The Sociology MA Program provides students with the scientific tools to understand the core concepts of the discipline of Sociology and those of one or more specialty areas.
Objective
Methodology Component
Graduate Students who complete the Sociology MA Program will be competent sociologists and will be able to apply the core concepts of the discipline of Sociology.
Indicator
Evaluation Of Methodology
The evaluation of the Graduate Program mirrors that of the Undergraduate Program. However, it is qualitatively more rigorous. The first part of the Evaluation Program (EP) consists of the evaluation of one research paper written by each graduating student in his/her specialty area. The second part of the EP consists of a questionnaire that measures the students' perception of their acquired knowledge of Sociology. Because of the limited number of students this component of the EP has not been implemented yet. However, the Graduate Students who completed the program have all gone on to Doctoral Programs. These indicators are evaluated by a three member committee of the Graduate Faculty appointed by the chair. Employing their professional expertise, the committee evaluates students' papers assigning a maximum of two point for the use of sociological theory, a maximum of one point for the use of methodology and a maximum of two point for the articulation of the student's research. Samples are collected in the Fall and Spring and results evaluated at the end of each Spring semester.The selection of this indicator responds to disciplinary standards and conforms to contemporary techniques of evaluation research. It was developed in a meeting of the entire faculty in which various options were discussed and critically reviewed.
Criterion
Desired Results--Methodology
At least 80% of papers should be rated 3 or better on the 5 point-scale. Two points can be given for methodology.
Finding
Apply Core Concepts, Use Appropriate Methodology
100% of students were able to apply core concepts and use appropriate methodologies. It is believed that students could improve their understanding of methodology as it is used in current research
Action
Action For Apply Core Concepts, Use Appropriate Methodology
The assessment showed that the students could improve their understanding of methodology. In light of this positive result, the department will attempt to increase the quality of output by increasing the quality of interaction between faculty and graduate students and the quality of the methods readings assigned. This will provide more opportunities for students to see advanced methodology used in current research. Additionally, members of the faculty will provide personalized advisement directed at improving the student's performance in this area.
Goal
Understand Core Concepts
The Sociology MA Program provides students with the scientific tools to understand the core concepts of the discipline of Sociology and those of one or more specialty areas.
Objective
Theory Component
Graduate Students who complete the Sociology MA Program will be competent sociologists who will be able to use the disciplinary scientific tools (theories).
Indicator
Evaluation Of Theoretical Knowledge
The evaluation of the Graduate Program mirrors that of the Undergraduate Program. However, it is qualitatively more rigorous. The first part of the Evaluation Program (EP) consists of the evaluation of one research paper written by each graduating student in his/her specialty area. The second part of the EP consists of a questionnaire that measures the students' perception of their acquired knowledge of Sociology. Because of the limited number of students this component of the EP has not been implemented yet. However, the Graduate Students who completed the program have all gone on to Doctoral Programs. These indicators are evaluated by a three member committee of the Graduate Faculty appointed by the chair. Employing their professional expertise, the committee evaluates students' papers assigning a maximum of two point for the use of sociological theory, a maximum of one point for the use of methodology and a maximum of two point for the articulation of the student's research. Samples are collected in the Fall and Spring and results evaluated at the end of each Spring semester.The selection of this indicator responds to disciplinary standards and conforms to contemporary techniques of evaluation research. It was developed in a meeting of the entire faculty in which various options were discussed and critically reviewed.
Criterion
Desired Results-Theory
At least 80% of papers should be rated 3 or better in the 5 point scale. A paper can be given two points for Theory.
Finding
Finding Of Understanding Of Core Concepts
100% of students were able to use effectively scientific tools. Students did show an understanding of theory, but faculty believed that a more complex understanding of theoretical approaches would strengthen the student research.
Action
Action For Understanding Core Concepts
The department will increase the quality of the interaction between faculty and graduate students. It will also increase quality of the theory readings assigned. More original readings will be assigned and more discussions of texts will be introduced in class. These actions should improve the students' understanding of theory and help students see theory being used by faculty in research. Additionally, members of the Faculty will provide personalized advisement directed at improving the student's performance in this area. New mechanisms have been introduced.
Goal
Communicate Results
The Sociology MA Program provides students with the scientific tools to be able to communicate the results obtained through the application of the core concepts of the discipline of Sociology and those of one or more specialty areas.
Objective
Communicate Results
Graduate students who complete the Sociology MA Program will competent and able to communicate the scientific results obtained through the application of the core concepts of the discipline
Indicator
Evaluation Of Communication Skills
The evaluation of the Graduate Program mirrors that of the Undergraduate Program. However, it is qualitatively more rigorous. The first part of the Evaluation Program (EP) consists of the evaluation of one research paper written by each graduating student in his/her specialty area. The second part of the EP consists of a questionnaire that measures the students' perception of their acquired knowledge of Sociology. Because of the limited number of students this component of the EP has not been implemented yet. However, the Graduate Students who completed the program have all gone on to Doctoral Programs. These indicators are evaluated by a three member committee of the Graduate Faculty appointed by the chair. Employing their professional expertise, the committee evaluates students' papers assigning a maximum of two point for the use of sociological theory, a maximum of one point for the use of methodology and a maximum of two point for the articulation of the student's research. Samples are collected in the Fall and Spring and results evaluated at the end of each Spring semester.The selection of this indicator responds to disciplinary standards and conforms to contemporary techniques of evaluation research. It was developed in a meeting of the entire faculty in which various options were discussed and critically reviewed.
Criterion
Desired Results--Communication
At least 80% of papers should be rated 3 or better on the 5 point scale. One point may be given for the articulation of the ideas.
Finding
Findings For Communicate Results
100% of students were able to communicate core concepts. This was the strongest area for the students.
Action
Action For Communicate Results
Students performed well in this area. However, the faculty will attempt to improve students’ communication skills by working with students on an individual basis. This will involve working both on writing skills and oral presentations. Graduate students are encouraged to present papers at professional meetings.