SACSCOC Fifth Year Interim Report
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Assessment : 2012 - 2013 : Educational Programs :
Sociology MA
Sociology MA
1 Goal 3 Objectives 2 Indicators 2 Criteria 2 Findings 3 Actions
| GOAL: Sociological Competency |
| Objective |
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| The level of sociological competency in the areas of sociological theory, research methods, and statistics will be assessed for all students upon admission to the Graduate Program. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action |
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| Students with deficiencies in one or more areas (i.e., scores less than 3.5) will be encouraged to enroll in undergraduate level classes to bolster their familiarity of the particular subject of the deficiency (theory, methods, or statistics). |
| GOAL: Sociological Competency |
| Objective |
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Graduate students in Sociology will be able to use a sociological perspective, demonstrate knowledge of sociological theory, research methods, and statistics, and apply appropriate sociological concepts to the topic of study. |
| Indicator |
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A sample of written material produced by MA students in one or more the Applied Core classes will be selected for in-depth analysis by the Graduate Committee. The papers are evaluated by the Graduate Committee made up of the Director of Graduate Studies and other committee members appointed by the Chair. The papers are evaluated on a 5-point scale on the use of a sociological perspective, demonstration of knowledge of sociological theory, and the application of appropriate sociological methods to the topic of study. This assessment was developed by the Graduate Committee and approved by the entire faculty. |
| Criterion |
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| At least 80% of randomly selected papers from the core classes will be rated 3.5 or higher on the 5-point scale. |
| Finding |
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83% of students (10 of 12) performed satisfactorily. Overall, students scored higher on the "use of a sociological perspective" and "application of appropriate sociological methods" indicators. They scored lower on the "demonstration of knowledge of sociological theory" indicator. |
Actions for Objective:
| Action |
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| The data indicate that the desired result was exceeded. Those who did not perform satisfactorily did not meet the minimum evaluative criteria regarding application of core sociological areas and concepts. The department will make improvements in curricula and teaching to reduce the percentage of students who do not meet the minimum criteria and work for stronger outcomes in the area of knowledge of sociological theory. |
| GOAL: Sociological Competency |
| Objective |
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| Students who complete the MA program in Sociology will be able to apply and communicate the core concepts of the discipline as demonstrated in a professional research paper. |
| Indicator |
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All MA sociology students are required to write a professional paper. The professional paper is a culminating experience for graduate students. As a capstone to the academic program, this scholarly paper demonstrates the student’s ability to evaluate, collect, organize, and communicate data consistent with criteria posed for scholarly presentations and publications. The requirement for a professional paper provides:
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| Criterion |
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At least 90% of randomly selected Professional Papers will be rated 3.5 or higher on the 5-point scale after feedback is given to the student. |
| Finding |
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| During AY2013, thirteen students graduated with a MA in Sociology. Sixteen students submitted professional papers for final consideration. Ten papers demonstrated adequate sociological competency; six were returned for additional revisions. Of the six returned, three (50%) successfully revised their paper to demonstrate adequate sociological competency. Overall, 13 of 16 papers (81.3%) adequately demonstrated sociological competency (scoring a 3.5 or higher on the 5-point scale). |
Actions for Objective:
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| In 2013-2014, students will be required to submit a proposal outlining the content of their professional paper. The proposal must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies before students can enroll in SOCI 6098 Professional Paper Practicum. |
| Previous Cycle's "Plan for Continuous Improvement" |
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During AY2012, the admission criteria for the online MA in Sociology were modified. We continue to see steadily improvements in the quality of applicants. The level of competency in theory, methods, and statistics for all students admitted to the program will be assessed upon admission to the program. Students with deficiencies in one or more areas will be encouraged to enroll in undergraduate classes. We will monitor the outcome of this process in AY2013. The Department will make improvements in curricula and teaching to reduce the percentage of students who do not meet expectations with respect to the application of core sociological areas and concepts in a written sociological paper. Due to the newness of the online MA program, we did not have any students complete their professional paper this past year. However, several students will begin writing their professional papers early in AY2013. The Director of Graduate Studies will closely monitor this process. The Director of Graduate Studies will ensure that expectations are met.
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| Update on Previous Cycle's "Plan for Continuous Improvement" |
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In AY2013, the quality of applicants to the graduate program continued to increase. The department offered SOCI 6098 Professional Paper Practicum for the first time. An evaluation rubric for the professional paper was developed and implemented. The Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Program Committee closely monitored the developments. |
| Plan for Continuous Improvement |
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Based upon what we learned in AY2013, the department will finalize the evaluation rubric for SOCI 6098 Professional Paper Practicum. In addition, the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Program Issues committee will revamp the assessment tool for incoming graduate students.
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