The award-winning MEd in MESA online program provides rigorous training in quantitative methodologies, and addresses the current industry-wide shortage of individuals capable of functioning effectively in educational research and other social science research settings.
For more MESA options, check out our traditional MEd MESA program and our MESA online certificate.
For more information, sign up for our email list, submit a question to a program advisor at onlineinfo@uic.edu, view the UIC Extended Campus online MESA site or contact the MESA Online Admissions Team at 866-772-2268, Option 1.
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What are the areas of MESA?
Measurement involves the assignment of numbers to objects such that the numbers represent degrees or quantities of unobservable constructs such as attitudes, achievement, self-efficacy, self-esteem, etc.
Evaluation involves the systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics and outcomes of programs to make judgments about program quality, improve program effectiveness and/or inform decisions about future program development.
Statistics aims at learning the process that generated the data, including learning how a given variable is affected by other variables, and learning about the true (population) distribution of the data.
Assessment involves the processes of collecting, synthesizing, analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information to aid in decision-making.
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What are the job prospects?
Surveys of degree programs and employment agencies conclude that there is high demand for quantitative and qualitative methodologists who can function effectively in research and applied settings.
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Who is the program designed for?
The MEd in MESA online program is designed for several student populations:
- Students who want to acquire the knowledge and technical skills needed for positions in academic institutions, state and federal agencies, school districts, and the testing and evaluation industry (e.g., licensure and certification boards, private and not-for-profit testing organizations).
- Students who eventually wish to pursue doctoral studies in a MESA area.
- PhD students in education and other fields who want to increase their research skills and enhance. their career opportunities by simultaneously enrolling in the MEd in MESA online program.
- Faculty and other professionals seeking to increase their research skills.
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How are the courses typically run?
Some common aspects among our online MESA courses include:
- Courses are run on a weekly basis
- Instructors use multimedia to facilitate student learning
- Students can interact with the weekly course materials at any time and at their own pace during each week
- Students have many opportunities to apply what they are learning and receive timely, constructive feedback
- Instructors can be reached readily by email, phone, and/or video conference
- Students’ questions are addressed in a timely manner
- Students have opportunities for asynchronous discussions with their fellow classmates
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How many credit hours are needed to meet the requirement of the program?
32 credit hours, equivalent to 8, 4-hour-credit courses.
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How long is the program?
Students starting the MEd in MESA online program in the Fall semester are recommended to take 2 courses per semester for 4 consecutive semesters. However, a plan of study can be created to take one course per semester for 8 consecutive semesters.
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Can I transfer other coursework I've completed elsewhere into this program?
Up to 8 hours of non-Graduate College program (UIC or non-UIC) with approval of your advisor.
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Can I still work and complete this program?
Yes, most students maintain part-time or even full-time employment while pursuing the program.
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Do I need a degree in education to be admitted into this program?
No, a bachelor’s degree from any field would be suitable.
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Are there scholarships available?
Yes, please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.
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Can applicants apply to any term?
Applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms each year.
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Can I defer enrollment?
Yes, with the program coordinator’s approval.
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What are the tuition and fees?
Please access the Office of Admissions website for information on tuition for online programs.
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What additional costs are there?
Students will be responsible for purchasing the books associated with each course. Students will also be required to purchase a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS Graduate Pack) and other software required by instructors. We will attempt to use software that have student/trial versions.
Please contact the Dr. Everett Smith, the program coordinator, at evsmith@uic.edu for more information.