Make a measurable difference within an organization committed to social impact. Participants in this program will master practical skills from our project monitoring faculty with extensive experience in all phases of M&E management, in addition to guest lectures from practitioners in funding and implementing organizations.
The curriculum for the 12-credit online Graduate Certificate in Project Monitoring and Evaluation includes four courses.
Core Courses (9 credits)
PROF 660: Data-Driven Decision Making
The primary goal of this course is to explore quantitative and qualitative tools and methods used to evaluate, present, and communicate data (big and small). Students will also learn how to summarize and communicate findings to stakeholders so that they may make informed decisions that will improve the overall quality and efficiency of an organization. Topics include asking the right questions of data, constructing Statements of Work for performance and impact evaluation, conducting t-tests, ANOVA, ANCOVA, matching, differences in differences, regression discontinuity in program evaluation, and disseminating quantitative findings. No prerequisites.
PME 600: Principles and Theories of Evaluation
This course introduces the terminology, critical issues, and current debates in the field of evaluation, independent of specific disciplines. Students begin to gain the skills necessary to design monitoring and evaluation plans that reflect varying circumstances and parameters. Students learn how to develop logical frameworks, or logframes—one of the major documents that donors and implementers use to monitor and evaluate projects.
PME 610: Evaluation Approaches & Designs
This course emphasizes the use of mixed method performance and summative evaluation designs that measure progress, outcomes, and impact. Students learn to differentiate performance and impact evaluations, including the data designs needed to support each. The course introduces different performance evaluation designs, including snapshot, simple, cross-sectional, before and after, time series, and case study design; and then focuses on impact evaluation designs, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Students learn about different evaluation approaches, such as culturally responsive equitable evaluation, empowerment evaluation, and participatory evaluation. Students partner with organizations they identify to plan an evaluation (including its design and approach); craft theory of change and evaluation logic models; develop data collection instruments; collect and analyze data; and write an evaluation report.
Pursue an M&E Master's Degree by Taking 6 More Courses
American University offers a Master of Science in Measurement and Evaluation to provide you with the knowledge to lead evaluation efforts and the technical skills needed for analytically demanding roles in upper management. The program consists of 6 additional courses (10 courses total) and can be completed within 20-months. Learn more about the Master’s program.
To learn more about American University’s online Graduate Certificate in Project Monitoring and Evaluation and eligibility for the Dean’s Scholarship, request more information or call us toll free at 855-725-7614.