Plan for Assessing the Graduate Degree Programs
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management
11 December 2008
Version 7
i
Table of Contents
Mission Statement – College .............................................................................................. 1
Mission Statement – Department ........................................................................................ 1
Overview of Graduate Degrees ........................................................................................... 1
Master of Forestry (MF) in Forest Operations .................................................................... 2
Background ..................................................................................................................... 2
Learning Outcomes and Objectives ................................................................................ 2
Program of Study ............................................................................................................ 3
Assessing the Learning Outcomes and Objectives ......................................................... 5
Assessment Data Collection Plan ................................................................................... 7
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) ................................................................................ 8
Background ..................................................................................................................... 8
Learning Outcome and Objectives.................................................................................. 8
Program of Study ............................................................................................................ 8
Assessing the Learning Outcome and Objectives ........................................................... 9
Assessment Data Collection Plan ................................................................................... 9
Master of Science (MS) .................................................................................................... 11
Learning Outcome and Objectives................................................................................ 11
Assessing the Learning Objective and Outcomes ......................................................... 11
Assessment Data Collection Plan ................................................................................. 12
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) ............................................................................................. 13
Learning Outcome and Objectives................................................................................ 13
Assessing the Learning Outcomes and Objectives ....................................................... 13
Assessment Data Collection Plan ................................................................................. 14
Response to Assessment ................................................................................................... 16
Appendix A – MF Assessment Tables.............................................................................. 17
Appendix A – MF Assessment Data Forms ..................................................................... 26
Appendix B – MPS Assessment Tables............................................................................ 30
Appendix B – MPS Assessment Data Forms ................................................................... 33
Appendix C – MS Assessment Tables .............................................................................. 35
Appendix C – MS Assessment Data Form ....................................................................... 40
Appendix D – PhD Assessment Tables ............................................................................ 41
Appendix D – PhD Assessment Data Form ...................................................................... 47
ii
Mission Statement – College
The mission of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry is to advance
knowledge and skills and to promote the leadership necessary for the stewardship of both
the natural and designed environments
Mission Statement – Department
The mission of the Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management’s (FNRM)
programs is to produce and to transmit knowledge about the function and dynamics of
forests and related renewable resources to all of our clients; to encourage continual
learning about forest and related renewable resources and their role in making people's
lives better; and to develop leaders who will manage renewable resources for people on a
sustainable basis.
Overview of Graduate Degrees
FNRM offers four different graduate degrees (HEGIS 0115):
1. Master of Forestry (MF) in Forest Operations – The focus of this coursework-based
degree is to provide students from diverse academic backgrounds a graduate
education in the sustainable management of forest resources. The program is designed
to be the first professional degree in forestry attained by these students. It will be
accredited by the Society of American Foresters – the specialized accrediting body
for forestry educational programs in the United States.
2. Master of Professional Studies (MPS) – This coursework-based (non-thesis) degree
provides students a broad set of quantitative and people management skills they apply
to specializations such as natural resources management, ecosystem science, and
natural resource economics and policy.
3. Master of Science (MS) – This research-oriented thesis-based degree is designed to
enable students to write and defend a thesis that draws on theories from both the
natural and social sciences to examine, explain, and interpret the results of problems
in the sustainable management of forest and natural resources.
4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – This research-oriented program extends knowledge
and expertise achieved from previously-earned natural and social science academic
undergraduate and graduate degrees. Doctoral students are expected to make original
contributions to the discipline through their research, demonstrate competency in
theory through the successful completion of a candidacy exam, and conduct
independent research and express advanced communication skills in the completion
of the doctoral dissertation. Doctoral graduates are researchers, educators,
administrators, managers, and consultants, and respond to the challenges related to
the sustainable management of forest and natural resources.
1
Master of Forestry (MF) in Forest Operations
Background
The Master of Forestry (MF) degree was first offered at ESF in fall 1988 and the degree
was de-activated in spring 1995 when enrollment significantly declined. Renewed
interest in forest resources and recognition that individuals with non-forestry
baccalaureates demonstrated a strong interest in a first professional degree prompted reactivation of the degree in fall 2002. The curriculum meets the standards established by
the Society of American Foresters (SAF) as a professional degree in forestry. The
Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation recognizes the SAF as the
specialized accrediting body for forestry education programs in the United States. It is
also the entity that established learning outcomes for this degree in forestry.
The MF degree draws applicants from three audiences:
1. Students from non-science backgrounds who need additional basic undergraduate
coursework as part of their programs of study. These individuals will likely
complete science pre-requisite courses and all undergraduate forestry courses in
addition to the graduate degree requirements (54+ undergraduate and graduate
credits).
2. Students with a general science background, but little or no forestry experience,
will require 18-24 months to complete the program (40-54 undergraduate and
graduate credits).
3. Students with degrees in related disciplines (e.g., ecology, biology, wildlife,
chemistry, etc.) can complete the degree in 12-18 months (30-40 graduate
credits).
The Master of Forestry graduate degree requires successful completion of at least six
graduate credits in each of the following categories that are subsequently subdivided into
learning outcomes and objectives:
Forest Ecology and Biology
Measurement of Forest Resources
Management of Forest Resources
Forest Resource Policy & Administration
Learning Outcomes and Objectives
1) Understand Forests
a) Explain and interpret the relationships among flora and fauna including the
biological and physical requirements of different plant and animal species within
a forested ecosystem.
2) Measure Forests
a) Plan, conduct, and analyze forest inventories including biological, physical, and
social-economic elements using appropriate statistical sampling methods.
b) Identify the major species, both flora and fauna, in a given area correctly.
c) Project stand and forest development using computer based and non-computer
based growth and yield models.
2
3) Manipulate Forests
a) Describe alternative ways to change or maintain forest structure.
b) Prescribe, justify, and implement treatments in accord with owner objectives.
4) Manage Forests
a) Evaluate tradeoffs among biological sustainability, economic feasibility, and
social acceptability with respect to alternative forest management plans.
b) Describe and apply appropriate decision-making tools and techniques (e.g.,
investment analyses) to evaluate alternative forest management practices.
c) Specify and implement management practices appropriate to ownership
objectives.
5) Analyze Policy
a) Explain policy making processes at national, state, and local levels, for both large
and small organizations as these processes affect forest management.
6) Communicate
a) Explain forest development, manipulation, and management to a variety of
audiences in both written and oral form.
b) Describe technical forestry terms to a variety of audiences using consistent and
accurate terminology.
7) Demonstrate Ethical Behavior
a) Act in an honest and credible manner.
b) Take responsibility for the work of a team and individual actions.
c) Exhibit tolerance for different viewpoints and opinions.
d) Recognize values and value systems used to reach decisions and to take actions.
8) Solve Problems
a) Define a problem
b) Determining the cause of the problem
c) Identify, prioritize and select alternatives for a solution (e.g., strategic, tactical and
operational planning)
d) Implement a solution.
e) Explain the conceptual framework of each problem-solving step.
f) Facilitate a team through a systematic process for problem-solving.
9) Lead
a) Recognize and explain the union between leading and following.
b) Demonstrate effective teamwork skills.
Program of Study
The core requirements for the MF degree are given in Table 1.
3
Table 1a. Required Core Forestry Courses
Credit
Hours
Required Core Forestry Courses
Undergraduate Required Core
Adirondack Field Studies§
4
FOR 322 Forest Mensuration
3
FOR 323 Forest Biometrics
2
FOR 324 Natural Resource Information Systems
3
FOR 332 Forest Ecology
3
FOR 370 Timber Management
4
EFB 336 Dendrology
3
Graduate Required Core
FOR 533 Natural Resource Managerial Economics*
3
FOR 534 Silvicultural Practice*
4
FOR 545 Introduction to Soils*
3
FOR 665 Natural Resources Policy*
3
Table 1b. Graduate Degree Requirements
Credit
Hours
Course
FOR 895 Graduate Internship
3
FOR 690 Seminar & Workshop in Natural Resources Policy and Management
3
Courses in Forest Ecology and Biology
6
Courses in Measurement of Forest Resources
6
Courses in Management of Forest Resources
6
Courses in Forest Resource Policy & Administration
6
Total Credit Hours
30
*FOR533 Natural Resource Managerial Economics satisfies 3 of the 6 credits in the
Management of Forest Resources requirement. FOR534 Silvicultural Practice and
FOR545 Introduction to Soils satisfy the Forest Ecology and Biology requirement.
FOR665 Natural Resources Policy satisfies 3 of the 6 credits in the Forest Resource
Policy and Administration requirement.
4
Each one of the learning objectives are addressed by the degree requirements listed in
Tables 1a and 1b. Table 2 shows the mapping of the degree requirements to the learning
objectives.
Assessing the Learning Outcomes and Objectives
There are two opportunities to take measurements on the effectiveness of the learning
outcome and objectives. The first opportunity is with respect to the standards set forth by
the Society of American Foresters. We ask ourselves: Do the degree requirements –
coursework, internship and capstone seminar -- fulfill the standards set forth by the
Society of American Foresters? Each student is required to complete a Program of Study
in consultation with a two-faculty-member steering committee. The Program of Study is
the list of coursework, internship, and seminar requirements (outlined in Tables 1a and
1b) and a plan – time schedule -- for how the student will complete the degree
requirements. The steering committee evaluates each student’s academic history,
determine which, if any, of the undergraduate forestry coursework requirements have
been met within the undergraduate degree, and which courses will be required within the
graduate degree program at ESF.
The second opportunity is on the micro-level, Table 2 provides an outline of the courses
required for the degree and identifies which courses meet specific learning outcomes and
objectives. Both of these micro-level assessments are new. The two methods faculty use
to assess how courses reflect learning outcomes and objectives are:
FOR690 Seminar & Workshop in Natural Resources Policy and Management
contains all of the MF degree’s learning outcomes and objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment opportunity. The students complete one major field
project which includes a written and oral component. This project will form the
basis for assessment. The assessment instruments and tables are given in
Appendix A.
FOR299 – Adirondack Field Studies, FOR534 – Silviculture Practice, and
FOR665 Natural Resource and Environmental Policy are the secondary
assessment opportunities. The students complete one major project which
includes a written and oral component. This project will form the basis for
assessment. The assessment instruments and tables are given in Appendix A.
5
Table 2. Mapping of the MF degree requirements to the learning outcomes
Required Courses
Undergraduate Required
Core
EFB336 Dendrology
Adirondack Field Studies
FOR322 For. Mensuration.
FOR323 Forest Biometrics
FOR324 Nat. Res. Infor.
Systems
FOR332 Forest Ecology
FOR370 Timber
Management
Graduate Required Core
FOR533 Managerial
Economics
FOR534 Silviculture
Practice
FOR545 Introductory Soils
FOR665 Nat. Res./Env.
Policy
FOR690 Seminar &
Workshop in Natural
Resources Policy and
Management.
Understand
Forests
X
X
X
X
Measure
Forests
Manage
Forests
Analyze
Policy
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Solve
Problems
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FOR895 Internship
SAF Areas of Study
For. Eco & Bio
Meas. of For. Res.
Mgmt. of For Res.
For. Policy & Admin
Ethics
X
X
X
Communicating
X
X
X
X
Manipulate
Forests
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lead
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Assessment Data Collection Plan
Appendix A – MF Assessment Data Forms contains the instruments for assessing the MF degree.
The completed forms will be given to the Chair of the Graduate Education Committee.
At the completion of the student’s degree program, the major professor and department chair
review the student’s Program of Study and confirm that the transcript meets the standards
established in the Program of Study. The signatures of the Major Professor, Department Chair
(or Chair of the Graduate Education Committee as designee) and the Dean of Instruction and
Graduate Studies are required to certify that a student has meet all the degree requirements as
agreed upon by the student, Major Professor, and Steering Committee. The Chair of the Graduate
Education Committee is responsible for confirming that the assessment forms (Appendix A) are
completed. The Department Chair will not certify a degree completion without the completed
assessment forms (Appendix A). This is to insure that this assessment measurement is collected
for each student that graduates.
7
Master of Professional Studies (MPS)
Background
Historically, there were two options with the Master of Science (MS) degree: 1) a thesis option;
and 2) a project option with comprehensive exam. In 1995 the non-thesis option of the MS was
eliminated and replaced by the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree. The MPS degree
requires coursework and an independent study project or internship; the degree does NOT
require a comprehensive exam or research thesis.
Learning Outcome and Objectives
1. Develop a broad set of analytical skills and apply them to specializations in natural resources
management, ecosystem science, and natural resource economics and policy.
a) Identify the relevant body/bodies of knowledge for investigating potential solutions to
forest and natural resources management problems.
b) Develop analytical skills to examine problems in forest and natural resources
management systematically.
c) Explain and interpret the potential solutions for forest and natural resources management
problems in both written and oral communications to landowners and stakeholders.
Program of Study
The MPS degree has a set of requirements and courses given in Table 3.
Table 3 Required Master of Professional Studies Curriculum
Requirements/Courses
Credit Hours
A. A graduate level course in statistics
3
B. FOR560 Principles of Management (or equivalent; if waived, add 3 hours to
E or F)1
3
C. FOR690 Seminar and Workshop: Natural Resource Policy & Management
3
D. Graduate course in environmental or scientific writing, or demonstration of
ability (if waived, add 3 hours to E or F)2
3
E. At least 15 graduate credit hours in student’s area of concentration
15
F. At least 3 graduate credit hours in quantitative methods, geographic
information systems, or statistics
3
Total Credit Hours
30
No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement. Each one of the learning objectives
are addressed by the degree requirements listed in Table 3. Table 4 shows the mapping of the
requirements to the learning objectives.
8
Table 4. Mapping of MPS degree requirements to learning objectives
Course/Competency
Statistics
FOR 560 Principles of
Management
FOR690 Seminar and
Workshop: Natural
Resource Policy &
Management
Environmental or Scientific
Writing
Area of Concentration
Quantitative Methods,
Geographic Information
Systems, or statistics
Identify bodies of
knowledge
X
Develop analytical
skills
X
X
Written and oral
communications
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Assessing the Learning Outcome and Objectives
There are two opportunities to take measurements on the effectiveness of the learning outcome
and objectives. The first opportunity is at the programmatic level. We ask ourselves: Do the
degree requirements – coursework and independent study/internship – meet the learning
objectives? Each student is required to complete a Program of Study in consultation with a twofaculty-member steering committee. The Program of Study is the list of coursework and seminar
requirements (outlined in Table 3) and a plan – time schedule -- for how the student will
complete the degree requirements. The steering committee evaluates each student’s academic
history, determines the degree to which a student has developed a broad set of quantitative and
people management skills to apply to specializations in natural resources management,
ecosystem science, and natural resource economics and policy.
The second opportunity is on the micro-level, Table 4 provides an outline of the courses required
for the degree and identifies which courses or broad areas of concentration meet specific learning
outcome and objectives. The two methods faculty use to assess how courses reflect the learning
outcome and objectives are:
FOR690 Seminar & Workshop in Natural Resources Policy and Management contains
all of the MF degree’s learning outcomes and objectives and will be used as the primary
assessment opportunity. The students complete one major field project which includes a
written and oral component. This project will form the basis for assessment. The
assessment instruments and tables are given in Appendix B.
Both FOR560 will be used to assess each of the learning objectives. The assessment
instrument is given in Appendix B.
Assessment Data Collection Plan
Appendix B – MPS Assessment Data Forms contains the instrument for assessing the MPS
degree. The completed forms will be given to the Chair of the Graduate Education Committee.
At the completion of the student’s degree program, the Major Professor and Department Chair
review the student’s Program of Study and confirm that the transcript meets the standards
established in the Program of Study. The signatures of the Major Professor, Department Chair
(or Chair of the Graduate Education Committee as designee) and the Dean of Instruction and
9
Graduate Studies are required to certify that a student has meet all the degree requirements as
agreed upon by the student, Major Professor, Steering Committee. The Chair of the Graduate
Education Committee is responsible for confirming that the assessment from the capstone
seminar is completed. The Department Chair will not certify a degree completion without the
assessment forms (see Appendix B). This is to insure that this assessment measurement is
collected for each student that graduates.
10
Master of Science (MS)
Learning Outcome and Objectives
1. Draw on theories from both the natural and social sciences to examine, explain, and interpret
the results of a research problem in the sustainable management of forest and natural
resources.
a) Explain, demonstrate, and apply the scientific process in written and oral
communications.
b) Investigate one or more research questions or test one or more hypotheses.
c) Identify the relevant scope of knowledge and current theory to investigate the research
problem.
d) Identify the appropriate research tools or methods to investigate the research questions or
test the hypotheses.
e) Explain and interpret the results of the research questions or hypotheses tests in written
and oral communication.
The MS degree has two requirements. First, the student must successfully complete a minimum
of 24-credit hours of graduate course work. Second, the student must successfully complete a
minimum of 6-credit hours of thesis research.
Assessing the Learning Objective and Outcomes
There are two opportunities to take measurements on the effectiveness of the learning outcome
and objectives. First, we ask this question: Do the degree requirements – coursework, thesis
research, capstone seminar, and defense of thesis – meet the learning objectives? To measures
these components, we use the following: Each student is required to complete a Program of
Study in consultation with a three-faculty-member steering committee. The Program of Study is
the combination of coursework and thesis requirements, and a plan – time schedule -- for how
the student will complete the degree requirements. The steering committee evaluates each
student’s academic history, determines the degree to which a student has developed the
knowledge and tools necessary to proceed to examine, explain, and interpret the results of a
research problem, and establishes the set of courses that will be required to meet the degree
objectives.
The second opportunity is on the micro-level, Table 5 provides a broad outline of the
combination of courses and thesis research credits required for the degree. The two methods
faculty use to assess how courses and thesis credits reflect the learning outcome and objectives
are:
The capstone seminar based on the results of the master’s thesis is presented to the
campus community as part of the FOR899 requirement. The capstone seminar provides
an opportunity for graduate students to present technical information to a critical body of
professionals and peers. At the end of the capstone seminar, the participants will fill out
an assessment form (see Appendix C) that will be collected by the major professor and
given to the chair of the graduate education committee.
The student completes an oral defense of the master’s thesis to a thesis defense
committee that consists of the student’s three-member steering committee, an examiner,
and a defense committee chair (who is not a faculty member in the Department of Forest
11
and Natural Resources Management). The oral defense is part of the FOR899
requirement. The defense is not open to the campus community. The oral exam
principally covers the material in the thesis, as well as literature and information relating
to it. If the student passes (fails) the oral defense, the five learning objectives have been
met satisfactorily (have not been met satisfactorily).
Table 5. MS degree requirements and learning objectives
Apply science
Course/Competency
Graduate Coursework
FOR 899 Master’s
Thesis Research –
Capstone Seminar
FOR 899 Master’s
Thesis Research – Oral
Defense
Investigate
questions or
test hypotheses
Identify bodies
of knowledge
Identify research
tools or methods
Written and oral
communications
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Assessment Data Collection Plan
Appendix C – MS Assessment Data Form contains the instrument for assessing the MS degree.
At the end of the capstone seminar, the participants will fill out an evaluation form that will be
collected by the Major Professor and given to the Chair of the Graduate Education Committee.
At the completion of the student’s degree program, the Major Professor and Department Chair
review the student’s Program of Study and confirm that the transcript meets the standards
established in the Program of Study. The signatures of the Major Professor, Department Chair
(or Chair of the Graduate Education Committee as designee) and the Dean of Instruction and
Graduate Studies are required to certify that a student has meet all the degree requirements as
agreed upon by the student, Major Professor, Steering Committee. The Chair of the Graduate
Education Committee is responsible for confirming that the assessment tool provided in
Appendix C is completed. The Department Chair will not certify a degree completion without
the Appendix C assessment instrument. This is to insure that this assessment measurement is
collected for each student that graduates.
12
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Learning Outcome and Objectives
1. Doctoral students are expected to make original contributions to their discipline through their
research, demonstrate competency in theory through the successful completion of a
candidacy exam, and conduct independent research and express advanced communication
skills in the completion of the doctoral dissertation.
a) Explain, demonstrate, and evaluate the scientific process in written and oral
communications.
b) Investigate an original research question or test one or more hypotheses.
c) Identify the relevant scope of knowledge and current theory to investigate the research
problem.
d) Identify the appropriate research tools to investigate the problem.
e) Demonstrate competence in at least one research tool that may include statistics,
computer science, or the ability to translate technical articles in a language, other than
English, commonly used in science.
f) Explain and interpret the results of the research question or hypotheses tests in written
and oral communication.
The PhD degree has three requirements. First, the student must successfully complete a
minimum of 48-credit hours of graduate course work. Second, the student must successfully
complete a minimum of 12-credit hours of dissertation research.
Assessing the Learning Outcomes and Objectives
There are two opportunities to take measurements on the effectiveness of the learning outcome
and objectives. First, we ask this question: Do the degree requirements – coursework,
dissertation research, capstone seminar, and defense of dissertation – meet the learning
objectives? To measures these components, we use the following: Each student is required to
complete a Program of Study in consultation with a three-faculty-member steering committee.
The Program of Study is the combination of coursework and dissertation requirements, and a
plan – time schedule -- for how the student will complete the degree requirements. The steering
committee evaluates each student’s academic history, determines the degree to which a student
has developed the knowledge and tools necessary to proceed to make original contributions to
their discipline through their research, conduct independent research, and establishes the set of
courses that will be required to meet the degree objectives.
The second opportunity is on the micro-level, Table 6 provides a broad outline of the
combination of courses and dissertation research credits required for the degree. The three
methods faculty use to assess how courses and thesis credits reflect the learning outcome and
objectives are:
The doctoral candidacy examination determines the breadth and depth of knowledge in
the chosen field of study and assesses the student’s understanding of the scientific
process. The candidacy examination is taken when the majority of coursework is
completed and no more than three years from the first date of matriculation and is a
college requirement. If the student passes the candidacy examination, they may proceed
with their dissertation research. If the student fails the candidacy examination, they may
13
take it a second time. A student who fails the second candidacy examination is
terminated from the graduate program. If the student passes (fails) the candidacy
examination, learning objectives a) and e) have been met satisfactorily (have not been
met satisfactorily).
The capstone seminar is based on the results of the doctoral research and is presented to
the campus community as part of the FOR999 requirement. The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for the graduate student to present technical information to a
critical body of professionals and peers. At the end of the capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an assessment form (see Appendix D) that will be collected by
the major professor and given to the chair of the graduate education committee.
The student completes an oral defense of the doctoral dissertation to a defense committee
that consists of the student’s steering committee, two examiners, and a defense
committee chair (who is not a faculty member in the Department of Forest and Natural
Resources management). The oral exam principally covers the material in the
dissertation, as well as literature and information relating to it. The oral defense is part of
the FOR999 requirement. The defense is not open to the campus community. The oral
exam principally covers the material in the dissertation, as well as literature and
information relating to it. If the student passes (fails) the oral defense, the six learning
objectives have been met satisfactorily (have not been met satisfactorily).
Assessment Data Collection Plan
Appendix D – PhD Assessment Data Form contains the instrument for assessing the PhD degree.
At the end of the capstone seminar, the participants will fill out an evaluation form that will be
collected by the Major Professor and given to the Chair of the Graduate Education Committee.
At the completion of the student’s degree program, the Major Professor and Department Chair
review the student’s Program of Study and confirm that the transcript meets the standards
established in the Program of Study. The signatures of the Major Professor, Department Chair
(or Chair of the Graduate Education Committee as designee) and the Dean of Instruction and
Graduate Studies are required to certify that a student has meet all the degree requirements as
agreed upon by the student, Major Professor, Steering Committee. The Chair of the Graduate
Education Committee is responsible to confirm that the assessment data form provided in
Appendix D is completed. The Department Chair will not certify a degree completion without
the assessment form (Appendix D). This is to insure that this assessment measurement is
collected for each student that graduates.
14
Table 6. PhD degree requirements and learning objectives
Course/Competency
Graduate Coursework
Candidacy Exam
FOR 999 Doctorial
Dissertation – Capstone
Seminar
FOR 999 Doctorial
Dissertation – Oral
Defense
Explain,
demonstrate,
and evaluate
the scientific
process
Investigate
original
research
questions or
test hypotheses
Identify bodies
of knowledge
X
X
Identify
research tools or
methods to
investigate
questions or
hypotheses
X
Demonstrate
competency in
at least one
research tool
Written and oral
communications
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
15
Response to Assessment
All of the assessment instruments were developed as a result of writing this plan.
The graduate education committee will summarized the assessment data for the MF, MPS, MS
and PhD at the end of each academic year. The summary (as well as historical summaries) will
be presented at the beginning of the following academic year. The annual summaries will allow
the faculty to determine if there are any issues that need immediate attention. The graduate
education committee will maintain these summary data. Any assessment tool that has an
identifying name – student or faculty – will be destroyed once the data have been entered into the
database.
Each degree program will be assessed based on the information collected every fourth year to see
if any programmatic changes are needed.
16
Appendix A – MF Assessment Tables
Table A1.1 Master of Forestry (MF) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Understand Forests
Explain and interpret the
relationships among
flora and fauna
including the biological
and physical
requirements of
different plant and
animal species within a
forested ecosystem.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR296
FOR534
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR296 and FOR534 are
the secondary assessment
opportunities.
The students complete one
or more major field
projects which include a
written and/or oral
component. These projects
will form the basis for
assessment.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
17
Table A1.2 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Measure Forests
Plan, conduct, and
analyze forest
inventories including
biological, physical, and
social-economic
elements using
appropriate statistical
sampling methods.
Identify the major
species, both flora and
fauna, in a given area
correctly.
Project stand and forest
development using
computer based and
non-computer based
growth and yield
models.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR296
FOR534
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR296 and FOR534 are
the secondary assessment
opportunities.
The students complete one
or more major field
projects which include a
written and/or oral
component. These projects
will form the basis for
assessment.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
18
Table A1.3 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Manipulate Forests
Describe alternative
ways to change or
maintain forest
structure.
Prescribe, justify, and
implement treatments in
accord with owner
objectives.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR534
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR534 is the secondary
assessment opportunities.
The students complete one
or more major field
projects which include a
written and/or oral
component. These projects
will form the basis for
assessment.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
19
Table A1.4 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Manage Forests
Evaluate tradeoffs
among biological
sustainability, economic
feasibility, and social
acceptability with
respect to alternative
forest management
plans.
Describe and apply
appropriate decisionmaking tools and
techniques (e.g.,
investment analyses) to
evaluate alternative
forest management
practices.
Specify and implement
management practices
appropriate to
ownership objectives.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR534
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR534 is the secondary
assessment opportunities.
The students complete one
or more major field
projects which include a
written and/or oral
component. These projects
will form the basis for
assessment.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
20
Table A1.5 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Analyze Policy
Explain policy making
processes at national,
state, and local levels,
for both large and small
organizations as these
processes affect forest
management.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR665
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
The students complete one
major field project which
includes a written and/or
oral component. This
project will form the basis
for assessment.
FOR665 is the secondary
assessment opportunities.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
21
Table A1.6 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Communicate
Explain forest
development,
manipulation, and
management to a variety
of audiences in both
written and oral form.
Describe technical
forestry terms to a
variety of audiences
using consistent and
accurate terminology.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR296
FOR534
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR296 and FOR534 are
the secondary assessment
opportunities.
The students complete one
or more major field
projects which include a
written and/or oral
component. These projects
will form the basis for
assessment.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
22
Table A1.7 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Demonstrate Ethical
Behavior
Act in an honest and
credible manner.
Take responsibility for
the work of a team and
individual actions.
Exhibit tolerance for
different viewpoints and
opinions.
Recognize values and
value systems used to
reach decisions and to
take actions
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR665
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
The students complete one
major field project which
includes a written and/or
oral component. This
project will form the basis
for assessment.
FOR665 is the secondary
assessment opportunities.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
23
Table A1.8 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Solve Problems
Define a problem
Determining the cause
of the problem
Identify, prioritize and
select alternatives for a
solution (e.g., strategic,
tactical and operational
planning)
Implement a solution.
Explain the conceptual
framework of each
problem-solving step.
Facilitate a team through
a systematic process for
problem-solving.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR296
FOR534
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR296 and FOR534 are
the secondary assessment
opportunities.
The students complete one
or more major field
projects which include a
written and/or oral
component. These projects
will form the basis for
assessment.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
24
Table A1.9 Master of Forestry Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Lead
Recognize and explain
the union between
leading and following.
Demonstrate effective
teamwork skills.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR296
FOR534
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 1 maps the MF
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR296 and FOR534 are
the secondary assessment
opportunities.
The students complete one
or more major field
projects which include a
written and/or oral
component. These projects
will form the basis for
assessment.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
Assessment forms
(Appendix A) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
There have been
approximately 1 to 5
students in the MF
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
25
Appendix A – MF Assessment Data Forms
Assessment of MF using FOR690
Assessed Project or other Course Element: __________________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E).
Learning Objectives
1. Understand Forests
2. Measure Forests
3. Manipulate Forests
4. Manage Forests
5. Analyze Policy
6. Communicate
7. Demonstrate Ethical Behavior
8. Solve Problems
9. Lead
U
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
S
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
E
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Print)
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Signature)
Date: _______________________________________
The benchmark for each of the Learning Outcomes is Satisfactory (S).
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
26
Assessment of MF using FOR665
Assessed Project or other Course Element: __________________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E).
Learning Objectives
5. Analyze Policy
6. Communicate
7. Demonstrate Ethical Behavior
8. Solve Problems
9. Lead
U
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
S
0
0
0
0
0
E
1
1
1
1
1
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Print)
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Signature)
Date: _______________________________________
The benchmark for each of the Learning Outcomes is Satisfactory (S).
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
27
Assessment of MF using FOR534
Assessed Project or other Course Element: __________________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E).
Learning Objectives
1. Understand Forests
2. Measure Forests
3. Manipulate Forests
4. Manage Forests
6. Communicate
7. Demonstrate Ethical Behavior
8. Solve Problems
9. Lead
U
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
S
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
E
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Print)
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Signature)
Date: _______________________________________
The benchmark for each of the Learning Outcomes is Satisfactory (S).
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
28
Assessment of MF using FOR290 – Adirondack Field Studies
Assessed Project or other Course Element: __________________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E).
Learning Objectives
1. Understand Forests
2. Measure Forests
6. Communicate
7. Demonstrate Ethical Behavior
8. Solve Problems
9. Lead
U
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
-1
S
0
0
0
0
0
0
E
1
1
1
1
1
1
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Print)
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Signature)
Date: _______________________________________
The benchmark for each of the Learning Outcomes is Satisfactory (S).
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
29
Appendix B – MPS Assessment Tables
Table B1.1 Master of Professional Studies (MPS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Identify the relevant
body/bodies of knowledge
for investigating potential
solutions to forest and
natural resources
management problems.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR560
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 4 maps the MPS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR560 is the secondary
assessment opportunities.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment forms
(Appendix B) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 15 students
in the MPS program per
year.
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
30
Table B1.2 Master of Professional Studies (MPS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Develop analytical skills to
examine problems in forest
and natural resources
management
systematically.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR560
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 4 maps the MPS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR560 is the secondary
assessment opportunities.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment forms
(Appendix B) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 15 students
in the MPS program per
year.
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
31
Table B1.3 Master of Professional Studies (MPS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Explain and interpret the
potential solutions for
forest and natural
resources management
problems in both written
and oral communications
to landowners and
stakeholders.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR560
FOR690
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 4 maps the MPS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
FOR690 contains all of the
learning outcomes and
objectives and will be used
as the primary assessment
opportunity.
FOR560 is the secondary
assessment opportunities.
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment forms
(Appendix B) will be
completed by each
instructor at the end of
each semester and will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 15 students
in the MPS program per
year.
FOR690 will be split into
two sections: one for the
MF students and the other
for the MPS students.
FOR690 was taken by both
MF and MPS students.
However, this course did
not provide each group
with an integrative
experience due to the
vastly different
professional skill sets and
experiences each group has
obtained.
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
32
Appendix B – MPS Assessment Data Forms
Assessment of the MPS using FOR560 – Principles of Management
Assessed Project or other Course Element: __________________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E)
Learning Objectives
a) Identify the relevant body/bodies of knowledge
for investigating potential solutions to forest
and natural resources management problems.
b) Develop analytical skill to examine problems in
forest and natural resources management
systematically.
c) Explain and interpret the potential solutions for
forest and natural resources management
problems in both written and oral
communications to landowners and
stakeholders
U
-1
S
0
E
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Print)
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Signature)
Date: _______________________________________
The benchmark for each of the Learning Outcomes is Satisfactory (S).
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
33
Assessment of the MPS using FOR690
Assessed Project or other Course Element: __________________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E)
Learning Objectives
a) Identify the relevant body/bodies of knowledge
for investigating potential solutions to forest
and natural resources management problems.
b) Develop analytical skill to examine problems in
forest and natural resources management
systematically.
c) Explain and interpret the potential solutions for
forest and natural resources management
problems in both written and oral
communications to landowners and
stakeholders
U
-1
S
0
E
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Print)
Instructor: ______________________________________ (Signature)
Date: _______________________________________
The benchmark for each of the Learning Outcomes is Satisfactory (S).
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
34
Appendix C – MS Assessment Tables
Table C1.1 Master of Science (MS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Explain, demonstrate, and
apply the scientific process
in written and oral
communications.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR899 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR899 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 5 maps the MS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix C).
The student completes an
oral defense of their thesis
to a defense committee.
The oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix C) will be given
to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the MS
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
35
Table C1.2 Master of Science (MS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Investigate one or more
research questions or test
one or more hypotheses.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR899 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR899 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 5 maps the MS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix C).
The student completes an
oral defense of their thesis
to a defense committee.
The oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix C) will be given
to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the MS
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
36
Table C1.3 Master of Science (MS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Identify the relevant scope
of knowledge and current
theory to investigate the
research problem.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR899 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR899 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 5 maps the MS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix C).
The student completes an
oral defense of their thesis
to a defense committee.
The oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix C) will be given
to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the MS
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
37
Table C1.4 Master of Science (MS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Identify the appropriate
research tools or methods
to investigate the research
questions or test the
hypotheses.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR899 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR899 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 5 maps the MS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix C).
The student completes an
oral defense of their thesis
to a defense committee.
The oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix C) will be given
to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the MS
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
38
Table C1.5 Master of Science (MS) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Explain and interpret the
results of the research
questions or hypotheses
tests in written and oral
communication.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR899 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR899 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 5 maps the MS
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix C).
The student completes an
oral defense of their thesis
to a defense committee.
The oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix C) will be given
to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the MS
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
39
Appendix C – MS Assessment Data Form
Assessment of MS Capstone Seminar
Name of MS Student: ________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E)
Learning Objectives
a) Explain, demonstrate, and apply the scientific
process in written and oral communications.
b) Investigate one or more research questions/test
one or more hypotheses.
c) Identify the relevant body/bodies of knowledge
or theory/theories for investigating the research
questions or testing the hypotheses.
d) Identify the appropriate research tools/methods
to investigate the research questions or test the
hypotheses.
e) Explain and interpret the results of the research
questions or hypotheses tests in verbal
communication.
U
-1
S
0
E
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
Please circle one:
Major Professor, Committee Member, Examiner, Chair of Defense, Faculty, Student
Date: _______________________________________
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
40
Appendix D – PhD Assessment Tables
Table D1.1 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Explain, demonstrate, and
evaluate the scientific
process in written and oral
communications.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
Candidacy Exam
FOR999 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR999 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED: GOALS
AND METHODOLOGY
Table 6 maps the PhD degree
requirements to learning
objectives.
The candidacy exam determines
the breadth and depth of
knowledge in the chosen field of
study and assesses the student’s
understanding of the scientific
process. If the student passes
(fails) the candidacy examination,
learning objectives a) and e) have
been met satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
The capstone seminar provides an
opportunity for graduate students
to present technical information to
a critical body of professionals
and peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the participants
will fill out an assessment form
(see Appendix D).
The student completes an oral
defense of their dissertation to a
defense committee. The oral exam
principally covers the material in
the thesis, as well as literature and
information relating to it. If the
student passes (fails) the oral
defense, the five learning
objectives have been met
satisfactorily (have not been met
satisfactorily).
DATA
COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix D) will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the
beginning of the following
academic year. The
graduate education
committee will maintain
these summary data. Any
assessment tool that has an
identifying name – student
or faculty – will be
destroyed once the data
have been entered into the
database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the PhD
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
41
Table D1.2 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Investigate an original
research question or test
one or more hypotheses.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR999 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR999 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 6 maps the PhD
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix D).
The student completes an
oral defense of the
master’s thesis to a thesis
defense committee. The
oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix D) will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the PhD
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
42
Table D1.3 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Identify the relevant scope
of knowledge and current
theory to investigate the
research problem.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR999 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR999 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 6 maps the PhD
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix D).
The student completes an
oral defense of the
master’s thesis to a thesis
defense committee. The
oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix D) will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the PhD
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
43
Table D1.4 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Identify the appropriate
research tools to
investigate the problem.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR999 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR999 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 6 maps the PhD
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix D).
The student completes an
oral defense of the
master’s thesis to a thesis
defense committee. The
oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix D) will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the PhD
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
44
Table D1.5 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Demonstrate competence
in at least one research tool
that may include statistics,
computer science, or the
ability to translate
technical articles in a
language, other than
English, commonly used in
science.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
Candidacy Exam
FOR999 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR999 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED: GOALS
AND METHODOLOGY
Table 6 maps the PhD degree
requirements to learning
objectives.
The candidacy exam determines
the breadth and depth of
knowledge in the chosen field of
study and assesses the student’s
understanding of the scientific
process. If the student passes
(fails) the candidacy examination,
learning objectives a) and e) have
been met satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
The capstone seminar provides an
opportunity for graduate students
to present technical information to
a critical body of professionals
and peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the participants
will fill out an assessment form
(see Appendix D).
The student completes an oral
defense of their dissertation to a
defense committee. The oral exam
principally covers the material in
the thesis, as well as literature and
information relating to it. If the
student passes (fails) the oral
defense, the five learning
objectives have been met
satisfactorily (have not been met
satisfactorily).
DATA
COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix D) will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the
beginning of the following
academic year. The
graduate education
committee will maintain
these summary data. Any
assessment tool that has an
identifying name – student
or faculty – will be
destroyed once the data
have been entered into the
database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the PhD
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
45
Table D1.6 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Assessment
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
Explain and interpret the
results of the research
question or hypotheses
tests in written and oral
communication.
WHERE
ADDRESSED IN
PROGRAM OF
STUDY
FOR999 – Capstone
Seminar
FOR999 – Oral Defense
HOW ASSESSED:
GOALS AND
METHODOLOGY
Table 6 maps the PhD
degree requirements to
learning objectives.
The capstone seminar
provides an opportunity for
graduate students to
present technical
information to a critical
body of professionals and
peers. At the end of the
capstone seminar, the
participants will fill out an
assessment form (see
Appendix D).
The student completes an
oral defense of the
master’s thesis to a thesis
defense committee. The
oral exam principally
covers the material in the
thesis, as well as literature
and information relating to
it. If the student passes
(fails) the oral defense, the
five learning objectives
have been met
satisfactorily (have not
been met satisfactorily).
DATA COLLECTION
PLAN
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Assessment form
(Appendix D) will be
given to the Chair of the
Graduate Education
Committee. The Graduate
Education Committee will
summarized the
assessment data and
present the summaries to
the faculty at the beginning
of the following academic
year. The graduate
education committee will
maintain these summary
data. Any assessment tool
that has an identifying
name – student or faculty –
will be destroyed once the
data have been entered into
the database.
There have been
approximately 20 to 30
students in the PhD
program per year.
RESPONSE TO
ASSESSMENT
RESULTS
Each degree program will
be assessed based on the
information collected
every fourth year to see if
any programmatic changes
are needed.
46
Appendix D – PhD Assessment Data Form
Assessment of the PhD Capstone Seminar
Name of PhD Student: ________________________________
Respond to each of the following items by circling the number on the scale to the right as
follows: -1 = Unsatisfactory (U), 0 = Satisfactory (S), 1 = Exceptional (E)
Learning Objectives
a) Explain, demonstrate, and evaluate the scientific
process in written and oral communications.
b) Investigate an original research question or test
one or more hypotheses.
c) Identify the relevant scope of knowledge and
current theory to investigate the research
problem.
d) Identify the appropriate research tools to
investigate the problem.
e) Demonstrate competence in at least one research
tool that may include statistics, computer
science, or the ability to translate technical
articles in a language, other than English,
commonly used in science.
f) Explain and interpret the results of the research
question or hypotheses tests in written and oral
communication.
U
-1
S
0
E
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
-1
0
1
Please circle one:
Major Professor, Committee Member, Examiner, Chair of Defense, Faculty, Student
Date: _______________________________________
Comments (strengths, areas for improvement, suggestions for improvement, insights):
47