Take a PEGC Course
Register now for Spring 2025 Courses
- Open to degree and non-degree students!
Evaluation Methods (EDUC 615M)
The Art and Science of Applied Research
Instructor: Rebecca Mazur
This course invites you to explore the powerful tools of inquiry that shape evidence-based insights and meaningful change. We’ll guide you through foundational techniques like surveys, interviews, and focus groups, while also exploring innovative methods such as social network analysis that practicing evaluators use to address critical evaluation questions in culturally responsive ways. By the end of this course, you’ll have greater command over a range of methods and new ways of thinking about data collection and analysis.
Data Visualization and Facilitating Use (EDUC 686V)
Beyond Word Clouds and Excel Tables
Instructor: Fred Zinn
Become skilled and confident in your ability to transform evaluation findings and types of data into accessible, informative visuals. Discover tools and techniques for numerical and qualitative data visualization that highlight compelling patterns and stories, communicate findings effectively, and that will meaningfully engage your stakeholders like never before. This course uses hands-on skill development with physical and digital tools that will expand your visualization toolkit beyond standard bar charts and word clouds.
For a full list of our courses, see our full Course of Study.
Aren't currently a UMass student, but want to take a course?
You can enroll yourself in our courses through SPIRE, the student information system for the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
1. Create a student account. Go to spire.umass.edu. On the right hand menu, under “Apply/References” click on “Non-Degree Enrollment Application” and fill out the form there. Please note that although there is a field for Social Security Number, you do NOT need a Social Security Number to apply – just leave that field blank.You will receive an email with your NetID and password (this may take up to 3 days.)
2. Get an enrollment appointment. Once you have received your NetID and password, activate your account and log in to SPIRE (spire.umass.edu) with your new NetID and password.
· Go to Main Menu > Enrollment > Summer/Wntr/Non-degr Enroll Appt and follow the instructions.
· (NOTE: It can take 1-2 days for SPIRE to recognize your NetID, so if you do not see these screens, try again the next day.)
3. Register for the class. The enrollment appointment should be available immediately.
· Go to Main Menu > Enrollment > Add Classes.
· Search for the class (ex, EDUC 690P). If you are a current student enrolled in a UMass Amherst degree program, select the University section. If you are a non-degree Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) student, select the CPE section.
· Add the class to your Shopping Cart, then select the class from the Cart to enroll.
View example step-by-step screenshots for Step 2: Get an enrollment appointment.
View example step-by-step screenshots for Step 3: Register for class.
If you are having trouble with registration, please contact the Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Registrar’s Office at regoff [at] oe [dot] umass [dot] edu or (413) 545-3653.