Evaluating Alternative Options to Realize Their Mission

The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation program (IDPE) at Western Michigan University is the only program of its type in the world. Its mission is to develop scholars and practitioners who have deep knowledge of evaluation theory, methodology, and practice as well as superior critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Due to its one-of-a-kind program, IDPE was not surprised when it started to receive requests from external professionals looking for refresher courses and/or basic courses in evaluation methods. These professionals did not need a Ph.D. or were unable to relocate to Kalamazoo for one to successfully perform their evaluation role, however, they were seeking professional development in evaluation topics focused on specific areas, such as sampling methods, measurements, reporting evaluations, and research.

Michael Harnar, Interim Director, IDPE program

"Our participants were looking for online, concentrated courses that easily fit into their work schedules, so the professional development route seemed like a worthwhile path to pursue," says Michael Harnar, Interim Director of Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation and Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation. The question was, how could IDPE develop and nurture these future evaluation leaders when they didn't have the ability to pursue the interdisciplinary Ph.D.?

Thankfully, IDPE was aware of the professional development programming offered by WMUx. "We knew that WMUx had experience in providing alternative revenue to departments through offering previously for-credit courses to working professionals as a professional development offering," Harnar says. As a result, the IDPE has partnered with WMUx to run 1-3 non-credit courses per semester for the past two years. IDPE manages the marketing and outreach for each semester's offering and WMUx manages the registration process, participant access to Elearning, and the transfer of revenue to designated IDPE funding centers.

The result of this collaboration has been steady course enrollments, with some students taking 1-2 courses/semester or consecutively returning for 2-3 semesters. The professional development option provided by WMUx has also provided an additional avenue for practitioners to develop their skills in designing, conducting, reporting, and critiquing evaluations. Participants have shared that they highly value having access to the teachings of IDPE professors without having to enroll in a Ph.D. program.

"The process of working with WMUx has been very smooth and productive. They have consistently supported our requests in a timely and professional fashion. Even when we decided at the last minute to add a course, they jumped in to get it up and running on time," states Harnar. Through the partnership of WMUx and IDPE, they created a customized experience for external professionals that benefits all parties and supports IDPE's mission to develop strong evaluation practitioners.

Do you see an opportunity for your department or program to develop professional development offerings for external learners? If so, reach out to WMUx Professional Development today!