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