380.612.01
Applications in Program Monitoring and Evaluation

Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 3:30 - 5:20pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Allison West
Contact Name
Allison West
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

380.611 or equivalent; contact instructor for permission if concerned.

Description
Are you looking for an opportunity to strengthen and apply your program evaluation skills? Do you enjoy experiential learning? Are you interested in opportunities to engage with local community-based organizations in Baltimore? This course offers students a structured opportunity to learn and experience program evaluation in a real-world setting.
Builds on Course 380.611, Fundamentals of Program Evaluation, and includes a service learning component. The Fundamentals course prepared students to explain major concepts in program evaluation and write a basic evaluation plan. Applications introduces advanced evaluation methods using concrete illustrations and allows an opportunity to apply skills in real world evaluations of public health initiatives. Working in small groups, students design an evaluation plan for a specific community-based public health program in Baltimore. Emphasizes stakeholder engagement to address challenges and promote the usefulness of results. Class sessions integrate lectures with case studies, experiential learning activities, and reflection.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Explain strategic approaches, methods and principles in applied program evaluation
  2. Explain the aims and uses of evaluation from the perspective of a local community-based organization
  3. Demonstrate skill in critiquing evaluation designs and published studies
  4. Demonstrate skill in designing a rigorous and useful evaluation plan
  5. Demonstrate skill in communicating evaluation plans in writing and in oral presentation
  6. Select methods to evaluate public health programs
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 45% Final Paper
  • 30% Assignments
  • 20% Group Presentation
  • 5% Participation
Enrollment Restriction
Active Approval
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Includes a service learning component. Each student will be assigned to work in a small group to assist a local community based organization (CBO) with evaluation needs. Students will meet with program directors and staff at the CBO at least twice during the term. The final assignment includes a written report and group presentation to the CBO during the final week of class. The nature of the assignment will vary slightly depending on the needs of the community-based organization to which you are assigned. Students will have the opportunity to rank their preferences for CBO assignments; most students receive their first or second choice. This course partially fulfills the MPH practicum requirement (50 hours).

Attendance will be mandatory for select dates throughout the term. Failure to attend will result in a reduction in the final grade.