ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Instructional Degree Program
Fall 2003
Assessment Period Covered
June 21, 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 an 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:
To increase “(1) students’ ability to communicate through the use
of the written and spoken word; (2) their knowledge and appreciation
of culture, fine arts, social integration; and (3) self realization.
The College [COAS] also prepares students for a variety of professions
and roles by providing a broad-based liberal arts education.”
Intended Educational (Student) Outcomes:
1. Students completing the program will demonstrate their
advanced knowledge of the core ideas of the field sociology.
2. Students completing the program will be able to secure employment.
3. Students will be satisfied with the curriculum and instruction
of the sociology program.
ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Instructional Degree Program
Fall 2003
Assessment Period Covered
June 21, 2004
Date Submitted
Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
Students completing the program will demonstratetheir advanced knowledge
of the core ideas of the field sociology.
First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
____1. a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Students will take an formal comprehensive essay exam to document
knowledge of key concepts of the core of ideas in the field of sociology.
Exam questions (2 in major and one in minor) are solicited from faculty
who have provided coursework for the student. We expect all students
to pass. The sociology portion of the exam will be graded by all faculty
members, using the rubric of competency developed by the faculty, adapted
from Cappell & Kamens (2002, Teaching Sociology (30), pp.
467-494). The rubric addresses the following areas: usage of sociological
concepts and theories; accuracy of specific knowledge of social conditions;
sociologically based reasoning skills; application of sociological knowledge
to the evaluation of social policies or practical social service situations;
ability to express ideas clearly in written English. The rubric is
scored, rating application of a sociological framework and knowledge,
quality of critical thought, and writing skills. Scores range from 1
to 5, with 1 being weak quality, 2 of marginal quality, 3 of adequate,
4 of mastery, and 5 of excellent quality. The performance on the exam
is considered either, “pass” or “fail”; students receiving an overall
score of 3 (adequate) will be considered passing the exam.
____a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
One student took her comprehensive exam. She passed by her chair
on the sociology portion of the exam, but failed the minor area of psychology.
____a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
At present, faculty members are consulting with three students who
are scheduled to take their exams Spring 2004.
ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Instructional Degree Program
Fall 2003
Assessment Period Covered
June 21, 2004
Date Submitted
Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
Students completing the program will be able to secure employment.
First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
____2. a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Every Fall semester students will be contacted (for three years after
graduation) to determine if they have secured employment. A survey/structured
interview is used to document employment. We expect students to have
employment that utilizes their skills learned from the program.
____2. a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
Through an administrative error, the department did not collect
data as we had in Spring 2003; program faculty have determined the next
data collection period will be Fall 2004.
____2.a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Instructional Degree Program
Fall 2003
Assessment Period Covered
June 21, 2004
Date Submitted
Intended Educational (Student) Outcome:
Students will be satisfied with the curriculum and instruction of the
sociology program.
First Means of Assessment for Outcome Identified Above:
____3. a. Means of Program Assessment & Criteria for Success:
Students will complete a 4 page survey assessing: (I) Their background;
(II) Post-graduate Work and expectations; (III) Intellectual Development
(41 questions); (IV) Overall satisfaction with the curriculum.
____3. a. Summary of Assessment Data Collected:
We did not have a graduate to take the assessment indicated.
____3. a. Use of Results to Improve Instructional Program:
Because there were no graduates during this semester, the program
faculty could make no recommendations about altering the program or
this means of assessment.
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
SOURCE |
LOCATION/Special Instructions |
Exam for Graduate Student |
|
MA Exit/Perceptual Survey |
|
MA/Employment Survey |
|
Rubric for Grading Essays/Comps |
|