This course provides an introduction to the basic tools of program evaluation thereby allowing students to assess and build higher quality programs and policies. An overview of the theoretical foundations and techniques of program evaluation including need assessments, outcome evaluations, surveys, program outcomes and impact evaluations. Topics covered include reasons for and uses of evaluations, evaluation design, comparisons of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches, practical challenges in data collection and analysis, estimation of program impacts, dissemination of findings, and integration of findings into policy and organizational strategy as well as cost estimations for quality evaluations. Students will analyze the evaluations of a variety of programs and policy instruments through exercises and case studies.

Grade Basis: AL
Credit hours: 3.0
Lecture hours: 3.0