SACSCOC Fifth Year Interim Report
Spacer
Assessment : 2011 - 2012 : Educational Programs :
Criminal Justice MS
Criminal Justice MS
2 Goals 2 Objectives 2 Indicators 2 Criteria 2 Findings 2 Actions
| GOAL: Application Of Organizational Theory |
| Objective |
|
||||
|
Students completing the Master of Science will demonstrate the ability to integrate principles of organizational theory in addressing issues related to the area of public administration, specifically as it relates to criminal justice management. |
| Indicator |
|
|||
|
A consistent faculty-developed scoring methodology will be applied to research papers submitted for CJ 530 - Critical Analysis of Criminal Justice Administration. The research paper will demonstrate application of organizational theory principles taught in a number of courses. |
| Criterion |
|
|||
|
At least 75% of students will be assessed as "satisfactory" or better. We will be paying special attention to writing, analysis and research techniques sections, weaknesses that emerged during 2010-2011. |
| Finding |
|
|||
|
Students were assessed as satisfactory or better by scoring at least 75% in all areas of their research papers. Students' overall writing did improve; however, there is a tendency to rely on non-scholarly sources rather than scholarly ones giving both sets of material the same weight in their assessment of the literature. Students tend to focus their attention on one aspect of the system over others and do not openly embrace the parts of the class that do not fall within that aspect. For example, some students identify themselves as police officers and do a good job when we focus attention on that componenet of the system but when we move on to discuss the courts or post-adjudication related functions, they do not seem to appreciate the need to integrate the knowledge about those functions into their knowledge base. Students continue to fail when it comes to fully and appropriately using the APA citation style. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action |
|
|||
|
Faculty will utilize a consistent faculty-developed scoring methodology to be applied to research papers submitted for CJ 530. We will emphasize student skills regarding writing, analysis and research techniques sections as these are weaknesses that emerged in prior academic years among this population of students. Additionally, APA style will be stressed and students will be encourage to utilize the SAM Center to receive additional help with their papers. |
| GOAL: Integration Of Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities |
| Objective |
|
||||
| As students prepare to graduate with a Master of Science of criminal justice, they will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge, skills, and other abilities. |
| Indicator |
|
|||
| A research and publication portfolio developed in the program's capstone course, CJ 6388, Emergent Issues in Criminal Justice Leadership, is reviewed by a faculty committee using a predetermined set of criteria. |
| Criterion |
|
|||
|
At least 80% of the students enrolled in CJ 688 will complete a portfolio judged to be "acceptable" by the faculty committee. As stated last year, there are more sections and methods of delivery so that one focus will be internal consistency. |
| Finding |
|
|||
| Given the new delivery format of this degree, students have not yet reached the point of engaging in the capstone course. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action |
|
|||
| For the 2012-2013 Academic Year, a focus on educating students about the upcoming CJ 6388 capstone course will be completed. |
| Closing the Loop |
|
For the 2012-2013 Academic Year, this degree program will emphasize to students the importance of writing, analysis and research techniques. Through courses in this degree and through faculty mentoring, students will be encouraged to further develop these skills and abilities in future coursework and assignments. Information on an outline of a portfolio judged to be "acceptable" by the faculty committee will be discussed with students who are currently enrolled in the program. It is anticipated that the first portfolios will be finished during the 2013-2014 Academic Year.
|