Program Evaluation
The Advanced Learning Certificate in Program Evaluation is designed to provide theory and relevant practice to build your expertise, effectiveness, and confidence in evaluating programs. As funders and donors increasingly view their support as an investment, competency in Program Evaluation has become an essential skill within health and human services organizations. Regular, systematic evaluation helps assure organizations are delivering on their missions and acting as good stewards of donor dollars. To respond to the increasingly competitive funding landscape, human services organizations must not only measure impact: they need to be able to maximize their impact. This certificate program will help you align your resources and efforts to the change your organization strives to create.
The program design includes lectures, case studies, practice exercises, and readings – all carefully chosen to increase your skills. Optional 1:1 private consultation for your project or program is included.
Program details and prerequisites are listed below. Applications for this program will close on September 1, 2023, US Central Time.
IS THIS PROGRAM FOR ME?
The program is suitable for individuals involved in program planning or delivery in government, community organizations, or non-profits, including those looking to transition into evaluation or related roles within health and social service fields. You do not have to be an alum of the Brown School to apply for consideration.
The cohort will meet over 9 weeks, with a 4-hour class meeting from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., every other Friday. Participants will have approximately 5 hours of work to complete between class sessions, including modest reading assignments required before each class meeting. All texts are included in the program fee.
By the end of the program, participants will:
- Understand the different evaluation types, approaches, and theories.
- Be able to conduct a stakeholder-driven evaluation planning process and develop a comprehensive evaluation plan.
- Know how to identify and prioritize key evaluation questions and select appropriate methods.
- Understand how to systematically manage quantitative data.
- Have practiced conducting basic data analysis using Excel.
- Understand and have practiced methods for collecting and analyzing qualitative data.
- Learn strategies for translating evaluation findings into compelling data visualizations to enhance strategic learning & utilization.
Successful completion of the certificate program includes development of several evaluation products, including a logic model, evaluation plan, and submission of brief written reflections about class content.
How to Apply:
A completed application will include:
- Online application form, including statement of purpose (300-500 words).
- Submission of your current resume.
Admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis. Generally it is possible to provide an admissions decision within two weeks of receipt of a completed application. Applications must be received by September 1, 2023, US Central Time.
Admission prerequisites:
- Applicants should have (or be able to obtain) access to a computer, along with a webcam and reliable internet service.
- Applicants should have access to Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- All students must be willing to comply with Washington University policies.
- Please note that pursuing the Program Evaluation Certificate course while on OPT (Optional Practical Training) is not permitted. For questions, email us at browncertificates@wustl.edu.
Meet Your Instructors
Meihsi Chiang, MSW
Senior Manager of Evaluation & Dissemination, Brown School Evaluation Center
Meihsi is a senior manager of evaluation & dissemination at the Brown School’s Evaluation Center. She manages projects with a focus on process and outcome evaluation, evaluation capacity, survey design, and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. She offers an extensive background in project management and visual communications. Meihsi brings her creativity and passion for data visualization together to develop products and approaches that communicate research data and evaluation findings in meaningful and understandable ways. Before joining the Evaluation Center, Meihsi was a child protection service social worker in Taiwan and has over 7 years of front-line experience working with disadvantaged children and youth in urban areas and indigenous tribes in Taiwan.
Liz Vestal, MSW, LMSW
Senior Manager of Evaluation & Client Services, Brown School Evaluation Center
Liz is a senior manager of evaluation and client services at the Brown School’s Evaluation Center. They currently manage the Washington University Strategic Plan and BJC Hospital to Housing projects. They are passionate about using data for the public good and about engaging the public and nonprofit sectors. They have experience with survey design, data analysis, facilitation, and strategic planning while working alongside partners in Michigan, California, and Missouri. With a curiosity for quality improvement and a deep commitment to equitable collaboration, Liz is emboldened to work alongside organizations to maximize their impact.
