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.

Fair Appearance and Attire

This information was retrieved from MSU Career Services Network Website 2/10/14

http://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs-internships/appearance-and-attire/dress-essentials.html

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:

http://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs-internships/appearance-and-attire/index.html

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

Semester's Activities

Make sure that you get involve and participate in as many activities as possible. Good Luck!!

New Beginnings

New Beginnings...

As I sang the Auld Lang Syne and welcomed a new year, I was saddened and happy.  For many 2013 had its highs and lows, the laughter and the tears, the unforgettable moments, the challenges but also some successes.  All are in the past, gone, never to be experienced in the same way again. 

I look forward to another year: 2014, where I get to do it all over again.  Consider it a new beginning.  A chance to try something new and different, create new friendships, start an adventure, etc...  Remember every day is different, therefore try something different.  Start fresh (at the beginning), welcome this brand new day and year, in a very short while - 365 days later, you will have to start all over again.  On your mark, get set, go....

Survival skills to help you survive and thrive

The Holiday season is already upon us.  The semester is about to end and a new year will soon begin.  For many of us this time of year brings laughter, joy, trepidation and also stress.

While in school and also dealing with life’s stressors: work, anxiety, depression, abuse, addiction, financial problems, family discord, etc…  The list can be long for some, but it all equates to how do you function and maintain balance and sanity. 

How do you deal with life's stressors while trying to maintain a good academic record?  Some are able to deal with just 4-5 hours of sleep, piles of homework, and also work a part-time job.  If you are not superman or wonder-woman, (which most of us fall short of) then you may struggle with this load.  Consider the following:

1.      Seek professional help.  It is okay to do so.  Many in our society consider this type of help unnecessary.  However, they are not in your shoes and do not know your reality.  Our institution offers help for students and current employees, use it.  The MSU counseling center offers a range of services and referrals.  Also if you are covered through a guardian/parent health care (MSU HR), you may have access to mental health coverage.  Knowing when to seek help and support is important.

2.      Have an outlet where you can escape: physical exercise: yoga, running, boxing, go to a movie, knit, etc...

3.      Have a support/network system that can stand by you when needed.  It may be a religious experience, retreat, or organization. 

Whatever it may be for you, it is something that you should establish before the struggle begins.  It is a "human" process and, what really matters, is the ability to cope and come out on top.

Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!!!

Midterms are Here!!

It has been so busy, that time seems to have flown by.  The middle of the semester is upon us and we are barreling headlong for the holiday season.  I hate to put the breaks on, but some of us may need more time and are not quite ready for a thanksgiving feast or the holiday shopping frenzy.  Reality is here, right in front of us, staring right back at us: midterms!

This term evokes a variety of different emotions.  According to the dictionary, it has several meanings: a) the middle or halfway point in a school or office term. b) an examination or series of examinations at the middle of a term.

If we are talking about Capitol Hill - Ugh!, Then we think of gridlock, furlough, nastiness, un-compromising, and just plain stuck!!  It is a good thing college midterms do not conjure the same emotions. (If they do, the Counseling Center is a good place to visit. No Kidding, Seriously!!)

With school midterms, come the pressure of wanting to do well and establishing yourself for the semester. Some steps to help you along the way are: study time & study skills.
Study Time:
Make every effort to spend quality time in your studies.  Not just 1 hour, but 3-4 hours of in-depth review and  close examination of the subject matter.  It does pay off.  If you are a full time student with a minimum of 12 credits per semester, you should spend approximately 24 hours per week of study outside of the classroom.  Honestly, not too many students devote this generous amount to their studies.
Study Skills:
Another problem that may arise is difficulty in time management, or how to best study (approach the materials) for the Intro to chemistry, Intro to writing, etc...  Most of these courses would suggest and recommend different approaches to learn this information. Our institution has several resources that can help you before the exams.  Take the time to visit and utilize them: The learning resource center, The math help room, The writing center, and also let's not forget professor's office hours (check course syllabus for time and location).  Be well prepared, and give it your best.

If you don't do as well as you hoped, analyze what may have gone wrong.  You can change the outcome for the future: get additional help from your classmates and professors, contact the learning resource center specialists, and start studying and planning earlier. The responsibility is on you.  Good luck, hang in there!