ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

 

Master of Arts in Political Science (MA) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Instructional Degree Program

Fall 2003
Assessment Period Covered

February 13, 2004
Date Submitted

Expanded Statement of Institutional Purpose Linkage:
Institutional Mission Reference:
Texas A&M International University, a Member of The Texas A&M University System, is committed to the preparation of students for leadership roles in their chosen profession and in increasingly complex, culturally diverse state, national, and global society … Through instruction, faculty and student research, and public service, Texas A&M International University is a strategic point of delivery for well-defined programs and services that improve the quality of life for citizens of the border region, the State of Texas, and national and international communities.

College/University Goal(s) Supported:
Graduates of masters' level will have developed a depth and breadth of understanding in their chosen field commensurate with graduate level knowledge.

Intended Educational (Student) Outcomes:
1. Students completing the Political Science program will have an understanding of the theoretical and methodological aspects of Political Science so that they are able to analyze and critically evaluate political behavior, political institutions, public policies, and the role of government in society at a level commensurate with graduate knowledge.

2. Graduates of the Political Science program will be prepared for further graduate study.

 

 ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

 


Master of Arts in Political Science (MA) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)

Instructional Degree Program

Fall 2003___
Assessment Period Covered

February 13, 2004
Date Submitted

Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
NOTE: There should be one form for each intended outcome listed.  The intended outcome should be restated in the box immediately below and the intended outcome number entered in the blank spaces.

1. Students completing the Political Science program will have an understanding of the theoretical and methodological aspects of Political Science so that they are able to analyze and critically evaluate political behavior, political institutions, public policies, and the role of government in society at a level commensurate with graduate knowledge.

First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
1a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Graduating Political Science master’s candidates will take a locally-developed comprehensive examination that measures their ability to analyze and critically evaluate political behavior, political institutions, public policies, and the role of government in society. The examination will be team-graded by Political Science faculty using a rubric with the following evaluative categories:  1= Distinguished Pass; 2=Pass; 3=Conditional Pass; 4=Fail. The average score on the examination will not fall below 3.

1a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
One (1) student took the MA comprehensive examination and scored a 2 (Pass).

1a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
Because of the insufficient numbers of graduates taking the comprehensive examinations, faculty felt that no change was warranted.

Second Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
1b. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Students will be surveyed to gather supporting data regarding whether they believe the program provided them with the ability to analyze and critically evaluate political issues. The responses will be measured on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very well). The average of the responses will not fall below 4.

1b. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
Because of an administrative error, students were not sent the surveys. This has been corrected for Spring 2004.

1b. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
Faculty decided not change this means of assessment until it had more appropriate data.


ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

 


Master of Arts in Political Science (MA) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)

Instructional Degree Program

Fall 2003___
Assessment Period Covered

February 13, 2004
Date Submitted


Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
NOTE: There should be one form for each intended outcome listed.  Intended outcome should be restated in the box immediately below and the intended outcome number entered in the blank spaces.

2. Graduates of the Political Science program will be prepared for further graduate study.

First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
2a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Acceptance rates for Ph.D. and other programs will be gathered. At least 50% of students who have completed the Master of Political Science degree at TAMIU and who apply for such programs will be accepted.

2a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
There was an insufficient record of students applying to Ph.D. programs at this time.

2a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
Without sufficient data, the faculty felt that changes in the program were not warranted at this time.

Second Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
2b. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Students who have completed the TAMIU Master of Political Science degree and who enter other graduate programs will be surveyed one year into the program to gather supporting data concerning how well the master’s program prepared them for higher graduate study. The responses will be measured on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (very poorly) to 5 (very well). The average of responses will not fall below 3 on the scale.

2b. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
Faculty will collect these data in May 2004.

2b. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
Once data have been collected, faculty will assess and make recommendations for programmatic changes.