In today’s data-driven world, there is increasing demand for researchers with the data science skills to help institutions and schools enhance their decision-making procedures and ensure equitable outcomes for all stakeholders. This program is designed to equip you with the robust background in methodology, research design, and data analysis you’ll need to help meet that demand.
In the M.A. in Research and Evaluation Methods program at Boston College, you will:
With a curriculum that incorporates quantitative and qualitative methods, including courses in evaluation theory and practice, you will develop strong skills in research and evaluation design, data collection and management, data analysis, report writing, and organizational communication.
Course | Course Title | Credit |
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MESA6830 | Interpretation and Evaluation of Research This course will improve a students' understanding of the empirical research literature in education and psychology. It concentrates on developing the conceptual foundations of empirical research and the practical analytic skills needed by a competent reader and user of research articles. Topics address purpose statements, hypotheses, sampling techniques, sample sizes and power, instrument development, internal and external validity, and typical quantitative research designs. Exercises emphasize the critical evaluation of published research. | 3 |
MESA6820 | Critical Perspectives on Research Methodology This course addresses the major issues of educational assessment, with emphasis on the characteristics, administration, scoring, and interpretation of both formal and informal assessments, including but not limited to tests of achievement. All forms of assessment are examined including observation, portfolios, performance tasks, and paper-and-pencil tests, including standardized tests. Basic techniques of test construction, item writing, and analysis are included. Standardized norm-referenced tests and statewide testing programs are also examined. | 3 |
MESA6210 | Instrument Design and Development This course is designed to familiarize students with the strategies, techniques, tactics, and issues in the development and administration of survey instruments. It will emphasize theoretical, measurement and practical considerations in the development of attitudinal instruments. The development and analysis of data resulting from several types of measurement scales will be covered. | 3 |
MESA6310 | Evaluation Practice & Methods This course introduces the process of conducting evaluations from beginning to end. Evaluation is a form of applied social science research focused on systematically assessing the value--merit, worth, or significance--of interventions. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to evaluation, this course draws on scholarly articles and examples from multiple fields including education, public health, social services, and international development and addressing evaluation at various scales including program, organizational, and systems-level evaluations. By the end of the course, students will gain knowledge of how to carry out evaluations; apply this knowledge to develop evaluation plans for real-world interventions; and gain skills to critique existing evaluations supporting their development as informed, critical consumers of evaluations. | 3 |
APSY8851 | Design of Qualitative Research Introduces the foundations and techniques of carrying out qualitative research. Topics include philosophical underpinnings, planning for a qualitative research project, negotiating entry, ethics of conducting research, data collection and analysis, and writing/presenting qualitative research. Requires a research project involving participant observation and/or interviewing. | 3 |
MESA7840 | Mixed Methods Research Course desciption coming soon. | 3 |
Course | Course Title | Credit |
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MESA6410 | Introductory Statistics An introduction to descriptive statistics. Topics include methods of data summarization and presentation; measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression; the normal distribution; probability; and an introduction to hypothesis testing. Provides computer instruction on PC and Mac platforms and in the SPSS statistical package. | 3 |
MESA6420 | Intermediate Statistics Topics and computer exercises address tests of means, partial and part correlations, multiple regression, analysis of variance with planned and post hoc comparisons, analysis of covariance, repeated measures analysis, elements of experimental design, and power analysis. | 3 |
MESA8440 | Multivariate Statistical Analysis This course provides lectures, examples, and lab analyses that address multinomial and ordinal logistic regression models, multiple group discriminant analysis, cluster analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, principal component analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. We cover various issues related to research design, model building, and the interpretation of the output from SPSS, R, Lisrel, and SAS software programs. | 3 |
MESA8430 | General Linear Models Addresses the construction, interpretation, and application of linear statistical models. Specifically, lectures and computer exercises cover ordinary least squares regression models; matrix algebra operations; parameter estimation techniques; missing data options; power transformations; exploratory versus confirmatory model building; linear-model diagnostics, sources of multicollinearity; diagnostic residual analysis techniques; variance partitioning procedures; dummy, effect, and orthogonal coding procedures; and an introduction to structural equation modeling. | 3 |
Students will select 2 electives (3 credits each) with the help of their advisor. Students may use these electives to specialize in a content area in assessment, measurement, evaluation, or statistics. Please refer to the Program of Study for a full list of electives.
Course | Course Title | Credit |
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MESA8100 | Master's Comprehensive Exam In order to ensure that all students graduating from the master's program have a fundamental understanding of the field which they are about to enter, they are required to complete a comprehensive examination covering the broad areas of the core courses. | 0 |
This program will enable you to:
“If you’re interested in social change and in applying methodology to understand if programs are making a difference, we will give you the theoretical and practical tools to do that.”
The national and international demand for sophisticated education researchers is reflected through two world renowned MESA‐affiliated research centers:
The Center conducts comparative educational achievement studies in math and science (the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study or TIMSS) and reading (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study or PIRLS) under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.
CSTEEP is an educational research organization that conducts research on testing, evaluation, and public policy, working with individual schools, districts, states, and countries to advance educational testing practices and policy and improve the quality and fairness of education.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $11.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable.
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required. The fee is waived for select applicants
Deadlines
Spring 2025
Priority Deadline - November 1
Rolling Admission - Until December 1
Summer 2025
Priority Deadline - January 7
Rolling Admission - Until April 1
Fall 2025
Priority Deadline - January 7
Rolling Admission - Until July 15
To be uploaded to your online application.
In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
To be uploaded to your online application.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably coming from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
Transcripts from all college/university study are required.
Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the "International Students" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.
Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.
GRE scores are not required. If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.
Not required.
Applicants who have completed a degree outside of the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) completed by an evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.
Applicants who are not native speakers of English and who have not received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.
Please click the link below for full details on these requirements.
gsoe@dos5.net
617-552-4214