Institutional Research and Effectiveness

The purpose of the graduate Certificate in Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE) is to prepare professionals to use data for institutional decision-making, reporting, and accountability in higher education and K–12 contexts. This certificate amends and complements students’ competence in other areas (business affairs, information technology, student affairs, development, etc.) to prepare them with the skills and capabilities to use data for educational improvement, accountability, quality, and equity. Students learn about data collection, management, and analysis, as well as the reporting and dissemination of results for communicating with a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders. This training program draws upon the unique strengths of the College of Education, which possesses substantial expertise on methodology for educational research, evaluation, and assessment.

Students sitting around a table and discussing a passage in a book.

The Certificate in Institutional Research and Effectiveness is administered by the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies and is granted by the Graduate College.