Continue To Track Students Who Have Completed Thesis
Measure M.A. students competence through written work by tracking the number who have completed their courses and defended their thesis. Students who have completed their thesis have learned how to develop a quality literature review, theoretical and methodological research design, appropriate statistical models, which make a significant contribution to the literature.
Indicator
Successful Completion Of Thesis
A thesis is the student's original contribution to the field, which contains a discrete and unique examination of data, presented in a lengthy written essay. Every thesis has a Committee consisting of members of the faculty who have expertise in the subject area. Committee members facilitate student learning by helping the student arrange, examine, and write the thesis. One committee member is the thesis Chair, who is the primary advisor. The Chair of the thesis Committee consults frequently with the student, while the student is researching and writing the thesis. These consultations result in student learning as the Chair meets one-one-one with the student. Submitting a completed thesis indicates that students have learned all the essential components of professional research, including developing a focused and comprehensive literature review, a qualitative or quantitative methodological structure, a rigorous analysis of the data, and conclusions that contribute to the field. Completing a thesis qualifies a M.A. student for entrance into a Doctoral Program in Criminal Justice or Criminology.
Criterion
Thesis Completion
100% of students complete thesis within 2 years of entering the M.A. program.
Finding
63% Of Students Who Enrolled In The M.A. Program In AY2007-2008 Have Completed Their Thesis In 2 Years.
63% of students who enrolled in the M.A. program in AY2007-2008 have completed their thesis in 2 years. However, of the remaining 37%, one student resigned, one has switched to the M.S. program, and one has completed the thesis prospectus.
Action
Greater Emphasis On Completion Of Thesis By Faculty.
Students will be encouraged to communicate often with their thesis committee. Students will select their topic by end of their first semester in graduate school and will be required to submit their thesis committee form for approval to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies by the end of their first year.
Objective
M.A. Students Will Select A Topic By The End Of Their First Semester In The Master's Program
Thesis topics will be selected by the student by the end of the first semester in the program. Committee members will advise students earlier and in a more active role so to ensure selection of thesis topics early in the student's matriculation. Faculty members will take an active role in helping students select their research topics. Mentoring of students will also be helpful in encouraging students to pursue a Ph.D. degree.
Indicator
Workshops Will Be Developed For Faculty And Students To Encourage Mentoring
Each semester a workshop will be developed for faculty and students to attend that will address the importance of selecting a topic early, how to select a topic, and how to develop the topic. Faculty members will work one on one with students to get the desired outcome of students actively beginning work on their thesis.
Criterion
80% Of M.A. Students Will Select Topic
80% of M.A. students will have selected a topic for their thesis by the end of the first semester.
Finding
80% Of Students Enrolled In CJ 592 Selected A Thesis Topic
Part of the syllabus for CJ 592 included the assignment of selecting a thesis topic. 80% of all students which consisted of the 2009-10 M.A. cohort selected a thesis topic.
Action
Thesis/Dissertation Workshop Continued To Be Offered
Early in the 2010-11 school year, the thesis/dissertation workshop will again be offered. This workshop emphasizes the importance of selecting a thesis topic early and working with faculty one on one to develop the topic. CJ 592 will once again be offered with the criteria of selecting a topic by end of first semester.
Objective
Regular Student Writing Meetings Will Be Established.
Regular student writing meetings will be established to aid students in writing theses. Committee members will take an active role in helping students select and research topics. Mentoring of students will also be helpful in encouraging students to pursue a Ph.D. degree.
Indicator
Students Will Attend Writing Meetings
Students will attend regular writing meetings with faculty/committee members. Students will be aided by one-on-one discussion and will benefit from the concentration of time to their thesis writing.
Criterion
At Least 75% Of M.A. Students Will Report Successful Progress On Thesis.
At least 75% of M.A. students will report successful progress on thesis at the regular writing meetings.
Action
Students Will Focus On Preparing A Data Set.
40% of students will focus on preparing a data set that could result in a thesis during their first semester in survey research methods course. Students will meet frequently with their thesis committee.
Objective
Students Will Produce Original Quality Thesis Papers.
Students will produce original quality thesis papers.
Indicator
Students Will Score Acceptable On Thesis.
After developing a thesis prospectus, students will meet with their committee to present the prospectus. Students will present a PowerPoint presentation along with the draft of their thesis. The thesis committee will then assess the draft making numerous suggestions and critiques. At that point, the committee will encourage the student to either continue with the thesis or to rewrite the prospectus. The student will continue to work closely with the chair and other committee members until the thesis is complete. Students will score a 3 or above on all criteria of thesis evaluation assessment rubric thus displaying a thorough knowledge of the research topic.
Criterion
100% Of Students Defending Their Thesis Will Pass.
100% of students defending their thesis will pass according to the thesis evaluation rubric.
Finding
100% Of Students Who Attempted Thesis Defense Passed And Were Eligible For Graduation.
100% of students who attempted thesis defense passed and were eligible for graduation.
Action
Emphasis On Publishing Papers From Thesis.
More emphasis will be put on developing thesis papers into publishable work that may be submitted to scholarly peer-reviewed journals.