Alumni Testimonials

"It’s been awesome to bring all that I learned about program evaluation, problem solving and analysis, research methodologies, surveying, focus group facilitation and data analysis to what I’m doing these days. I can’t say how much my experience in the MSAP program has led to my success in all of my roles. The foundations of the program really do apply in so many areas. I never thought I would be working in healthcare, business or operations, but have found an amazingly rewarding and challenging position using so many of the skills I learned in the program."

Emma Ericksen
UnitedHealthcare

"One of the most important and beneficial things I learned in the MSAP program was how to deal with situations where step-by-step instructions are not available. In most undergrad courses, professors "hold your hand" and take you through a series of steps which allow you to complete a project. The MSAP program provides a more realistic, or "job-like" approach to teaching; projects are assigned with less of an outline, and students must draw on their own inspiration and knowledge to complete assignments. Professors in the program are very knowledgeable and helpful. They act as great advisers, adjusting curriculum to the knowledge level and interests of the class."

Evan Buhr

"The MSAP program introduced me to the concept of providing accurate data driven decision-making to real world problems. More specifically, the Program Evaluation concentration greatly enhanced my critical thinking and problem solving abilities, as well as further developing my social science research and data analysis skills. Thanks to the skills I acquired in the MSAP program I was able to quickly find a career where I utilize my data research skills on a daily basis in the healthcare industry."

Allison L. Bol
Healthcare Analyst
Mayo Clinic Global Products and Services

"As organizations are utilizing data based decision making, the Master of Science in Applied Psychology program has provided me with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in the field. The applied background of the Master of Science in Applied Psychology program has given me 'real world' experience to be effective in career endeavors."

Dan Regnier

“The ability to analyze data has set me apart from others in my field. There is a great demand for analytics and a considerable skill gap for most other college graduates. In business work is team based, UW-Stout’s cohort model mimicked that reality and prepared me for a real business setting. Honestly, I use my education every day, because I was taught how to think, not what to think. “

Laura Madsen

"The project-based curriculum helped me understand the relationships between
research design, statistics, and program evaluation, and how they can be
used to improve both organizations and interventions."

John LaVelle  

"I have a great level of respect and appreciation for my experience in
the MSAP program. The courses, applied projects, and mentoring I
received along the way gave me the skills, knowledge and encouragement I
needed to launch my career and keep it going strong. The program teaches
you how to see the gaps, ask the right questions, and solve problems.
Fostering ingenuity in students and developing their abilities are the
key components of this program. It is a stellar educational opportunity
that prepares you for success in the workplace."

Alisha J. Cora
Director of Grants, Northwestern College

The Masters of Science in Applied Psychology program at UW-Stout provides a great opportunity for hands-on, applied experiences.  As a student, I had the opportunity to participate in many activities.  In particular, I had the opportunity to:

  • be a graduate assistant in an experimental psychology class,
  • participate in a program evaluation for STEPS, a summer program for middle-school girls,
  • assist a faculty member with research on fitness and feedback,
  • assist with data gathering and reporting for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award application, and
  • be a graduate assistant in the equal opportunity/affirmative action office, where I performed research and assisted with surveys and other projects.

These applied opportunities provided me with the opportunity to work with highly skilled faculty, and to meet and interact with the senior leadership at UW-Stout.  They provided me with skills that I needed to obtain a job immediately after graduation, and helped bring my classroom experiences to life in a real-world setting.

Meridith Wentz Drzakowski, 
Assistant Chancellor, UW-Stout Planning, Assessment, Research and Quality