Governments, non-profit organizations, and businesses invest significant time, money, and materials to implement policies and introduce programs that achieve their long-term strategic goals and address the needs of individuals.

For individuals interested in developing foundational research skills to address real-world questions across various applied settings, this program is suitable. In the MAPRE course and practicum-focused program, participants will have the opportunity to supplement their coursework with an extended practicum in a community setting.

A program accessible to all students

Students are not required to have an undergraduate degree in psychology. The MAPRE course and practicum-based program accommodates individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, equipping them with the skills necessary to conduct applied research in a variety of settings. In the program, recent university graduates and current professionals will collaborate and learn how to approach program evaluation and research through a team-based approach. Students can also select elective courses aligned with their personal interests and needs.

An emphasis on experiential learning

The program’s core focus is on experiential, hands-on learning. Throughout this one-year program, participants will have opportunities to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experiences. Additionally, they will learn how to design program evaluations and gain knowledge about statistics and psychological testing to support their evaluations.

In the fall, students will choose where to complete their summer practicum. In the winter, they will work with the program coordinator and their community partner to develop a program evaluation proposal. After completing their coursework, students will then have the opportunity to work at their partner organization to conduct their program evaluation.

Unique to the Maritimes

The MAPRE program is the first of its kind focused on evaluation in the Maritimes. No other universities in the region offer graduate degrees in program evaluation, meaning residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia often have to travel to other provinces for education in this field. The development of this program was driven by a clear regional need.

Community partners have reported to the MAPRE committee that they frequently send their employees out of province for evaluation training. This degree allows students to stay in the Maritimes while pursuing their graduate studies.