Assessment of Student Achievement in Graduate Programs

DSU currently has two graduate programs approved by NCA:  a master of science program in information systems (offered by the College of Business and Information Systems) and a master of science in education program in computer education and technology (offered by the College of Education).  The master of science program in information systems was approved by NCA in August 1999, following a focused visit in April of that year.  The master of science in education program in computer education and technology was approved by NCA in April 2000, following a focused visit in November 1999.  Course offerings and program requirements are documented in the graduate catalog; policies and procedures related to graduate education are documented in the graduate student handbook.  With the development and delivery of the two graduate programs, a fourth level has been added to the DSU assessment plan.  In general, graduate program assessment follows the same pattern of data collection and analysis that is used in major-field assessment. There are four primary areas:

Assessment of students' entry-level skills, particularly skills related to the English language and computer technology.

• Assessment of student achievements.
• Assessment of program content and processes.
• Assessment of collaboration efforts with other regental institutions, if appropriate.

Faculty who teach within the graduate programs are responsible for program assessment activities and data analysis.  Policies and procedures related to graduate program assessment are established by the Graduate Council.