Program Overview
The Master of Science in Educational Research and Evaluation at Northern Illinois University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Northern Illinois University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in education, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 24 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in education.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Northern Illinois University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Education.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 24 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Educational Research and Evaluation programme at Northern Illinois University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in education value. Common career destinations include:
- University Lecturer / Professor: Teach and conduct research at higher education institutions.
- Curriculum Developer: Design and evaluate educational programmes and learning materials.
- School Principal: Lead school strategy, operations, and community engagement.
- Educational Consultant: Advise schools, governments, and NGOs on learning outcomes.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Curriculum and Requirements
With in-person and online (synchronous and asynchronous) options, our courses will give you highly marketable skills, such as the ability to:
- Design, conduct and evaluate educational research and evaluation studies
- Select and implement suitable qualitative and quantitative data analytic procedures
- Design and evaluate assessments and other instruments
- Relate empirical findings to educational and social science policies and practices
You’ll be prepared to thrive as a researcher, evaluator, assessment specialist or data analyst in educational, business, government, community-based and other professional settings, or to pursue advanced training in social science disciplines.
Learn more about our capstone , internship and program requirements .
Learning Outcomes During your program of study, you will: Design a study of an educational research problem or phenomenon using appropriate methodologies. Design and/or select appropriate assessment or evaluation tools for a given educational problem. Distinguish between ethical and unethical behavior when conducting educational research or evaluations. Select appropriate analyses for a given research question. Apply appropriate technology to conduct analyses of educational data. Conduct a study pertaining to an educational research problem or phenomenon. Demonstrate effective communication skills by presenting and defending a research project. Engage in research-related activities in diverse settings.
Certificates of Graduate Study
To gain specialized expertise, you may be interested in a Certificate of Graduate Study, which you can earn on its own or in combination with another graduate degree.
- Advanced Qualitative Methodology in Education
- Advanced Quantitative Methodology in Education
- Assessment and Evaluation
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
You’ll apply through the Graduate School .
- Fall application deadline: July 15 (May 1 for international applicants)
- Spring deadline: Dec. 10 (Oct. 1 for international applicants)
- Summer deadline: June 1
Who Should Apply While any undergraduate major is eligible for admission, this program is a logical next step if you are majoring in education, psychology and sociology. It's also attractive to those currently working in educational settings, including K-12 schools, districts and institutions of higher education.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 700/year (international)
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, United States
Northern Illinois University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-05-01
- Start Date 2018-08-10
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 120 ECTS / 360 credits (2-year programme)