Graduate Learning Outcomes

1.    Students will develop broad knowledge of the theory and methods of the discipline and in-depth knowledge of a specific area of concentration

2.    Students will develop advanced analytical, writing, and oral communication skills

3.    Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct original research in a substantive area of sociology

Assessment Procedures

Assessment includes includes both indirect and direct measures of the identified graduate learning outcomes.  Indirect measures are given below. 

Indirect Measures

1) The deparment chair will conduct exit interviews with graduating M.A. students to assess the degree to which they think their graduate experience enhanced their education on the three aforementioned learning outcomes.

2) The graduate committee will track subsequent careet accomplishments of M.A. graduates to determine the degree to which graduate learning outcomes translate into specific career tracks. 

Graduate student exit interview

1. On a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 representing no improvement, as a result of the MA program to what extent
    do you think that you improved your:

     a) understanding of theory?

     b) understanding of methods?

     c) understanding of statistics?

     d) analytical skills?

     e) writing skills?

     f) oral communication skills?

     g) ability to conduct original sociological research?

2. In regard to faculty-student relationships in the program, do you think that the faculty
    sufficiently mentored you?

3. To what extent do you think the relationships among graduate students have enhanced your
    graduate school experience?

4. What courses did you find to be the most interesting in the program?

5. What courses do you think will serve you best in the job market or in further studies?

6. Are there any courses that you regret were not offered while you were in the program?

7. (If a GA) Do you have any feedback on your experiences as a graduate assistant?

8. If you were in charge of the graduate program, what changes (if any) would you make to
    improve it?