Project & Program Evaluation Careers are Growing Rapidly

In the last decade, new government policies dedicated to accountability and transparency in spending set the trend for extensive growth in the social science sector across government, nonprofit, and commercial organizations.

American University's real-world coursework prepares you to lead measurement and evaluation efforts in future positions. At the same time, you will connect with like-minded, passionate individuals, and make an impact in your current career.

Beverly Peters: One of the strengths of the MS in Measurement and Evaluation Program is its diverse faculty. All of our faculty are academic practitioners who have practical experience in evaluation, whether that's in the education sector, public health, international development. So they teach theory, but they're also able to rely on their practical experiences in evaluation. They are also at the forefront of new and emerging designs.

The online classroom is an international one where you develop a relationship with a cohort of students that have a variety of different experiences and perspectives. So you're not only learning about your practicum experiences and the evaluations that you're conducting, but you are sharing in the experiences of others in the cohort.

The Measurement and Evaluation Program alumni are a cohort of evaluators that work across borders. They're in contact with each other, they're mentoring each other, and faculty are involved as well. We have networking events online. We have workshops. The MS in Measurement and Evaluation curriculum is practical in nature. You take that theory and you practice it. You work with organizations in your local community to carry out evaluations. This helps to build a student's resume. It gives them practical experience in evaluation. That's a step above a theoretical program alone.

The Role of a Program Evaluator

Program evaluators are found in all sectors by many titles. Still, the core of their role involves providing insight and change recommendations after careful analysis of programs, products, personnel, policy, performance, proposals, technology, research, theory, and even evaluation itself. They answer questions such as:

  • How did the program perform?
  • How was investment money spent?
  • What modifications would make the program stronger?

Through data and cost-benefit analysis, interviews, observations, and focus groups, they determine if programs and projects are an efficient and appropriate use of financial and personnel investments. Given the job growth rate of the industry, the few who qualify for these positions find they can take their pick of sector and career while receiving top dollar for their services.

The Many Titles of Program Evaluators — Which One Appeals to You?

American is proud to note that 92% of our graduates move into careers or graduate studies within six months. Read below to get a snapshot of the possible jobs and salaries you can pursue with your online MS in Measurement & Evaluation degree from American University.

  • Social & Community Service Managers
    Social and community service managers implement and supervise programs designed by administrators, elected officials, or other stakeholders, and are often expected to demonstrate effectiveness to those who fund them. To do so, they’ll collect statistics, and use evaluations to identify areas that need improvement for programs to be more effective, such as providing mentorship and assessments for their staff. The median annual salary for this profession is $65,310, though the top 10% earned more than $111,150.1
  • Emergency Management Directors
    Emergency management directors are responsible for keeping their community safe in the event of disasters and states of emergency, such as a public shooting. In addition to drafting plans and people for response efforts, they coordinate shared resources, prepare and analyze damage assessments following an event, and report on funds and revise emergency plans as necessary. Their median wage comes in at $74,420, though the top 10% earn nearly double with a median salary more than $141,310.2
  • Operation Research Analysts
    Operation research analysts are predicted to have the fastest growth rate on this list at 26% between 2018 and 2028. Though their median salary is $83,390, those in the top pay range average more than $136,250 a year.3 Typically, operations analysts are involved in the day-to-day aspects of an organization. They work to first identify and understand the problem at hand, or how the process can be improved, then provide a course of action to reach the desired goal. Through their careful research, they help managers decide how to allocate resources, manage a supply chain, set pricing, or even how to display products in a store to improve the bottom line.
  • Operation Managers
    The operation manager is an executive role that demands years of industry and evaluation experience. In this senior position, you'll formulate policy, manage daily operations, and plan how materials and personnel are best used to increase efficiencies. Executives reportedly earn a median annual wage of $123,880.4
  • Urban & Regional Planners
    Urban and regional planners is an umbrella term for many roles that contribute to how a community’s physical space is developed or conserved to serve it best. Together, these planners: Land use and code enforcement, transportation, environmental and natural resources, economic development, and urban design, advocate the best use of a community’s land and resources for residential, commercial, industrial, educational, and recreational purposes. Their median wage is $73,050 a year, with those in the top 10% earning more than $114,170.5
  • Management Analyst/Consultant
    Many management analysts, who are also most recently known as evaluation consultants, work either independently or as part of a consulting firm. They often specialize in departments or industries, such as corporate structure, supply chains, inventory, or healthcare and finance. Their job growth rate is on the rise at 14 percent8, double the national average. Their goals are to develop solutions or alternative procedures to improve efficiencies, making their recommendations to their contact manager. On average, management analysts earn an average of $83,610 a year, but those in the top 10 percent earned more than $152,760.6
  • Market Research Analysts
    Jobs for market research analysts are expected to increase by 20 percent between 2018 and 2028. These analysts map their company’s foothold in the industry and work to improve it. Their work involves research and analysis of competitors as well as their target market. Through data analysis and evaluation, and using statistical techniques and software, they’ll interpret what data means for their client, forecast future trends, and recommend pricing strategies, new audiences, and go-to-market strategies. Their median salary is $63.120, and more than $70k in the management of companies and enterprises, but those in the top 10 percent earn more than $121,080 a year.7
  • Top Executives
    This all-encompassing title refers to CEOs, COOs, as well as mayors, city managers, and county administrators. In short, these high-ranking professionals focus on formulating policy and strategic plans for the entire organization or community they serve. With their extensive experience, their median salary is $104,980, but those in manufacturing or scientific and technical services can expect to earn more than $208,000 per year.8

Career Services

American University’s Career Center offers the same services online and over the phone that it does on campus. Students and alumni have access to resources for their job search, career advising, internships and scholarships.

Students and graduates can also network, look for jobs, and apply for positions by making an account at AU Career Web, our online career search tool.

The Office of Professional Studies offers career development workshops, continuing education through industry specific webinars with practitioners who discuss emerging trends in their fields, and our academic practitioner Program Directors act as mentors to current students and alumni alike.

Resources and Citations

1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm
3https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm
4https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm
5https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm
6https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
7https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm
8https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm

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To learn more about how American University's specialized online MS in Measurement & Evaluation program can solidify your career, call 855.725.7614 to speak with an admissions adviser, or request more information.