Earning a Master’s in Educational Assessment Online
Should I Pursue a Master's in Educational Assessment Online?
An online master's in education measurement and assessment prepares students for careers as school administrators, teacher leaders, curriculum designers, and academic consultants. With professional training and certification or licensure, graduates can qualify for roles as dedicated researchers for government agencies and private firms. Graduate programs typically require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in education, and most master's students in the field have experience as classroom teachers and administrative assistants.
In addition to affordable tuition rates, distance learners benefit from asynchronous classes and flexible program structures. Online students often work full time while earning their degree, and those who occupy teaching jobs can immediately apply skills they learn during their master's studies. Furthermore, departments often allow students to complete practicum experiences with their current employer.
Educators need an ethical approach to teaching that supports learners of different backgrounds, including underserved students and individuals with developmental and learning disabilities. This guide provides information on degree options, job opportunities, and professional development resources.
Employment Outlook for Master's in Educational Assessment Graduates
Master's in Educational Assessment Salary
The tables below detail pay ranges for instructional coordinators according to industry and experience level. Note that these numbers do not consider the impact of each individual's employer and location on salary potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% increase in instructional coordinator positions through 2026. According to BLS, the majority of instructional coordinators work in metropolitan areas, with Ithaca, New York, having the highest concentration of professionals in this field.
Experience level directly influences earning potential, with average salaries increasing from $42,000-$66,000 for entry-level to late-career professionals. The highest-paid instructional coordinators work for government agencies as educational researchers and auditors. Additionally, the decentralized and diverse nature of U.S. education results in high demand for instructional coordinators in elementary and secondary schools.
Salary for Instructional Coordinators by Industry
| Industry | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Government | $76,060 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools; State, Local, and Private | $69,540 |
| Educational Support Services; State, Local, and Private | $61,330 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools; State, Local, and Private | $56,630 |
Master's in Educational Assessment Careers
The educational assessment field includes diverse job opportunities for detail-oriented, technically skilled, and empathetic individuals. Earning a master's in educational assessment online prepares students for careers as educational leaders. Graduates often work as instructional coordinators, who develop curriculum and train teachers. They can also become principals, who manage the entire scope of school operations, including recruitment and budget. Graduates who want to work outside school settings can pursue careers as psychometricians and educational consultants.
Instructional Coordinator
Annual Median Salary: $63,750
These school leaders develop learning materials and oversee curricula. They train teachers and work with administrators and principals to assess classroom effectiveness. Instructional coordinators aggregate and analyze student data to ensure a school's testing performance satisfies state and federal requirements. They also apply research findings to create and improve differentiated teaching techniques that help students reach their academic potential.
K-12 Principal
Annual Median Salary: $94,390
These professionals manage the daily functions of elementary and secondary schools. They oversee curricula and set standards based on organizational goals and government regulations. Principals recruit, train, and evaluate teachers, and they often work with consultants to provide professional development opportunities. As management professionals, K-12 principals also secure funding, maintain budgets, and direct facility upkeep.
Postsecondary Education Administrator
Annual Median Salary: $92,360
Academic administrators occupy diverse roles within colleges and universities. They can work as admissions counselors, who coordinate campus events and travel to designated regions to recruit students. Postsecondary education administrators may also occupy roles in student affairs, where they advise students, create support programs, and liaise between the school and parents. Administrative jobs also exist in the registrar's and dean's offices.
Psychometrician
Annual Median Salary: $82,190
These professionals develop, administer, and evaluate tests and surveys that measure psychological traits. Psychometricians in education help students choose majors and careers that fit their interests and aptitudes. These professionals collaborate with instructional coordinators to update curricula and teaching methods to align with student needs. Psychometricians can also work in mental health facilities, private companies, and government agencies.
Educational Consultant
Annual Median Salary: $61,731
With similar duties as instructional coordinators, educational consultants often occupy freelance positions. In addition to planning curricula and conducting instructional assessments, these professionals often directly support individual students and their families. Consultants help learners apply to colleges and secure grants and scholarships. They also conduct research on academic trends and challenges.
Source: PayScale
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Educational Assessment Program?
Online master's in education measurement and assessment programs generally require at least 30 credits of core classes, electives, and practicum experiences. Students may also complete concentration courses. Learners end their graduate training with thesis research and a presentation or a capstone project. Program content and structure vary by school, so prospective students should confirm details with the admissions department before enrolling. Below are five common courses in educational assessment programs.
Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Educational Assessment
Theories of Human Development
In this course, students examine how humans grow from infancy to adulthood. Topics delve into major psychological theories concerning emotional, cognitive, moral, and personality development. Learners evaluate and apply these theories to examine contemporary educational concepts and teaching methods. The class emphasizes how social context affects an individual's ability to receive and retain information.
Educational Research
This foundational course provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative research in educational settings. Students participate in classroom discussions and conduct guided practice trials. They learn to select participants, implement interview techniques, conduct observations, and create detailed field notes. Students also explore data analysis and presentation and create publishable reports.
Applied Assessment Techniques
Students learn to design and implement assessments and evaluations for simple and complex educational settings. They gain conceptual and planning skills needed to assess different types of programs, learning styles, and developmental outcomes. The course also covers instructional materials, including the design, layout, and pedagogical guidelines for print-based documents.
Understanding Students with Disabilities
Students in this advanced class learn to identify and develop instructional techniques and cultivate classroom environments that support students with disabilities. Coursework explores low-incidence disabilities, such as visual and hearing impairments, and high-incidence disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders. The course also covers language diversity and intervention models.
Learning and Interaction
This specialized course examines the social construction of knowledge through authentic interactions inside and outside the classroom. Students examine theories related to situated cognition, social formation of mind, and constructivism. They learn about differentiated teaching methods based on cooperative learning and assessment. The class also focuses on the application of motivation models to strengthen instructional delivery.
Certifications and Licenses a Master's in Educational Assessment Prepares For
- Certified Specialist in Psychometry:
The Board of Certified Psychometrists offers this certification. The exam comprises 130-140 multiple-choice questions in four content areas: pre-test issues; test administration; post test; and ethical, professional, and legal issues. To sit for the examination, candidates need a bachelor's degree and at least 3,000 hours of work experience supervised by a licensed psychologist.
- Certified Higher Education Professional Programs:
CHEP delivers certification programs in teaching, online teaching, admissions, career services, leadership, and campus operations. Unlike other certification bodies, CHEP does not require candidates to pass standardized tests. Instead, professionals earn their credentials by completing 48 hours of approved and customizable training, with content that varies by program. For example, the campus operations certification highlights areas including student focus, communication skills, and team management.
Professional Organizations and Resources
Students who earn their master's in educational assessment online develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to enter the field and advance professionally. Students and graduates can improve their career opportunities by joining a professional organization in the field.
Membership often requires an annual fee, but members receive benefits such as access to academic scholarships and research grants. Many organizations connect members through online forums, cooperative research groups, and national conferences. Members may also benefit from continuing education programs, such as the American Evaluation Association's summer institute and eStudies initiatives.
American Evaluation Association: AEA comprises more than 7,300 members in 70 countries. The association offers a comprehensive career center through which professionals can post resumes and apply to job listings. In addition to training programs, AEA offers fellowships, a digital library, and diversity internships.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development: Founded in 1943, ASCD supports more than 113,000 educators through its main body and 71 affiliates. Member benefits include access to a job center, exclusive webinars, and discounts on travel and school supplies. The association operates online and in-person professional development programs.
Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education: Established in 2009, AALHE conducts research on the intersections of learning and assessment. Members collaborate through online discussion forums and national conferences. The association provides volunteer opportunities, career guidance, and a webinar library.
International Association for Educational Assessment: The IAEA advances assessment as a means of improving student learning and connecting educators around the world. The association offers job postings and evidence-based research papers on emerging trends and best practices. Full membership also includes voting rights at general assemblies and national conferences.
National Council on Measurement in Education: NCME supports professionals from all assessment-related fields, including teachers, school administrators, test developers, and federal testing directors. The council connects members through annual meetings and policy seminars. Additional resources include a career center, a software database, financial awards, and publications on testing standards.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education: AACTE is dedicated to the development of preK-12 educators and school leaders. Members receive access to a career center, volunteer opportunities, and online professional seminars. The association also offers networking opportunities through topical action groups, annual meetings, and a leadership academy.
American Educational Research Association: Founded in 1916, AERA advances educational knowledge through research and its application. The association facilitates professional development and training, and fosters global research connections. AERA offers an online job board, fellowship funding, and a virtual learning center.
Association for Career and Technical Education: ACTE supports educators and administrators through advocacy at the state and federal levels. The association engages career and technical education professionals in action-oriented policy initiatives and research plans. ACTE provides resources including scholarships and grants, fellowship programs, state leadership training, and a job bank.
Council of Administrators of Special Education: CASE advocates for policies and actions that improve educational quality for all students. Professionals can access career resources and award programs. The council also maintains an online resource library that includes crisis intervention best practices.
National Education Association: With more than three million members, NEA is the largest professional employee organization in the United States. The association offers comprehensive resources for teachers, including lesson plans, instructional strategies, and classroom management practices. NEA further supports educators through grants and professional development programs.
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