The Certificate in Educational Assessment Specialist is designed to assist teachers, principals and superintendents to obtain the education needed to use data analytics to meet the challenges of the modern school and promote student learning. Students will acquire skills necessary to meet the data-informed decision making and accountability challenges demanded in the current educational environment.

The Certificate is a 12-semester hour program. The certificate is available to students from any major and courses may be included as part of a master's program with the approval of the faculty advisor. Coursework includes three online courses and a hands-on practicum completed in the student's school setting. The practicum experience is guided by University research and measurement faculty.

Admission to the Certificate in Educational Assessment Specialist 

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the certificate program requires the following:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution

• An overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate work or acceptable scores on the GRE for prospective students with less than a 2.7 undergraduate GPA

• A well-written statement of purpose describing the student’s background and goals as well as the importance of the degree in achieving those goals

• Three letters of recommendation regarding the prospective student's potential for doing graduate level work. Letters should be recommendations from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, school principal or others who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to engage in graduate work in the desired program

The certificate program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.

What to Submit with Your Application

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of purpose

• Three letters of recommendation 

• GRE scores if required

Requirements for the Certificate in Educational Assessment Specialist

For the Certificate, students must complete the following program requirements: 

• A minimum of 12 semester hours of approved graduate course work

• Completion of the following: RESM 5110, 5210, 5310, and 6940

Courses may be included as part of a master's degree program as approved by the student's faculty advisor. 

All coursework and requirements of the certificate must be taken within a four-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.

Plan of Study

A plan of study identifying the courses for the certificate is required after 6 credit hours. The certificate plan of study must include the following within the 12 semester hour minimum: 

• 12 credits of specialization in educational assessment 

Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Educational Assessment Specialist. Students should work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements.