Assessment Of Graduate Programs: Assessing the Quality of Graduate Programs

The primary focus of the assessment should be on student learning outcomes expressed as measurable behaviors using Observable Verbs for Cognitive Domain Instructional Objectives (PDF). Programs are encouraged to employ direct measures whenever possible, although indirect measures (such as alumni satisfaction) may also be used. All Master's programs incorporate a thesis, project or comprehensive exam that results in a written document that can be evaluated, preferably with a rubric. Such capstone experiences can provide an ideal basis for assessing learning outcomes and reporting results in the self-study. For example, a faculty panel could select a representative sample of student theses (or equivalent), and assess these using a scoring rubric that links directly to the educational objectives of the program. Then, the self-study might report the results as evidence of student learning in the program. Rubrics could include any, or all, applicable learning outcomes from the list below (programs may add others). Scores could be based on scale of 0-4, where 4 is excellent and 0 indicates failure to meet program expectations, as outlined in the sample rating scale for rubric scoring (see below).

Sample Masters Thesis/Project Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrates original thinking or project design
• Takes creative approach to issues or problems
• Addresses a sufficiently complex problem or question
• Articulates the problem or question clearly
• Places problem or question in proper historical/scholarly context
• Formulates an original hypothesis.
• Designs and conducts relevant experiments to test hypothesis
• Uses appropriate research methods and/or technologies
• Shows evidence of advanced technical achievement
• Analyzes findings in adequate depth
• Reports findings clearly
• Draws appropriate, reasoned conclusions from the findings
• Similarly, samples of comprehensive exams could be assessed for evidence of learning outcomes appropriate to that capstone experience.

Sample Rating Scale for Rubric Scoring

While the primary focus of program assessment should be the measurement of student learning outcomes, attention may also be paid to certain characteristics of graduate programs exhibited by many that are successful.