So you’re looking to get a credential evaluation for a master’s program?
First, congratulations!
This is the start of an exciting new chapter, and our team at Educational Credential Evaluators has been proud to spend over 40 years helping students like you continue their education.
That’s why we’re answering some of the most common questions students face when looking into credential evaluations for a master’s program.
Why you need a credential evaluation for a master’s program.
Different countries have different standards for educational credits and documentation. That can make it difficult for admissions departments to know where an applicant stands in their academic progress and achievement.
Credential evaluation reports eliminate that uncertainty by taking the credits earned from an applicant’s original country of study and determining their equivalent worth in another country’s education system.
This allows admissions departments to:
- Establish document authenticity, to ensure the applicant’s academic record is legitimate.
- Evaluate the applicant’s qualifications, to determine whether they meet the standards for admissions.
By selecting a trusted credential evaluator, you know that your educational accomplishments will be properly recognized and rewarded. At ECE our combination of expert research and over 500 years of combined experience provide the most accurate reports.
How does the master’s degree credential evaluation process work?
The first step is to determine what type of report you need.
- Each type of evaluation report comes with different levels of detail for the applicant’s educational history.
- ECE’s General report, for example, includes the U.S. or Canadian equivalence for each educational credential. Our Course by Course report, meanwhile, includes that information plus credit and grade equivalents, grade averages, and more.
- Review the documentation requirements. Depending on your original country of study, different documents may be required. Find a list of required documents by visiting our Credential Evaluation page here.
Unsure of the report you need? We recommend contacting the school directly.
When you’re ready to order your report, the process is simple:
- Create an account (here’s how).
- Complete your application and submit your payment.
- Once you’ve completed your order, submit your required documents via traditional mail or according to your documentation requirements.
Once the evaluator receives all the required information, they begin the process of evaluating your documents.
- The time to turn reports around can vary by evaluation provider, so don’t wait until the last minute to share your documents.
- At ECE orders are processed in an average of five business days from the date we receive all necessary documentation.
When your evaluation report is complete, we share your report in two forms:
- An electronic version available on your Account Dashboard.
- A mailed copy sent directly to you.
Copies of your report are available for up to five years. Or, if you need an update, you might be eligible to update your report at a reduced rate (some terms apply).
How much does it cost to get a credential evaluation for an MA program?
The cost of a credential evaluation for a master’s program depends on how thorough of a report you need. At ECE, our General reports are $100, and a Course by Course is $195.
ECE’s average turnaround time is five business days, but if you have a deadline and need a guarantee, we offer a guaranteed 5-Business Day Rush Service* for an additional $80.
If you need additional copies, we’ve got you covered for just $30 each.
*Rush Service begins upon receipt, review, and approval of all required documentation, information, and payment. Mailing time is not included in Rush Service. Please see Delivery Options for expedited mailing options.
Where to get a credential evaluation for a master’s degree.
Besides cost, an equally important factor to consider is the value of your credential report. Here’s how to find the right evaluator for you:
- Ask for recommendations. Check with your institution for recommendations on evaluators they’ve trusted in the past.
- Read the reviews. You should also consider reading up on firsthand experiences from other applicants. Sites like the Better Business Bureau and Google review pages can be great places to start.
- Reach out. Don’t hesitate to contact your evaluation service with any questions—even before you submit your report.
ECE has over 40 years of experience in credential evaluation, specializing in evaluations for international students looking to further their education in the U.S. and Canada.
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- Recipients of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
- Charter member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), a coalition of independent evaluators who emphasize high ethical and professional conduct, alongside rigorous quality standards.
If you’d like to learn more about how ECE can provide a fast, accurate credential evaluation for your master’s program application, learn more here or feel free to get in touch.