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The Program Evaluation Certificate (PEC) is a series of classes over 6 months, hosted virtually on Wednesday nights from Feb. 10 – July 7, 2027.
This certificate provides an active learning experience designed for the working professional. Learn when to use different types of evaluation, about emerging issues on equity in evaluation and how to assess program outcomes while completing your own evaluation plan.
Top Features
- Depth and Specialization: Entirely focused on program evaluation, offering a more intensive and structured learning experience.
- One-on-One Mentorship Consultations: Personalized individual consultation with evaluation experts (a real person).
- Cohort Learning: Weekly sessions foster peer learning and continuity.
- Applied Project: Participants leave with a ready-to-implement evaluation plan.
- Social Justice Lens: Explicit integration of decolonial, anti-oppressive, and equity-focused evaluation practices.
Course Details
- Schedule: Wednesdays, from Feb. 10, 2027 to July 7, 2027
- Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Total Hours: 84.0
- Delivery: Remote
- Course Fee: $2,000.00 (non credit course)
- Early Bird Rate: $1,850.00 (150.00 discount); available till Dec. 13, 2026
"I found the Program Evaluation Certificate (PEC) course to be an incredibly valuable learning experience. The course content was comprehensive and well-structured, providing a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of program evaluation. Nick and the other instructors were knowledgeable and responsive, offering useful feedback and support throughout the course. The mentor's consultation was helpful, especially with the final assignment. This course has significantly enhanced my ability to design and conduct effective program evaluations, and I feel more equipped to make data-driven decisions in my work. I highly recommend the PEC course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of program evaluation or to advance their career in this field." ~ I.I.
Are you running a program or service and want to know whether it is effective, meeting the needs of people, or maximizing a limited budget? Program evaluation can help you find the evidence you need to strengthen your program or service!
The Program Evaluation Certificate will introduce you to different evaluation approaches, designs, methods, and the skills to apply this knowledge to your own work. Each week, you will be asked to apply your learnings to create an evaluation plan for a program within your organization or local community. In addition to coaching provided through group workshops, your one-on-one consulting session with an evaluation expert will give you detailed feedback on your plan and answer any questions you have. By the end of the program, you'll walk away with an evaluation plan that you can put into practice right away to conduct a successful program evaluation.
While there is a substantial body of knowledge on the practice and theory of program evaluation which this program will address, the program will also explore emerging issues and topics in evaluation that relate to its ability to decrease inequities in society and uphold ethical standards, social justice values, and decolonial and anti-oppressive practices. We welcome learners that can contribute their lived experiences and offer real-world challenges that can enhance the learning experience for everyone in the program.
Our certificate is designed for those who need to evaluate, analyze and improve upon programs and/or services within the workplace. The certificate program is offered in partnership with the Centre for Community Research, Learning and Action (CCRLA). CCRLA is a community-engaged research centre located within Laurier's Faculty of Science.
If you are a professional or recent graduate looking to expand your skills in the applied field of program evaluation, this certificate provides an active learning experience designed to help you work in a wide range of industries.
- Receive a graduate certificate from Laurier.
- Gain an in-demand skillset for a fast-growing applied field.
- Build your portfolio with a real-world project.
- Get the skills to immediately apply your knowledge within your organization.
- Connect with a community of peers.
All course work including the final project must be completed within the scheduled time to be considered complete towards the certificate. If an extension is required, you must communicate with the course instructor prior to the scheduled course end date, to discuss an extension. Extensions will not be given longer than three weeks after scheduled course end date.
Notice of withdrawal must be made via email to continuingeducation@wlu.ca. Refunds and withdrawals will be subject to fees based on the following schedule. The administrative fee covers registration, credit card and administration costs.
- Up to 10 days before the start of course: Full refund less 15% administrative fee.
- One to nine days before start of course: Full refund less 30% administrative fee.
- No refunds will be issued as of the first day of the course.
Note: No refund of any sort will be given if the university is closed for any reason during your course.
Laurier reserves the right to cancel a course in which there is insufficient enrolment. In the event of a cancellation, you will be informed and all fees will be refunded.
PEC is offered by the Centre for Community, Research, Learning, and Action (CCRLA) at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) in Waterloo, Ontario and is meant for researchers, non-profit leaders, consultants, graduate students, and other professionals interested in program evaluation.
If you have read all the above and require further assistance, contact Nick Petten, course manager, at npetten@wlu.ca.
Contact Us:
Ciann Wilson and Maritt Kirst, Research Centre Co-Directors
Elle Desmarchelier, Administration Coordinator (Thursdays)
E: ccrla@wlu.ca
Office Location:
232 King St. North, Waterloo