Graduate Diploma in Community-Engaged Research and Evaluation

The Graduate Diploma in Community-Engaged Research and Evaluation aims to foster critical and ethical practice in community-engaged research and evaluation. Students who complete the program will understand the historical, theoretical and ethical bases of community-based research (CBR) and be able to apply and communicate CBR principles; understand and be able to apply critical conceptual frameworks to evaluation practices in social services and communities, and identify justice-oriented alternatives or improvements; demonstrate a capacity to undertake a community-engaged research or evaluation project that reflects concepts and ethical frameworks highlighted in the program.

Candidates are enrolled on a part-time basis, and will normally complete the online program in sixteen months of study, beginning in January.

Admission

To be eligible for admission to the Community-Engaged Research and Evaluation diploma program, applicants must have:
• A completed B.S.W. or B.A. degree with a B+ average on senior level courses;
• Experience working in social services or communities / community services.

Applications should be made to the School of Social Work prior to November 30th for admission the following January.

Curriculum

Students complete the diploma online on a part-time basis. There is no requirement for students to be available on the McMaster campus. Students must have suitable access to internet and computing, and may be required to participate during business hours on Eastern Standard Time. To be awarded the diploma, students are required to complete the following online courses with minimum B- standing (70%).

Two half courses:

One full course (over two terms):

SOC WORK 744 / Research Experience and Seminar (online)
Program duration is normally 16 months. Except by permission of the Social Work Graduate Chair, students may take no more than one course concurrently and must complete the courses in the order listed above. Each course is offered once per calendar year.

Additional Information

Students entering the Community-Engaged Research and Evaluation diploma program who have already successfully completed SOC WORK 743 or SOCSCI 708 may receive one of these courses as advanced credit if approved by the School of Social Work’s Graduate Chair.