Applied Research and Evaluation Methods

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. Tuition varies based on residency and mode of study. Students who study fully online receive our e-tuition rate. See cost details

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

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.
Save money with affordable tuition: Students who choose to study fully online receive our e-tuition rate.
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.

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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.

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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

Policy, Planning, and Management | Online

Master’s Program (Online)

Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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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 deadline	Fall term start	Spring term start	Summer term start
Final	August 1	December 15	April 15

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
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.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
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.

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?