Educational Assessment and Measurement: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Education assessment and measurement is a specialized field dedicated to the development and evaluation of tools and methods that accurately gauge learning outcomes, student growth, and the effectiveness of instructional practices. This discipline empowers educators and researchers with the analytical frameworks needed to make data-driven decisions that enhance teaching quality and student success.
- Psychometric Measurement: The science of measuring educational attributes such as knowledge, skills, and abilities using statistical models to ensure test reliability and validity.
- Instrument Design: The process of creating assessments—such as exams, surveys, and rubrics—aligned with learning objectives and tailored to diverse educational contexts.
- Test Implementation Techniques: Strategies for administering assessments fairly, efficiently, and ethically, including considerations for accessibility and cultural responsiveness.
- Research Evaluation: Methods for critically analyzing educational studies and interventions to determine their impact on learning and instructional effectiveness.
- Data Reporting Requirements: Standards and protocols for presenting assessment results in clear, accurate, and actionable formats for stakeholders including educators, policymakers, and parents.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Advanced techniques for processing quantitative and qualitative data to uncover patterns, assess performance, and inform educational improvement strategies.
Educational Assessment and Measurement Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Educational Assessment and Measurement Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Educational Assessment and Measurement degrees, including Statisticians, Management Analysts and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,019,760 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Management Analysts 13-1111 | $101,190 | $59,720 - $174,140 | 893,900 | $48.65 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
Educational Assessment and Measurement Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,520 in Mississippi to $115,150 in District of Columbia—a 66% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Delaware, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,019,760 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Educational Assessment and Measurement by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Educational Assessment and Measurement programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Educational Assessment and Measurement is found at Northwest Missouri State University (47 graduates), Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) (36 graduates), University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham (27 graduates), University of the Southwest (USW) (22 graduates), and Montclair State University (20 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 206 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Missouri State University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
47 | Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) |
Master's
|
36 | Weatherford, Oklahoma | Public | swosu.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Master's
|
27 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| University of the Southwest (USW) |
Master's
|
22 | Hobbs, New Mexico | Private | usw.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
20 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Post-Master's
|
13 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Master's
|
9 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Master's
|
5 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| Ursuline College |
Post-Master's
|
5 | Pepper Pike, Ohio | Private | ursuline.edu |
| Houston Christian University (HCU) |
Master's
|
3 | Houston, Texas | Private | hc.edu |
| Southern Arkansas University (SAU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Magnolia, Arkansas | Public | saumag.edu |
| Indiana State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Public | indstate.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| Kent State University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| James Madison University (JMU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Public | jmu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Educational Assessment and Measurement programs
How much can I earn with a Educational Assessment and Measurement degree?
Salaries for Educational Assessment and Measurement graduates vary by role and location. Statisticians earn a median of $103,300 annually, while Management Analysts earn around $101,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $115,150 compared to $69,520 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,019,760 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Educational Assessment and Measurement programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Educational Assessment and Measurement degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northwest Missouri State University (47 graduates), Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) (36 graduates), and University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham (27 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Educational Assessment and Measurement growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 144 in 2010 to 206 in 2023-24. This represents a 43% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Educational Assessment and Measurement degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Statisticians, Management Analysts, and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 1,019,760 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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