Faculty adviser:
Associate Professor Francine Jacobs, Child Development/Urban and
Environmental Policy and Planning
In the government and nonprofit sectors, significant resources are devoted to programs that address compelling social needs. Evaluation of these programs can help them to grow and improve their operations. Yet agencies often resist evaluation because it is seen as politically risky or technically intimidating.
Private funders and public agencies are increasingly demanding evaluation as a provision for funding. Individuals with evaluation training are needed to assist programs, sponsoring agencies, and funders in planning and carrying out evaluations to address their needs for information and analysis.
The certificate in program evaluation is designed for midcareer professionals who wish to learn about the design and implementation of effective evaluation strategies. Students learn practical skills that can be put to use in the evaluation of a wide range of social service, public health, community development, and environmental programs. Four courses and an applied practicum are required for the certificate. The certificate is offered in collaboration with the departments of child development and urban and environmental policy and planning, the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the School of Medicine, and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
The program is open to individuals with a bachelor's degree and three to five years of professional experience in a particular field. The program is especially appropriate for agency directors and administrators, program managers and staff, foundation project officers, policy analysts, community organizers and advocates, human resources professionals, and educators.
For more information and an application, contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies at 617-627-3395 or visit http://ase.tufts.edu/gradstudy.