant experience. While rare, programs may require candidates to have a minimum amount of relevant professional experience.

Essays

A college application essay can reveal a lot about an applicant. At the undergraduate level, prospective students may need to answer specific questions or discuss their personal journey. Grad school essays tend to focus more on the applicant's research and faculty interests.

Official Transcripts

All applications include official transcripts, which provide details on the applicant's previous education. Graduate student transcripts reveal information on the candidate's prerequisites and GPA. As per our transfer guide, transcripts can also lead to transfer credits.

What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Assessment and Measurement Degree?

Career Outlook

The applicability of a master's in assessment and measurement improves the demand for graduates in this field. The advanced training leads to education and business careers, including leadership careers in education and data-driven business professions with strong outlooks.

The BLS projects 10% growth for instructional coordinators and 8% growth for elementary, middle, and high school principals between 2020 and 2030. The BLS also projects 22% growth for market research analysts and 25% growth for operations research analysts during that same period.

In addition to the positive growth outlooks, graduates can enjoy competitive salaries in these careers. For example, master's degrees qualify professionals for some of the highest wages available to education professionals, such as principals, who make median annual salaries of $98,490.

Career Paths

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators design and develop curricula and educational materials for schools. They evaluate student outcomes, needs, and test data and create programs based on their findings. These professionals also revise curricula and programs by integrating new policies, teaching methods, and technologies.

Median Annual Salary: $66,970

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

Principals manage the staff, curricula, and operations at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. They oversee student outcomes and teacher performances, along with school budgets and activities. Principals also participate in student counseling, family meetings, and teacher workshops.

Median Annual Salary: $98,490

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts provide organizations with insight into their product and service markets. They analyze market data to reveal information on their customers, pricing, and competition. These professionals create, administer, and analyze surveys, tests, and interviews to gather useful data.

Median Annual Salary: $65,810

Operations Research Analyst

These professionals gather and analyze data to help organizations improve their operations. They study problems, look for operational inefficiencies, and identify potential risks and opportunities. They then conduct statistical analyses, performance evaluations, and simulations to provide management with useful solutions.

Median Annual Salary: $86,200

Management Analyst

These professionals analyze organizations to find solutions to problems and alternatives to inefficient processes. They may perform interviews, statistical analyses, or market comparisons to identify their solutions. Management analysts present their findings and recommendations through reports and presentations.

Median Annual Salary: $87,660

Assessment and Measurement Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

While many enter the workforce directly after graduation, a master's in assessment and measurement can lead graduates down several continuing education paths. The most direct routes include options like a doctorate in education, a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Graduates can also move in a related direction and choose a doctorate in higher education or take a business route with a doctorate in organizational leadership.

How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Assessment and Measurement Program?

Cost

When comparing education prices, prospective students might want to start by calculating the true program cost. This cost includes all education-related expenses and also considers all income lost from the time spent in school. Candidates should also compare online and on-campus programs, in-state and out-of-state programs, and private and public school costs.

Program Format

Program format impacts how and when learners study. When comparing formats, prospective students should look at synchronous vs. asynchronous training and full-time vs. part-time students. They might also look at the balance of theoretical and practical training to find the best match for their unique interests.

Location

When choosing between online and on-campus learning, prospective students should also think about location. While it is most important for on-campus students, online learners still need to find the right location. Many online programs have on-campus requirements, which students may need to attend.

Accreditation

According to our online college accreditation guide, accreditation can impact financial aid, transfer credit, and employment opportunities. All schools need institutional accreditation, while programmatic accreditation is more selective. A master's in assessment and measurement in particular may receive accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Student Support

Student services and online student services can enhance a learner's educational experience considerably. Academic-focused programs like tutoring, study groups, and mentorships can improve student success. Career-focused programs like career services and internships and practicums can help students find employment after graduation.

Best Accredited Online Master's in Assessment and Measurement Programs

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Best Online Master's in Assessment and Measurement Programs

  1. University of Illinois at Chicago
    Location

    Chicago, IL

    Tuition

    $16516

    UIC offers an online master's in educational assessment program that prepares graduates to work in educational research settings. This program was created to address the industry-wide shortage of individuals capable of performing effective educational research. Courses in this program are offered synchronously online and students must enroll in exactly one course per semester for eight semesters. Some students decide to enroll in two courses per semester to graduate in four semesters.

    The 32-credit curriculum includes courses on a variety of topics, such as mathematical modeling, educational measurement, and hierarchical linear modeling. Applicants to this online M.Ed in assessment can apply for admission in the fall, spring, or summer and must submit GRE scores to be considered. Transfer students can apply up to eight credits of prior graduate coursework towards their degree. UIC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  2. University of Mary
    Location

    Bismarck, ND

    Tuition

    $14069

    Mary is a private Catholic university located in Bismarck, North Dakota that serves more than 3,000 undergraduates each year. The school offers a variety of distance learning programs, including a 20-credit online master's in educational assessment. The program is open to both licensed, working teachers and unlicensed, future teachers who want to earn a North Dakota teaching license along with their degree. The curriculum includes courses on a variety of topics, such as statistics, differentiated instruction, and integrating technology in the classroom. Students must also choose between writing a thesis or building a portfolio as a culminating capstone project.

    Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, a minimum GPA of 2.75 during their final two years of undergraduate study, or a minimum major GPA of 3.0 to be considered. A teaching credential is preferred but not required. Mary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  3. Kent State University at Kent
    Location

    Kent, OH

    Tuition

    $18383

    Kent State offers an online M.Ed in assessment that is ideal for students who want to pursue careers as K-12 teachers, curriculum and evaluation professionals for school districts, and private sector research experts. This 32-credit online master's in educational assessment can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. Courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.

    The curriculum includes 12 credits of core coursework on topics like statistics, program evaluation, and classroom assessment. The remaining 20 credits are electives on a wide variety of topics, such as factor analysis and curriculum evaluation. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered; there is no GRE requirement. Kent State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  4. Missouri Western State University
    Location

    Saint Joseph, MO

    Tuition

    $11092

    Missouri Western offers an online M.Ed in assessment degree that prepares graduates to work with high-needs students, including those with autism spectrum disorders or who are enrolled in TESOL programs. This master's of applied science in assessment emphasizes hands-on coursework and small class sizes, which allows students to receive one-on-one attention from faculty. Courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.

    Missouri Western offers tuition discounts to groups who enroll in the program as a cohort. Students may apply to enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in education or a similar field with a minimum GPA of 2.75 to be considered; there is no GRE requirement. Missouri Western is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  5. University of Akron Main Campus
    Location

    Akron, OH

    Tuition

    $18616

    UA offers a M.Ed in assessment, evaluation, and data literacy that is ideal for current and future teachers who want to become assessment and evaluation leaders in their schools, school districts, or state. This 30-credit program teaches students the important skill of using data to make smart decisions on education-related topics. The curriculum includes coursework on topics like educational psychology, data-driven decision making, and educational evaluation. Students must also complete a culminating capstone project in assessment and evaluation.

    UA's online M.Ed program is currently only available in 36 states. Therefore, prospective students should check the school's state authorization page before applying. Students can apply to the program for admission in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Applicants only need to submit a graduate application and official transcripts to be considered; there is no GRE requirement. UA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Assessment and Measurement Programs

Is a master's in assessment and measurement worth it?

Yes. A master's in assessment and measurement offers many benefits for students and graduates. This flexible discipline allows students to focus their training in one of several areas, including education and business. Graduates can qualify for teaching, research, and leadership positions in both industries.

An online master's in assessment and measurement provides the additional value of an online degree. Online learners receive access to a large selection of schools and programs. This allows them to find the concentrations and study schedules that suit them best.

What can I do with a master's in assessment and measurement?

With a master's in assessment and measurement, graduates can access education or business careers. They can take on management or analyst positions in business, work for the government, or help individual schools improve their assessment strategies.

These master's graduates can also pursue doctoral degrees in several fields, which can lead them into the postsecondary education industry. They can continue in assessment and measurement or expand into general education. Other study options include educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, and organizational leadership.

Are assessment and measurement graduates in demand?

Yes. Graduates with a master's in assessment and measurement may enjoy a strong demand for many professions. For example, the BLS projects the addition of more than 18,000 instructional coordinators between 2020 and 2030, plus over 20,000 annual openings on average.

The BLS also projects more than 21,000 new elementary, middle, and high school principals and over 22,000 annual openings on average. In addition, BLS projections show more than 163,000 new market research analyst jobs and over 96,000 annual openings, plus more than 25,000 new operations research analysts between 2020 and 2030.

How much money can I make with a master's in assessment and measurement?

The amount of money available to graduates with a master's in assessment and measurement varies. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for education, training, and library occupations was $52,380 in May 2020. Instructional coordinators made considerably more than that at $66,970.

On the business side, market research analysts made median annual salaries of $65,810 in May 2020, and operations research analysts made $86,200. Wages depend on the industry as well, with government positions paying some of the highest salaries available. Instructional coordinators working in government made median annual wages of $76,780 in May 2020, while government operations research analysts made $119,720.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in assessment and measurement?

The highest-paying job for a graduate with a master's in assessment and measurement is elementary, middle, and high school principals. According to the BLS, these professionals earned median annual salaries of $98,490 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made over $152,500.

Wages vary depending on the school type. For example, principals in public schools earned median annual wages of $99,690 in May 2020. Private school principals earned $89,350.

Image Source: Marko Geber, Getty Images

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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