Applied Research and Evaluation Methods

Program Type
Certificate of Graduate Study (Online)
Credential
Certificate of Graduate Study
Modes of Study
Blended;Online
Department
Policy, Planning, and Management
School
Muskie School of Public Service

Tuition per credit hour

Online mode of study: $447 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Blended mode of study: cost varies. See details and other costs

Credit hours

12 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Program duration

Finish in as little as 1 year. Explore program requirements

Admissions

No application fee. Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

  • Choose a mode of study that is blended (a mix of online and in-person courses) or fully online.
  • Balance your schedule while completing your certificate: Our fully online program option allows you to complete coursework from wherever you are.
  • Save money with reduced e-tuition for out-of-state students who choose to study fully online.
  • Make progress toward a future graduate degree: Apply course credits from your certificate toward a USM master’s degree.
  • Learn from expert faculty and research staff with a wide variety of academic, public management, and direct-service backgrounds.
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Program requirements

Our curriculum is designed for those who want to learn to use data more effectively on the job and in the community.

Visit course catalog
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Experiential learning

You’ll have the opportunity to attend, participate in, and contribute to the Muskie School’s expanding public outreach activities.

View opportunities
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Faculty support

Nearly half of our faculty hold joint teaching and research appointments and are actively engaged in advising their students. Faculty activities range from research and policy analysis, to training and technical assistance, to demonstration projects that design and test innovative program and policy strategies.

Meet our faculty
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Career opportunities

Our program will prepare you for a wide range of career options. Gain skills in data acquisition, data analysis and presentation; applying statistical techniques to real world problems; and the practical application of analytical tools.

Discover careers
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Future degree planning

Interested in earning your Master’s degree in Policy, Planning, and Management in the future? The credits you earn through this certificate program can be applied to our MPPM. Some restrictions may apply.

View program details
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Next Steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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Admission information: Applied Research and Evaluation Methods, Certificate of Graduate Study

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadlineFall term startSpring term startSummer term start
FinalAugust 1December 15April 15

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee: Waived for all applicants
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Essay: In a brief essay (300-500 words), please state your reasons for pursuing a Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Research and Evaluation Methods, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals.

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address

Applications in progress

Check the status of your application