M.A. History Graduates will develop skills in research, critical analysis, writing, and oral communication, as well as command of the historiography of studied fields, essential for the practice of history, both as professional historians and knowledgeable citizens.
Objective
Research And Analysis
M. A. History students will demonstrate competence in applying research methodologies; qualitative and quantitative analysis; literature review; and use of traditional and digital resources. The History Department will prepare its graduates to publish in their respective fields.
Indicator
Degree Requirements
All M.A. History graduates shall successfully complete a Masters?????? Thesis or a major research paper for the required research seminar, and shall successfully pass written and oral exams in three field areas. This will be assessed by a survey of written examinations and oral examination reports.
Criterion
Research Project
All M.A. History students will achieve Good or Better ratings by a panel of history faculty on Master''''s Theses or research papers based upon primary historical sources.
Finding
Research Project
During 2007-08, 15 of 15 graduating MA students received good or better ratings on graduate level research papers drawn from primary sources.
Indicator
Student Presentations
Graduate students will present scholarly research in non-classroom professional venues.
Criterion
Student Presentations
In any two year period, at least 4 graduate students will present scholarly research in non-classroom professional venues.
Finding
Student Presentations
During 2007-08, at least 6 graduate papers were presented at scholarly venues outside of the classroom.
Action
Student Presentations
The department met its benchmark expectations on this objective. No changes in policy are needed at this time.
Action
Quality of Student Research
The department met its benchmark expectations on this objective. No changes in policy are needed at this time.
Goal
Employment And Advanced Degrees
M.A. History graduates will use the knowledge and skills obtained in their studies to enhance and improve their performance in their present employment, continue advanced studies toward other degrees, or move into other historical fields, such as teaching, public history, or writing.
Objective
Employment
M.A. History graduates will gain the knowledge and skills to advance in their present careers or to enter new fields of employment.
Indicator
Employment Survey
The History Department will communicate with former students via a questionnaire instrument that will assess the degree that the program contributed to the intellectual and career advancements of MA graduates.
Criterion
Career Development
At least 80% of history students five years after graduation will report on the survey instrument that the degree skills they acquired as a student has enabled them to meet their career goals.
Finding
Survey of Graduates
By July 10, 2008, one of the four History graduates from the Class of 2003 had returned the survey instrument asking the graduates to assess the degree that their training at SHSU (a) prepared them for their post-graduate careers, (b) aided them in their intellectual growth, and (c) helped them in the development of their oral and written communication skills. This graduate gave high ratings in each of the three categories included in the survey instrument.
Action
Former Student Survey
The department concluded that the pilot program in surveying former BA and MA students is worthy of continuation. During 2008-09, the department will widen the sample size by sending questionnaires to all history majors who graduated between the years 2004 and 2008.
Objective
Advanced Degree Programs
M.A. History graduates will have the commensurate academic achievement to pursue other degrees, such as the Ph.D. and the M.L.S.
Indicator
Advanced Degrees
A number of M.A. History Students with the aptitude, achievement, and motivation shall pursue advanced or specialized degrees at other Universities.
Criterion
Advanced Degrees
At least one history M.A. History graduate will be admitted into a Ph.D. or other advanced degree program each year.
Finding
Advanced Degrees
During 2007-08, at least 6 former MA students were accepted into PhD programs.
Action
Advanced Degrees
The department met its benchmark expectations on this objective. No changes in policy are needed at this time.