Graduate Studies

Graduate certificate in Program Evaluation

Note: This program is unavailable until further notice.

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.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Graduate certificate in Program Evaluation, students will be able to:

• Evaluate programs and/or manage a program evaluation process in accordance with recognized professional evaluation standards;
• Design and conduct program evaluations utilizing the most appropriate tools and methods;
• Utilize sound research methodologies and tools to systematically gather, analyze, present, and interpret data;
• Conduct in-depth needs assessments, process/implementation evaluations, and results/impact analyses including cost/benefit analysis;
• Establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with stakeholders; and
• Engage in systematic enquiry, situational analysis, and reflective practice.

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.

Entrance requirements

1. Completion of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a professional or social science discipline (e.g. public administration, sociology, criminal justice, social work, education, business administration, or economics).
2. Acquired professional experience.
3. Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate course in research methodology and an introductory-level statistics course, or agree to complete such a course prior to enrolling in the program.
4. Three letters of reference (at least one of which must be from an academic, and at least one of which must be from someone who can speak to the student's work experience), using the forms provided in the application package.
5. A résumé.
6. Attendance at an interview or orientation session, if required.
7. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

When to apply

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.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply. There is an application fee.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • A résumé.
   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
   • Three letters of reference (at least one of which must be from an academic, and at least one of which must be from someone who can speak to work experience). Please use the forms provided in the application package. Have the letters completed, sealed, signed, and returned with the application package.
2. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.
3. In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due one month prior to commencement of the program.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. There will be additional costs for textbooks.

Program duration

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.

Dates and location

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.

Prerequisites

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.

Program outline

The graduate certificate in Program Evaluation consists of four courses, for a total of 15 graduate-level credits.

Program requirements and continuance in program

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.

Course repetition

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).

Auditing courses

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.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

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

Course withdrawal deadlines follow UFV's Course Withdrawal policy (81). Please see General Regulations for Graduate Studies.

Residency

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.

Graduation requirements

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.

Maximum length of time to complete program

Students must complete the certificate within four years.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.