Graduate Studies
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Strong program development and performance require ongoing program evaluation and meaningful structures of accountability. Program evaluation seeks to assess the relevance, sustainability, impact, effectiveness, and efficiency of programs, projects, policies, and regulations by focusing on program design and results. It involves the systematic gathering of information about the performance of projects, policies, programs, regulations, and other initiatives in order to determine their relevance, success, and cost-effectiveness.
Program evaluations are complex endeavours that must be conducted professionally and competently in order to be both credible and useful. The quality and integrity of evaluations depend on the quality and competence of the professionals involved. As an evaluator, students must be able to apply appropriate research and statistical methods rigorously. Students must be able to make sound critical evidence-based judgments and communicate well with clients in order to support them in bringing about change. The core competencies of evaluators have been empirically identified by major professional associations, including the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES), and the Treasury Board of Canada.
The graduate certificate in Program Evaluation consists of four courses, for a total of 15 graduate-level credits. All courses are competency-based, designed to provide professionals and managers with the practical knowledge, skills, and credibility for conducting, managing, or participating in the program evaluation process.
Inquiry-based learning is a central feature of the training approach. Students will link scholarship to practice through case studies and problem-solving exercises. The goal is to enable students to apply sound evaluation methodologies in an ethical and professional manner. Students will have the opportunity to work in their interest areas with the support of a faculty advisor.
This program delivers a transformative learning experience to individuals from various sectors who expect to be involved in various capacities in program evaluation. Students will acquire the core competencies required to professionally conduct a program evaluation.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate certificate in Program Evaluation, students will be able to:
These program outcomes will be monitored, and will provide the basis upon which students’ individual performance will be assessed. The course material is intellectually and personally challenging. The curriculum makes extensive use of student-led inquiry, case studies, and problem-solving learning methods. The curriculum is designed to suit the needs of students who have already acquired some work/professional experience.
This graduate certificate will be recognized by the Canadian Evaluation Society and members of the Consortium of Universities for Evaluation Education.
To be considered for Fall semester entrance (September), completed applications must be received by April 30 of the year of application. Applications received later will be considered as space permits.
See the Fees and Other Costs section. There will be additional costs for textbooks.
The four required courses are offered sequentially over a period of four semesters; therefore, time required to complete this program will normally be 24 months.
Courses will be offered using combined delivery methods with a short term of in-class sessions and the remaining classes through online and self-directed study over three successive semesters. Any in-class sessions will be held at the Abbotsford campus.
This program will employ various delivery methods including an on-campus orientation session, online classes, and self-directed study.
A prerequisite is a requirement which must be met before a student enters a course or program. A D grade does not, unless stated otherwise, meet a prerequisite requirement. Students who do not have the stated prerequisite courses may not register in a course having these requirements without the permission of the School of Graduate Studies.
The graduate certificate in Program Evaluation consists of four courses, for a total of 15 graduate-level credits.
Course | Title | Credits |
PREV 700 | The Context of Policy Development and Performance Evaluation | 3 |
PREV 710 | Program Evaluation Principles and Processes | 4 |
PREV 720 | Evaluation Design and Issues in Program Evaluation I | 4 |
PREV 730 | Evaluation Design and Issues in Program Evaluation II | 4 |
To maintain status as a program student and to continue in the program, students must maintain a minimum program grade point average of 3.00.
Students can re-take a course if they wish to improve the grade earned in the course. Permission of the Graduate Program Committee is required (please see General Regulations for Graduate Studies).
Students wishing to audit a course must request permission from the instructor no later than the end of the fourth week of classes. No changes from regular to audit status will be permitted after this date.
Students may be able to obtain credit for prior learning through evaluation of previous studies or learning through experience for a maximum of 25% of the certificate’s total number of credits. Contact the program coordinator for further information.
Course withdrawal deadlines follow UFV's Course Withdrawal policy (81). Please see General Regulations for Graduate Studies.
UFV Graduate Studies policy requires that at least 75% of program courses be taken at UFV. Therefore, a maximum of one course (25%) may be taken at another university for transfer or prior learning assessment credit. This would require advance approval of the Program Evaluation coordinator and the Associate Vice-President, Research, Engagement and Graduate Studies.
Candidates who qualify to receive a UFV graduate certificate must be approved by the UFV School of Graduate Studies and the University Senate. Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. Visit the Graduation webpage for more information. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by April 30.
Students must complete the certificate within four years.
For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.