OATdb Archive

2009 - 2010

Family And Consumer Sciences MS

Goal
Student Knowledge Of Content Area
Students enrolled in the MS in Family and consumer Sciences, will graduate with an in-depth knowledge of the content area of interest.

Objective
Knowledge And Skills
Students graduating from the MS in FCS program will demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills necessary for upper-level employment positions in their selected fields including teacher education in family and consumer sciences, interior design, fashion merchandising, and nutrition.

Indicator
Knowledge And Skills
Comprehensive exams for Family and Consumer Sciences covers all major and minor course areas undertaken by each student; scores are assigned on a High Pass, Pass, or Fail basis. These exams are scored holistically, and must cover content of specific course work taken for the degree. The answers are written into "blue books" and are scored by the faculty under whom the work was complete. Any student who does not score a High Pass in every area is required to take an oral exam over every area where a score of High Pass was not awarded.

Criterion
80% Of Students Scoring At Least Pass On Knowledge And Skills
At least 80% of the students who complete the master's program in FCS will score a Pass or higher on each area of the comprehensive exam AND/OR will pass a follow-up oral exam.

Finding
Student Knowledge Of Content Area
Each program graduate (there were two) passed comprehensive exams.  One of them was required to take a follow-up oral exam in order to achieve a score of Pass. Weaknesses tend to be lack of articulation of detailed responses.


Action
Student Knowledge Of Content Area
The system works well and the process is similar to that followed by other master's programs in FCS in the State of Texas.  Students should be encouraged and mentored to prepare well and fully answer questions so that follow-up oral exams are not needed.


Goal
Increase Enrollment
The MA program in Family Consumer Science will increase enrollment with the goal of producing graduates during the coming academic year (2010-2011).

Objective
Increase MA Enrollment
Increase numbers of students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Family Consumer Sciences Program at Sam Houston State University

Indicator
Increase Enrollment In MA In FCS
An increase in the number of declared majors and graduates in Master of Arts in Family Consumer Sciences Program.

Criterion
Increase Enrollment
An increase in enrollment in number of students in the MA program in Family Consumer Sciences will indicate that this criterion has been met.

Finding
Increase In Enrollment
For the 2009-2010 academic year, there are two students who completed the MA in Family Consumer Science Program.  There is still much work to do.

Action
Marketing Efforts To Increase Enrollment
Continue recruiting efforts.  Updating the website to spotlight the MA Program is in the works.  Articulating the benefits of a master's degree in Family Consumer Sciences is also necessary.  Finally a marketing campaign in cooperation with the Graduate Studies Department will be developed and implemented.


Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement

Plan for continuous improvement Recruitment for this program still is sorely needed.  The program lacks a continuing critical mass of graduate students in order to maintain long-term viability.  Therefore, recruitment efforts and curriculum development must be on-going for the coming academic year.  This should include spotlighting the program on the website and developing a marketing plan with Graduate Studies. Additionally, students should be encouraged and mentored to prepare well and fully answer questions for the comprehensive examination.

Students should be encouraged and mentored to prepare well and fully answer questions so that follow-up oral exams are not needed.  Specifically, students need to learn how to articulate their responses.