Thursday, February 27, 2014
Psychology Master's in Program Evaluation
This information was contributed by Dr. Adrienne Adams and Ms. Liz Tillander.
Master’s
in Program Evaluation Puts Graduate Students on Career Track
The Department of Psychology’s new Master of Arts in Program Evaluation
offers students an accelerated path to a fulfilling career. But what is Program
Evaluation? And why should you consider this program now?
What
is Program Evaluation?
The
American Evaluation Association, the international professional
association for evaluators, describes evaluation as “assessing
the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products, and
organizations to improve their effectiveness” (American Evaluation Association,
2013). Though unfamiliar to most PSY majors, program evaluation is actually
very well-suited to those drawn to “helping” professions – like psychology,
social work, and education. Evaluators are critical to the development and
improvement of programs used to address societal and individual problems that
those seeking human service careers are most passionate about: teen pregnancy,
unemployment, trauma, illiteracy, and much more. Evaluators work collaboratively with program staff in non-profit
organizations, schools, health care organizations, government agencies, or
corporations (Donaldson & Christie, 2006) critically assessing and implementing
evaluation designs to improve outcomes for these important programs.
Why
Should You Consider It Now?
If you have a bachelor’s degree and wish to expand your career options
by obtaining a master’s degree, there are many reasons to consider the
Department of Psychology’s Master of Arts in Program Evaluation now.
Quick Admission Process
Applications for admission will be accepted beginning April
2014 for Fall 2014*. In most cases, applications are reviewed in just two
weeks.
Accelerated Program
The full-time program is designed to be completed over four consecutive
semesters in 16 months. A part-time program is anticipated to begin Fall 2015.
Flexibility and Convenience of
Online Education
Courses are delivered online. Consult with faculty, exchange ideas with
classmates, and complete knowledge- and skill-building activities at locations
and hours that are most convenient for YOU.
Develop Skills with Real World
Experience
The two-semester supervised practical application course will allow you
to build skills alongside evaluation practitioners in a professional evaluation
setting where you can gain
first-hand experience.
Competitive Salaries
Evaluators are employed in a variety of settings and command competitive
salaries. Master’s level evaluators earn an average of $59,279 annually
(Greenlaw, Brown-Welty & Fetterman, 2006).
How
Can You Learn More?
Visit progeval.msu.edu
Plan to join faculty and alumni for the Master’s
Degree Forum: Learn about Graduate Programs in Social Work, Human Development,
and the new Psychology Master of Arts in Program Evaluation on Wednesday, March 26, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.,
Psychology Auditorium (Rm 118).
*Pending Michigan State University
Governance approval and Statewide Academic Program approval, MSU Department of
Psychology will be offering the Master of Arts degree in Program Evaluation
beginning Fall 2014.
References
American Evaluation Association (AEA). About Us. Retrieved from www.eval.org.
Donaldson,
S.I., & Christie, C.A. (2006). Emerging career opportunities in the
transdiscipline of evaluation science. In S.I. Donaldson, D.E. Berger, & K.
Pezdek (Eds.), Applied Psychology: New Frontiers and Rewarding Careers
(pp.243-259). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Greenlaw, C., Brown-Welty, S., & Fetterman, D. AEA Employment
Survey [PDF document]. Retrieved from American Evaluation Association
Website: http://www.eval.org/p/cm/ld/fid=82.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Fair Appearance and Attire
This information was retrieved from MSU Career Services
Network Website 2/10/14
Dress Essentials for Everyone
- Clothing should work for you, not against you. Fit
and comfort are important considerations in projecting yourself at your
best.
- Trendy clothing—like short skirts, low necklines,
extreme prints or colors—generally do not project an image appropriate for
a professional meeting.
- Crisp, clean, well-pressed clothing is a must.
- Hair should be clean, well groomed, and away from
the eyes.
- Simple, classic styles are best.
- Remove extraneous earrings. (Women: one pair. Men:
none.)
- Avoid strong mints, perfumes, or aftershaves.
- No visible tattoos (cover) or body piercings (remove
pins).
What
to Wear for this fair
For these kinds of interactions, you always want to dress
professionally—no ripped jeans, flip-flops, or T-shirts with obscenities on
them. Consider the items below
when you’re picking out what to wear . . .
- Khakis
- Sweater
- Dress pants
- Dress shoes
- Loafers
- Button-down shirt
And remember, when in doubt, check with an insider (your
employer contact or Career Advisor, for example) about what the
appropriate dress in a particular situation might be!
What you will need
for the Fair:
Introduction speech summarizing about yourself: (30-40
seconds)
Who am
I?
What
can I offer the company/organization? (skills)
Why you
are a good candidate for the position? (tailor to position desired)
Padfolio - to help
carry your resume and any additional paperwork
Resume (optional)
Business card (if you have it, for future contact)
Additional Information about Appearance and Attire can be
found at:
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Career Fair Preparation
How to Start your
Internship Search:
(Tips from Kristi Coleman –
Associate director for professional engagement at MSU’s Career Services &
Network)
Identify career interests and skills
Target employers of interest
Review calendar and budget
Visit MySpartanCareer.com
Attend an upcoming fair
Meet with your academic advisor
What you will need
for the Fair:
Elevator speech (Introduction speech about yourself)
Resume (optional)
Business card (if you have it)
How to Dress:
Business Casual – NO holey Jeans!!
Dress shirts, slacks,
Ties and business suit is not necessary
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