Since there are many job possibilities across this interdisciplinary field in the public and private, profit and non-profit sectors, the descriptions, salaries, and duties vary considerably.  

There are also programs, on-campus, online, or blended with variations that tailor to specific outcomes.   As you look at the responsibilities, consider pay, and look to your financial future, you may also want to glance at our 10 Most Affordable Master's in Educational Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation.

The following is only a selection of some of the possibilities; the following descriptions are taken from Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

College and university professors

“An assistant professor's job description can be summarized into two categories: Teaching and Research/Contribution to the University.”  The education component involves teaching, mentoring, and helping students in classroom settings as well as individually.

Professors must prepare lectures and content material; this is the aspect where knowledge of data analysis comes in. Constant student assessment of learning must be conducted, and material and delivery are chosen based on results.

You will also be involved in committees and meetings that develop, evaluate, and modify curriculum. In addition to teaching, the professor engages in research in their particular field, attends conferences, and publishes scholarly articles.

This job is suited for those who enjoy working with young people and find satisfaction is the lively discussion of ideas in their particular field.  If attracted to this or any of these particular positions, consider the 20 Best Online Master's in Educational Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation or 20 Best Master's in Educational Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation.

Post-secondary Education Administrators

“Post-secondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the area of the college they manage, such as admissions, the office of the registrar, or student affairs.”

The duties day to day depends greatly on the area of administration from a registrar, to the provost, to admissions, though all utilize assessment, measurement, and evaluation. It is imperative that an administrator conducts research and data analysis of their institution and use that information to further the mission of the school.

In general, most schools don't have the budget to hire a permanent research analyst. Therefore, it falls upon the administrator to conduct the necessary research.

Research Analyst

“Research analysts must carefully examine data and produce meaningful information for their employer. This can involve not only drawing meaning from the data but also checking to make sure the information is correct and using it to validate ideas and theories.”

The day to day activities of research analysts involves collecting and analyzing quantitative data, presenting results in written and oral formats, interviewing clients or team members to identify information needs and deliverable, and working with other analysts in group settings.

Director of Assessment and Accreditation

“Directors of assessment and accreditation work primarily in colleges and universities to conduct research and gather data about students' learning and the effectiveness of the institution.

They also gather data to meet necessary accreditation standards and determine necessary criteria to meet certain accreditation guidelines.” Day to day activities includes leading assessment, monitoring compliance with government and legal standards, and coordinating others in a comprehensive assessment system.

Psychometricians

“Psychometricians are responsible for creating, administering, and reviewing tests that measure a person's psychological attributes. Psychometrics refers to a systematized process of measuring a person's intellectual capability and thought processes.”

Day to day, psychometricians work to develop, administer surveys and tests, collect and analyze the results, assist and recommend how to apply the results to improving school curriculum and conduct interviews for clinical studies.