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Courses taught by Dr. Coryn in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation (IDPE) and Evaluation, Measurement, and Research (EMR) programs at Western Michigan University

The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation (IDPE) program requires 90 credit hours of coursework beyond the baccalaureate, including in-depth study in three areas: a substantive/cognate area (18-21 credit hours); research methods (12-18 credit hours); and evaluation (35-39 credit hours). IDPE students must also pass written and oral comprehensive examinations and complete a doctoral dissertation (12-15 credit hours). Based on this philosophy, IDPE students develop deep knowledge of evaluation theory, methodology, and practice as well as superior skills in critical thinking.

EVAL 6000: Foundations of Evaluation

In-depth study of evaluation, including basic concepts and definitions, history and standards, models and approaches, evaluation design, and metaevaluation. Syllabus

EVAL 6010: Interdisciplinary Seminar in Evaluation

Variable topics in evaluation including study of leading theorists, enduring and emerging issues, and cost analysis. Syllabus

EVAL 6970: Theory-Driven Evaluation

In-depth study of the principles and practice of theory-based/theory-driven evaluation. Syllabus

EVAL 6970: Advanced Topics in Evaluation

Variable topics in evaluation including theory-driven and utilization-focused evaluation, instrument design, and needs assessment. Syllabus

EMR 6430: Personnel Evaluation

Methods of personnel assessment for selection and performance appraisal using job analysis and the O*NET. Taught from the perspective of work/industrial and organizational psychology. Syllabus

EVAL 7100: Independent Research in Evaluation

Independent research to investigate aspects of evaluation theory, methodology, or practice.

EVAL 7110: Readings in Doctoral Specialization

Individualized, supervised readings in cognate area.

EVAL 7120: Professional Field Experience

Supervised "real world" field experience in evaluation.

EVAL 7300: Doctoral Dissertation

Conceptualizing, planning, writing, and completing doctoral dissertation.

OT 4710: Research Methods in Health and Human Services

Principles and procedures of research design, critique of research, research ethics, proposal development, and basic statistical analysis.


Resources for students

Tools for conceptualizing, planning, writing, and evaluating a doctoral dissertation, with an emphasis on research-based dissertations. More

The "ABD" question. More

Michael Scriven on "picking a dissertation topic and committee chair." More

Gary Henry and Mel Mark's "Toward an Agenda for Research on Evaluation." More

Information about the IDPE

Each semester, the IDPE produces a newsletter which highlights recent IDPE-related activities, including faculty and student accolades, project and student spotlights, and other news and information of interest to IDPE students and faculty.

Important forms for IDPE students

Students enrolled in the IDPE will need to complete the IDPE Competency Assessment and Program Plan of Study.

IDPE research tool requirements

Each IDPE student must fulfill two research tool requirements: a needs assessment and an evaluation of a program, policy, system, organization, intervention, or project. Examples of needs assessments and evaluations conducted by IDPE students are provided below.

IDPE examples of evaluation plans and proposals

Often, IDPE student must plan and design an evaluation, whether real or fictitious. Examples of evaluation plans and proposals prepared by IDPE students are provided below.

IDPE dissertations

Each IDPE student must complete a research-based dissertation. An IDPE dissertation should represent an original, significant contribution to evaluation theory, methodology, or practice. Examples of dissertations by IDPE students are provided below.

    Coryn, C. L. S. (2007). Evaluation of researchers and their research: Toward making the implicit explicit. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. PDF (2,570 KB)

    Persaud, N. (2007). Conceptual and practical analysis of costs and benefits: Developing a cost-analysis tool for practical program evaluation. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. PDF (12,160 KB)

    Chianca, T. K. (2007). International aid evaluation: An analysis and policy proposals. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. PDF (13,130 KB)

    Risley, J. S. (2007). Legislative program evaluation conducted by state legislatures in the United States. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. PDF (9,059 KB)

    Schröter, D. C. (2008). Sustainability evaluation: Development and validation of an evaluation checklist. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. PDF (2,274 KB)

    Martz, W. (2008). Evaluating organizational effectiveness. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. PDF (3,818 KB)

    Thomas, W. H. (2008). A metaevaluation of lessons learned repositories: Evaluative knowledge management practices in project management. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. PDF (1,754 KB)