Online Master’s In Educational Assessment

Earning a master’s in educational assessment online can boost your opportunity for career advancement and help you improve student learning. This degree benefits both educators and those seeking a career change.

Program names vary, but they all focus on using data to evaluate teaching and learning. Common degrees include M.Ed. in educational assessment, MA in educational measurement and statistics, and MS in educational psychology with a concentration in assessment.

Here’s what to expect from an online master’s in educational assessment, including courses, jobs, and how to pay for your degree.

Educational assessment master’s programs provide a deeper knowledge of using research and data to improve student learning through policy changes. Learners gain skills in designing effective tests, evaluating data, managing databases, writing reports, and making policy recommendations. They also develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Students often can gain relevant work experience through internships and practicum projects.

Online and on-campus master’s of educational assessment programs often include the same requirements, curricula, and instructors. In some cases, on-campus educational assessment programs may be more likely to require an internship or other in-person professional experience than their online counterparts.

The skills students gain in an online master’s in educational assessment program prepare them to work in varied settings, including school districts and public schools, higher education, government agencies, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Specific course offerings and titles vary by program and school, but most master’s in educational assessment programs cover some common courses and topics. See below for a sample curriculum.

Most educational assessment master’s programs do not require specific exams, although some courses often include tests. This field does not require students to pass a specific exam to find employment.

A common requirement of an educational assessment master’s program is a capstone or practicum research project or thesis. Capstone and practicum projects usually take one semester to complete and involve fieldwork in an educational setting. A thesis may take longer, including research, writing, fieldwork, and an oral defense.

The typical master’s in educational assessment salary varies depending on the type of career you pursue after graduation. Salaries also fluctuate based on work experience, geographic location, and employer type. The table below provides a general idea of how much professionals in education assessment might earn.

Instructional coordinators, or curriculum specialists, manage teaching standards and school programs. They help create, implement, and assess instructional materials and programs. Instructional coordinators also analyze test data, suggest educational materials, and train teachers to use new programs or content. Most entry-level instructional coordinator positions require at least a master’s degree.

High school teachers provide instruction to students to help them get jobs or get into college after graduation. They need at least a bachelor’s degree, but high school teachers who hold a master’s often earn a high salary and face better job prospects. All states require public school teachers to also hold a valid teaching license.

Elementary, middle, and high school principals typically need at least a master’s degree. They oversee school operations, including curriculum coordination, staff management, and the creation of productive and safe learning environments for students. Their specific duties vary considerably depending on the size of their district and school.

Since online master’s in educational assessment programs boast different names, there is not one specific accrediting body to look for in this field. Students pursuing an M.Ed. in educational assessment should look for programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. MA or MS programs in educational assessment often do not hold programmatic accreditation.

Students can pursue many funding sources to pay for an MS/MA in educational assessment. In addition to personal savings and student loans, learners can consider grants, scholarships, employer assistance, research assistantships, and fellowships.

Students in master’s in educational assessment online programs can find valuable opportunities through membership in professional organizations. The educational assessment field also offers many professional resources students and recent graduates can utilize.