University of
Northern Iowa
Graduate Program Survey
2010-2011
Office of Institutional Research
By: Tim Starr, Research Assistant
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Summary of Demographics ........................................................................................................................... 2
Summary of Future Plans ............................................................................................................................ 12
Summary of Scholarly Activities at UNI ...................................................................................................... 16
Summary of Reasoning for Attending Graduate School ............................................................................. 23
Summary of Academic Experience and Skills.............................................................................................. 36
Summary of Academic and Social Environment ......................................................................................... 52
Appendix A .................................................................................................................................................. 63
Introduction to the UNI Graduate Program Survey
The University of Northern Iowa’s Office of Institutional Research is proud to offer to you, the
Graduate Program Survey 2010-2011 Results. Throughout the year many students at UNI decided that
they wanted to take a farther stride in pursuing their educational career by taking advantage of UNI’s
graduate programs. Included in this report you will see many reasons as to why students decided to
pursue a higher level of education, how well they believe that UNI prepared them for their advanced
careers, and how they feel about the campus and academic aspects in general.
Throughout the Fall and Spring semesters of the 2010-2011 academic year 381 students took
advantage of the graduate programs here at UNI. Throughout the year we had 259 respondents. This
means that we had a response rate of 70%.
We hope that you enjoy the report, and please if you have any questions or comments, let us
know at instrsch@uni.edu!
1
Summary of Demographics
The number of respondents varied from college to college. There was a high amount of College
of Education students compared to the other colleges (29%, 75 students). The second highest college
(CHFA) had only 20% (53 students) of the respondents. The College of Business had the least amount of
respondents, at 8% (21 students).
Among the graduate program survey respondents, there was a rather large amount of females
that took part in the report. The ratio is 27% Male and 73% Female. The results in the College of
Business were largely male (67%), whereas the percentages of females in the other colleges were much
higher than the males. The College of Humanities and Fine Arts for example is 90.57% female.
The residency of the graduates is not surprising. An overwhelming 81% of respondents are
Residents (192 students) and only 19% are Non-Residents (45 students). Non-Residents were in high
numbers in a few colleges, the College of Business had 5 Non-Residents (out of 21), a percentage of
23.81. In the College of Natural Sciences, Non-Residents were 34.62%, which is 9 out of 28 respondents.
Race/Ethnicity by respondents is an overwhelming 82% white, 8% non-residents, African
Americans, Hispanics, and No response ethnicities are all at 3%, and 1% of respondents are Asian. The
breakdown by college shows that the College of Education had the most White respondents, also, the
most African American graduates were in this college (4). Non-Residents had most of their graduates in
the College of Natural Sciences at a count of 7 (27% of respondents within the CNS). Hispanics were
shown to be mostly in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (9.43%, or 5 graduates).
We could not pull demographic information for the students that neglected to insert their ID
numbers. Therefore there are no “College Unknown” columns.
2
Respondents by college
Ind Studies/Liberal Studies, 6,
2%
College Unknown, 22,
9%
CBA, 21, 8%
CSBS, 56, 22%
COE, 75, 29%
CNS, 26, 10%
CHFA, 53, 20%
3
Gender by Respondents
Male, 65, 27%
Female, 172, 73%
4
Gender by College
100%
90%
33.33%
80%
50.00%
70%
73.21%
76.00%
60%
90.57%
50%
100.00%
Female
Male
40%
66.67%
30%
50.00%
20%
26.79%
24.00%
10%
9.43%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal
Studies
5
Marital Status by Respondents
Single with Dependents, 8, 3%
Married with
Dependents, 28, 12%
Married, 34, 14%
Single, 167, 71%
6
Marital Status by College
90%
85.71%
83.33%
83.02%
80%
73.08%
70%
64.00%
58.93%
60%
50%
Married
Single
Single with Dependents
40%
Married with Dependents
30%
19.64%
20%
17.33%
17.33%
11.54%
11.32%
9.52%
10%
16.67%
5.66%
4.76%
11.54%
10.71% 10.71%
3.85%
1.33%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal
Studies
7
Residency by Respondents
Not a Resident of Iowa, 45, 19%
Resident of Iowa, 192, 81%
8
Residency by College
100%
90%
80%
70%
65.38%
60%
75.47%
76.19%
85.71%
86.67%
50%
100.00%
Resident
Not a Resident
40%
30%
20%
34.62%
10%
24.53%
23.81%
14.29%
13.33%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal
Studies
9
Race/Ethnicity by Respondents
No Response, 8, 3%
Non-Resident Alien, 18, 8%
Hispanic, 8, 3%
Asian, 2, 1%
African American/Black, 6, 3%
White, 195, 82%
10
Race/Ethnicity by College
100%
9.52%
90%
9.52%
80%
4.00%
3.77%
4.00%
1.33%
5.33%
5.66%
9.43%
5.36%
1.79%
1.79%
1.79%
16.67%
26.92%
1.89%
4.76%
3.85%
70%
60%
No Response
Non-Resident Alien
50%
Hispanic
40%
83.33%
79.25%
76.19%
Asian
89.29%
85.33%
African American/Black
White
69.23%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal
Studies
11
Summary of Future Plans
In the Graduate Program Survey, we asked the students to tell us a little bit about what they
plan to do with their future. We asked them if they were going to be going to get a job, and if that job
was in Iowa. If their job was not in Iowa, they were asked whether or not they would return to Iowa, if
given the chance. We also asked them what their continuing education plans were. We asked them if
they were planning on attending more school, and whether or not they would be attending full-time or
part-time. The results of this section of the survey are included in this summary.
A very large portion of students reported that they were going to be going straight into the fulltime workforce (85%). A large amount of the students that did not report going into the work force,
were future further graduate or professional school students, full-time and part-time, at 9%. It is
interesting to note that not a single student in the survey reported that they were going to be raising a
family or joining a military service.
A large amount of the students reported that their job was in the state of Iowa (89%). This
means that 11% of students reported that their job was in another state. And of those 11%, 72% said
that they would return to Iowa if they were given the chance (this comes to 23 students that would
return and 9 students that would not return).
All of this information is in the following graphs.
12
Principal activity upon graduation by college
100%
4.76%
90%
1.37%
1.37%
1.37%
3.85%
6.85%
7.69%
1.37%
1.85%
1.85%
5.00%
11.54%
12.96%
3.85%
7.69%
80%
7.41%
70%
60%
Other
Volunteer activity
50%
100.00%
95.24%
95.00%
87.67%
40%
84.62%
80.77%
Additional undergraduate coursework
Graduate or professional school, part-time
Graduate or professional school, full-time
75.93%
Employment, part-time paid
Employment, full-time paid
30%
20%
10%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind
Studies/Liberal
Studies
College
Unknown
13
Graduates with a job in Iowa by college
100%
12.50%
7.69%
12.73%
90%
13.33%
20.00%
80%
70%
60%
50%
100.00%
87.50%
100.00%
92.31%
87.27%
40%
86.67%
Do not have a job in Iowa
Have a job in Iowa
80.00%
30%
20%
10%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind
College Unknown
Studies/Liberal
Studies
14
Graduate's plans for continuing education by college
30%
25%
20%
17.39%
18.75%
15%
9.52%
11.11%
10%
Currently applying to programs, not yet accepted
Accepted to another graduate/professional program
3.28%
5%
7.69%
8.20%
9.52%
6.67%
10.87%
6.25%
0%
15
Summary of Scholarly Activities at UNI
There were many students who took advantage of research opportunities here at the University.
Many students (138, 53%) completed original research within their respective field of study. Students
from the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the College of Education took advantage of this
opportunity the most at 68% and 56%, respectively. All of the students that were listed under the
category of Individual Studies/Liberal Studies completed original research.
There were many other questions we asked the students about their research, and just a few of
those accomplishments are listed here. In the College of Natural Sciences, 27% submitted original
research. And 15% of the students within the College of Natural Sciences published original research.
Also in the CNS, 38% of the students reported presenting or performing their creative work for
professional review. 42% of the CNS graduates reported that they presented research at a professional
conference. 38% of the CHFA reported that they too presented research at professional conferences.
Many of the colleges have a high amount of students that said they completed a practicum or
internship in a professional setting. The college with the highest percentage was the CSBS, with 63%.
The college with the lowest percentage of completed practicums and internships was the CNS, with
27%.
16
Percent completed original research by college
100%
100.00%
90%
80%
70%
67.92%
CBA
60%
COE
CHFA
56.00%
50%
CNS
50.00%
CSBS
45.45%
42.86%
40%
Ind Studies/Liberal Studies
College Unknown
30%
33.33%
20%
10%
0%
17
Percent published original research by college
18%
16%
15.38%
14%
12%
COE
10%
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
8%
8.00%
College Unknown
7.55%
6%
4.55%
4%
2%
1.79%
0%
18
Creative work presented/performed for professional review by college
45%
40%
38.46%
35%
30%
CBA
COE
25%
CHFA
CNS
20%
CSBS
18.67%
18.87%
18.18%
College Unknown
15%
10%
10.71%
9.52%
5%
0%
19
Presented research at a professional conference by college
45%
42.31%
40%
37.74%
35%
30%
COE
25%
CHFA
22.67%
CNS
23.21%
CSBS
20%
College Unknown
15%
10%
5%
4.55%
0%
20
Participated in other ways in regional or national professional society by
college
30%
28.30%
25%
24.00%
20%
CBA
18.18%
COE
CHFA
15%
15.38%
CNS
14.29%
CSBS
College Unknown
10%
5%
4.76%
0%
21
Completed a practicum or internship in a professional setting by college
70%
62.50%
60%
59.09%
52.00%
50%
52.83%
47.62%
CBA
40%
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
30%
College Unknown
26.92%
20%
10%
0%
22
Summary of Reasoning for attending Graduate School
In our survey we included six reasons for going to graduate school and we asked the graduates
to rate their reason for attending graduate school based on these reasons. They were rated from a 1
(“Low”) to a 4 (“High”). We then asked the graduates to rate how satisfied they were with attending
graduate school based on these same reasons.

Advancement or promotion in a career you had already begun

Entry into a new career

Preparation for further graduate education

Personal growth/fulfillment

Intellectual stimulation

To learn new intellectual/technical skills relevant to my career.
The results clearly show that some of the reasons are much more important to this group of
graduates than other reasons. For example, Personal Growth/Fulfillment is extremely important to
these graduates, because an overwhelming 94% of respondents answered “High” or “Medium-High” for
this reason. Intellectual Stimulation is also a very important reason for attending graduate school, with
88% of respondents answering “High” or “Medium-High” for this reason as well. Another highly
important reason is Learning new intellectual/technical skills. 90% of students rated this as “High” or
“Medium-High”.
Based on the survey, it is very obvious which reasons the students got the most satisfaction
from. Personal Growth/Fulfillment, Intellectual Stimulation, and Learning new intellectual/technical
skills relevant to their careers are the most satisfactory reasons, with percentages of 92%, 89% and 89%
respectively. The three other reasons are still very high, but many of them include a large percentage of
“Not Applicable”.
The next few pages show graphs that show these data.
23
Reason for attending Graduate School by college:
Advancement or promotion in a career already started
100%
90%
80%
37.50%
44.19%
57.14%
70%
60%
53.19%
44.44%
50.00%
80.00%
6.25%
High
50%
4.26%
40%
11.11%
16.28%
10.00%
Low-Medium
31.25%
Low
10.64%
16.67%
17.46%
13.95%
30%
20.00%
9.52%
20%
31.91%
10%
Medium-High
27.78%
25.58%
25.00%
20.00%
15.87%
20.00%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
24
Reason for attending Graduate School by college:
Entry into a new career
100%
90%
27.78%
33.33%
80%
50.75%
53.33%
70%
60%
38.89%
40.91%
61.70%
22.22%
16.67%
High
13.64%
50%
22.22%
Medium-High
Low-Medium
16.67%
17.91%
40%
27.78%
Low
22.22%
30%
21.28%
16.42%
20%
27.78%
45.45%
8.89%
33.33%
10%
8.51%
22.22%
14.93%
15.56%
8.51%
11.11%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
25
Reason for attending Graduate School by college:
Preparation for further graduate education
100%
6.25%
19.35%
90%
20.00%
21.05%
27.91%
18.75%
80%
29.41%
43.18%
70%
15.79%
22.58%
20.00%
18.75%
18.60%
17.65%
60%
2.27%
High
21.05%
50%
17.74%
Medium-High
15.91%
13.95%
17.65%
40%
30%
Low-Medium
Low
60.00%
56.25%
20%
40.32%
38.64%
COE
CHFA
42.11%
39.53%
35.29%
10%
0%
CBA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
26
Reason for attending Graduate School by college:
Personal growth and fulfillment
100%
90%
80%
38.89%
70%
65.67%
60%
66.67%
62.50%
66.67%
82.22%
High
50%
100.00%
Medium-High
Low-Medium
40%
Low
50.00%
30%
10%
29.17%
26.87%
20%
28.57%
33.33%
13.33%
5.56%
6.25%
5.56%
5.97%
1.49%
4.44%
4.76%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
0%
2.08%
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
27
Reason for attending Graduate School by college:
Intellectual stimulation
100%
90%
27.78%
35.29%
80%
49.25%
52.38%
53.19%
70%
60.00%
72.09%
60%
High
50%
44.44%
Medium-High
Low-Medium
40%
Low
58.82%
38.81%
30%
20%
38.10%
36.17%
8.51%
20.00%
16.28%
22.22%
10%
5.56%
0%
CBA
20.00%
8.96%
6.98%
4.76%
2.99%
4.65%
4.76%
COE
CHFA
CNS
2.13%
CSBS
5.88%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
28
Reason for attending Graduate School by college:
To learn new intellectual or technical skills relevant to my career
100%
90%
80%
44.44%
52.24%
70%
57.14%
53.33%
60.00%
64.71%
77.78%
60%
High
50%
Medium-High
Low-Medium
40%
Low
38.89%
31.11%
30%
40.30%
20%
33.33%
40.00%
35.29%
11.11%
10%
4.44%
0%
CBA
11.11%
4.76%
4.48%
2.99%
6.67%
4.76%
4.44%
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
16.67%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
29
How satisfied are you regarding by college:
Advancement or promotion in a career already started
100%
90%
80%
20.00%
32.61%
35.29%
50.00%
50.00%
50.00%
56.10%
70%
60%
19.57%
17.65%
40.00%
High
Medium-High
50%
5.88%
8.70%
40%
11.76%
11.11%
26.56%
9.76%
4.88%
2.44%
30%
20.00%
Low-Medium
Low
N/A
4.35%
11.11%
20.00%
5.00%
5.56%
4.69%
20%
29.41%
10%
34.78%
3.13%
26.83%
25.00%
20.00%
15.63%
22.22%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
30
How satisfied are you regarding by college:
Entry into a new career
100%
90%
22.73%
27.78%
31.25%
33.33%
80%
43.48%
44.78%
57.14%
70%
60%
27.27%
12.50%
22.22%
16.67%
High
Medium-High
50%
Low-Medium
25.00%
40%
13.64%
26.87%
28.26%
Low
27.78%
16.67%
9.09%
30%
20%
N/A
18.75%
8.96%
8.70%
4.76%
4.76%
4.35%
27.27%
10%
19.40%
12.50%
50.00%
16.67%
22.22%
15.22%
0%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
31
How satisfied are you regarding by college:
Preparation for further graduate education
100%
90%
20.00%
33.33%
29.03%
30.00%
80%
29.41%
34.78%
47.50%
70%
60%
5.88%
16.67%
40.00%
25.00%
27.42%
High
23.53%
26.09%
50%
Low-Medium
12.50%
5.00%
40%
9.68%
27.78%
5.00%
Medium-High
Low
5.88%
10.00%
N/A
8.70%
30%
12.90%
17.50%
10.87%
20%
40.00%
35.29%
30.00%
10%
22.22%
20.97%
CBA
COE
19.57%
17.50%
0%
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
32
How satisfied are you regarding by college:
Personal growth and fulfillment
100%
90%
80%
70%
52.38%
55.56%
60.00%
70.21%
75.38%
60%
77.78%
80.49%
High
Medium-High
50%
Low-Medium
Low
40%
N/A
33.33%
30%
20.00%
38.89%
20%
20.00%
10%
9.76%
5.56%
4.62%
CBA
COE
0%
23.40%
7.32%
11.11%
20.00%
9.52%
2.44%
4.76%
4.26%
2.13%
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
11.11%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
33
How satisfied are you regarding by college:
Intellectual stimulation
100%
90%
20.00%
80%
70%
42.86%
61.11%
60.87%
63.08%
60%
40.00%
80.49%
75.00%
High
Medium-High
50%
Low-Medium
Low
40%
N/A
47.62%
30%
20.00%
22.22%
26.15%
32.61%
6.25%
20%
10%
12.20%
11.11%
20.00%
9.23%
5.56%
0%
CBA
4.76%
7.32%
1.54%
COE
CHFA
4.76%
2.17%
2.17%
2.17%
CNS
CSBS
18.75%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
34
How satisfied are you regarding by college:
Learning new intellectual or technical skills relevant to your career
100%
90%
80%
40.00%
47.62%
70%
72.22%
60%
62.50%
65.96%
69.23%
80.49%
High
50%
Medium-High
Low-Medium
40%
40.00%
N/A
33.33%
30%
18.75%
23.40%
18.46%
20%
22.22%
14.63%
10%
9.52%
2.13%
7.69%
5.56%
4.62%
2.44%
2.44%
9.52%
8.51%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
0%
20.00%
12.50%
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
35
Summary of Academic Experiences and Skills
In this section of the survey, students are asked many questions pertaining to how well UNI has
prepared them for many challenges that they will encounter outside of the university. These challenges
include; how well they will be prepared to plan projects, defining problems, solving problems,
conducting themselves in a professional manner, making decisions, working as a team, and many other
questions.
The results for this section show that the graduates felt very prepared for their life outside of
UNI. All of the questions returned with 80% or more respondents saying “Excellent” or “Good” in their
preparedness for these challenges. One of the more outstanding questions was Defining Problems. A
total of 90% of students said that they were either “Excellent” or “Good” at defining problems.
In the following pages you will see many graphs that show these data.
36
How well has UNI prepared you for: Planning projects by college
100%
90%
20.00%
36.36%
80%
45.59%
40.82%
47.83%
50.00%
58.82%
70%
60%
Excellent
50%
Good
27.27%
Average
70.00%
Fair
40%
Can't Evaluate
44.90%
32.61%
47.06%
30%
23.53%
50.00%
27.27%
20%
15.22%
10%
5.00%
0%
5.00%
CBA
11.76%
4.55%
5.88%
1.47%
2.17%
2.17%
4.55%
COE
CHFA
CNS
14.29%
5.88%
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
37
How well has UNI prepared you for: Defining problems by college
100%
90%
22.73%
30.00%
33.33%
80%
54.41%
37.50%
54.35%
59.18%
70%
60%
Excellent
Good
50%
Average
63.64%
Fair
50.00%
40%
65.00%
50.00%
Can't Evaluate
30.43%
30%
38.24%
32.65%
20%
8.70%
10%
0%
9.09%
5.00%
7.35%
4.35%
2.17%
4.55%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
16.67%
8.16%
CSBS
12.50%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
38
How well has UNI prepared you for: Solving problems by college
100%
90%
33.33%
38.89%
80%
45.00%
54.55%
55.22%
70%
60.87%
61.22%
60%
Excellent
Good
50%
Average
30%
Fair
50.00%
40%
44.44%
Can't Evaluate
27.27%
50.00%
41.79%
28.57%
30.43%
20%
10%
0%
11.11%
18.18%
4.35%
8.16%
2.04%
5.00%
2.99%
4.35%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
16.67%
5.56%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
39
How well has UNI prepared you for: Learning new things by college
100%
90%
80%
20.00%
35.00%
59.09%
70%
71.64%
62.50%
65.31%
69.57%
60%
Excellent
Good
50%
Average
Fair
40%
80.00%
Poor
55.00%
18.18%
30%
12.50%
26.53%
20%
23.91%
25.37%
18.75%
22.73%
10%
10.00%
0%
CBA
2.99%
4.35%
2.17%
COE
CHFA
8.16%
CNS
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
40
How well has UNI prepared you for: Thinking creatively by college
100%
90%
15.00%
31.82%
80%
47.06%
50.00%
70%
61.22%
60.00%
68.89%
60%
Excellent
60.00%
31.82%
50%
Good
Average
Fair
40%
Can't Evaluate
41.18%
30%
20.00%
37.50%
28.57%
20%
10%
22.22%
31.82%
25.00%
11.76%
0%
CBA
COE
20.00%
2.22%
4.44%
2.22%
4.55%
CHFA
CNS
10.20%
CSBS
12.50%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
41
How well has UNI prepared you for: Bringing information and ideas
together from different areas by college
100%
90%
80%
35.00%
36.36%
57.14%
58.82%
70%
60.00%
68.75%
73.91%
60%
Excellent
Good
50%
Average
40.91%
Fair
40%
Poor
60.00%
30%
10.87%
20%
12.50%
36.73%
33.82%
40.00%
13.64%
10%
0%
18.75%
13.04%
5.00%
7.35%
CBA
COE
9.09%
2.17%
CHFA
CNS
6.12%
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
42
How well has UNI prepared you for: Using research skills by college
100%
90%
22.73%
80%
40.00%
46.94%
70%
60.00%
56.25%
60.29%
69.57%
60%
Excellent
45.45%
Good
50%
Average
Fair
24.49%
40%
12.50%
30%
Poor
60.00%
25.00%
27.94%
17.39%
20%
18.18%
25.00%
28.57%
10%
15.00%
0%
CBA
8.82%
4.35%
2.17%
1.47%
1.47%
6.52%
COE
CHFA
13.64%
6.25%
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
43
How well has UNI prepared you for: Conducting yourself in a
professional manner by college
100%
13.64%
90%
80%
70%
40.00%
60.00%
66.18%
60%
62.50%
63.27%
65.22%
54.55%
Excellent
Good
50%
Average
40%
Fair
40.00%
Poor
12.50%
30%
15.22%
24.49%
20%
40.00%
25.00%
22.73%
10.87%
10%
7.35%
1.47%
0%
CBA
COE
20.00%
2.17%
6.52%
CHFA
9.09%
CNS
25.00%
12.24%
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
44
How well has UNI prepared you for: Upholding ethical standards by
college
100%
90%
20.00%
31.82%
80%
45.00%
70%
60.87%
61.22%
67.65%
68.75%
60%
Excellent
Good
50%
60.00%
Average
45.45%
Fair
40%
Poor
Can't Evaluate
30%
19.57%
55.00%
28.57%
18.75%
20%
26.47%
6.52%
18.18%
10%
20.00%
6.52%
5.88%
2.17%
4.35%
4.55%
COE
CHFA
CNS
0%
CBA
10.20%
CSBS
12.50%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
45
How well has UNI prepared you for: Adapting to change by college
100%
90%
20.00%
22.73%
30.00%
80%
52.94%
57.14%
58.70%
70%
62.50%
60%
40.00%
Excellent
Good
50.00%
50%
Average
Fair
40%
Poor
60.00%
Can't Evaluate
19.57%
30%
38.24%
30.61%
25.00%
9.09%
20%
40.00%
10.87%
13.64%
10%
6.52%
5.00%
0%
5.00%
CBA
12.24%
8.82%
2.17%
2.17%
4.55%
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
12.50%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
46
How well has UNI prepared you for: Working under pressure by college
100%
90%
31.82%
80%
40.00%
70%
40.00%
57.14%
61.76%
67.39%
75.00%
60%
Excellent
50%
Good
20.00%
40.91%
Average
Fair
40%
30%
Can't Evaluate
60.00%
32.65%
32.35%
20%
19.57%
40.00%
18.18%
12.50%
2.17%
10%
8.70%
0%
CBA
4.41%
1.47%
2.17%
COE
CHFA
9.09%
10.20%
CNS
CSBS
12.50%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
47
How well has UNI prepared you for: Making decisions by college
100%
90%
22.73%
80%
40.00%
45.00%
48.98%
50.00%
55.88%
70%
62.50%
60%
Excellent
50%
54.55%
Good
20.00%
Average
Fair
40%
Can't Evaluate
32.61%
40.82%
30%
55.00%
35.29%
25.00%
20%
40.00%
8.70%
18.18%
10%
8.82%
0%
CBA
COE
6.52%
10.20%
2.17%
4.55%
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
12.50%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
48
How well has UNI prepared you for: Working independently by college
100%
90%
38.10%
80%
40.00%
45.00%
70%
67.65%
63.04%
66.67%
68.75%
60%
Excellent
50%
Good
20.00%
Average
Fair
40%
30%
Can't Evaluate
47.62%
45.00%
17.39%
22.92%
20%
26.47%
40.00%
18.75%
15.22%
10%
9.52%
10.00%
2.17%
2.17%
4.76%
COE
CHFA
CNS
0%
CBA
10.42%
5.88%
CSBS
12.50%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
49
How well has UNI prepared you for: Working with people of diverse
backgrounds by college
100%
90%
80%
20.00%
35.00%
45.45%
54.41%
50.00%
70%
20.00%
65.22%
68.75%
60%
Excellent
Good
50%
30.00%
Average
Fair
40%
40.00%
30%
20%
40.91%
26.47%
Poor
Can't Evaluate
35.42%
10.87%
25.00%
18.75%
15.22%
16.18%
10%
5.00%
0%
8.33%
4.35%
5.00%
1.47%
1.47%
4.35%
CBA
COE
CHFA
20.00%
6.25%
13.64%
6.25%
CNS
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
50
How well has UNI prepared you for: Working as a team by college
100%
90%
80%
35.00%
36.36%
40.00%
51.06%
70%
64.71%
65.22%
68.75%
60%
Excellent
Good
50%
Average
36.36%
Fair
40%
Can't Evaluate
55.00%
31.91%
30%
60.00%
13.04%
12.50%
23.53%
20%
10%
10.00%
10.29%
4.35%
13.64%
17.39%
9.09%
CBA
COE
18.75%
4.55%
1.47%
0%
17.02%
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
51
Summary of Academic and Social Environment
This section of the survey includes how the students felt about the academic and social areas of
their graduate college career. This includes how they felt about their courses during their graduate
studies, how they felt about the instructors in these courses, and whether or not they would
recommend their graduate program to a prospective graduate student.
The results from this section were expected. Only 8% of the students that completed the survey
believed that their courses were not intellectually demanding. Only 5% of the students that took the
survey believed that their graduate learning was not cumulative over a series of courses within their
program. Only 4% of students believed that their instructors were not intellectually stimulating. 6% of
the students that completed the survey felt like the quality of graduate teaching at UNI is not excellent.
Only 5% of students believed that the graduate faculty was not committed with advancing student
learning. 3% of the students that completed the survey believed that no faculty members showed an
active interest in their educational or career goals. 8% of students believed that their courses were not
readily available when they wanted to take them.
The following graphs will show you this information, along with a few other questions.
52
Most of the graduate courses I took at UNI were intellectually
demanding by college
100%
90%
21.74%
33.82%
34.78%
80%
47.73%
70%
56.25%
60.00%
60%
Strongly Agree
50%
56.52%
100.00%
Agree
Disagree
40%
Not sure
58.82%
30%
60.87%
45.45%
30.00%
37.50%
20%
21.74%
10%
10.00%
0%
CBA
5.88%
1.47%
6.82%
COE
CHFA
4.35%
CNS
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
53
The graduate learning experience was cumulative over a series of
courses in the graduate program by college
100%
90%
39.13%
80%
45.00%
40.00%
45.59%
53.33%
70%
62.79%
60%
81.25%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
Disagree
40%
30%
Not sure
56.52%
50.00%
60.00%
51.47%
44.44%
27.91%
20%
10%
0%
18.75%
5.00%
1.47%
1.47%
CBA
COE
9.30%
CHFA
4.35%
2.22%
CNS
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
54
Most of the graduate instructors were intellectually stimulating by
college
100%
90%
80%
45.00%
39.13%
44.12%
41.30%
70%
62.50%
65.91%
60%
80.00%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
Disagree
40%
Not sure
52.17%
30%
50.00%
54.35%
50.00%
31.25%
20%
34.09%
10%
0%
20.00%
5.00%
4.41%
1.47%
CBA
COE
8.70%
CHFA
CNS
4.35%
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
55
The overall quality of graduate teaching at UNI is excellent by college
100%
90%
34.78%
80%
40.00%
40.00%
48.53%
56.25%
56.82%
70%
60%
80.00%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
Disagree
Not sure
40%
56.52%
30%
60.00%
39.71%
57.78%
37.50%
38.64%
20%
10%
20.00%
8.82%
0%
CBA
2.27%
2.27%
8.70%
2.94%
COE
CHFA
CNS
2.22%
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
56
The graduate faculty I had contact with were committed to advancing
student learning by college
100%
90%
80%
51.11%
56.72%
70%
60.87%
65.00%
75.00%
60%
75.00%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
100.00%
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
40%
Not sure
30%
48.89%
40.30%
34.78%
20%
35.00%
18.18%
18.75%
10%
0%
CBA
1.49%
1.49%
2.27%
2.27%
2.27%
4.35%
COE
CHFA
CNS
6.25%
CSBS
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
57
At least one faculty member showed an active interest in my
educational or career goals by college
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
62.22%
75.00%
76.47%
79.55%
80.00%
82.61%
76.47%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
Disagree
40%
Not sure
30%
20%
10%
37.78%
25.00%
0%
CBA
19.12%
18.18%
13.04%
1.47%
2.94%
2.27%
4.35%
COE
CHFA
CNS
20.00%
CSBS
23.53%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
58
Most of the courses in my graduate program were readily available
when I wanted to take them by college
100%
90%
80%
70%
55.00%
55.56%
63.24%
65.22%
75.00%
77.27%
60%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
100.00%
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
40%
30%
Not sure
30.00%
33.33%
21.74%
29.41%
20%
18.75%
15.91%
10%
0%
10.00%
8.70%
11.11%
5.00%
4.41%
1.47%
1.47%
4.55%
2.27%
4.35%
CBA
COE
CHFA
CNS
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
59
The UNI community encourages the examination of diverse and
controversial ideas in its graduate programs by college
100%
90%
80%
20.00%
35.00%
45.59%
47.83%
46.67%
54.55%
70%
68.75%
60%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
60.00%
Disagree
40%
45.00%
Strongly Disagree
Not sure
34.78%
45.59%
30%
42.22%
27.27%
20%
25.00%
4.35%
10.00%
11.36%
10%
0%
5.00%
4.41%
5.00%
4.41%
4.55%
2.27%
CBA
COE
CHFA
13.04%
6.67%
4.44%
CNS
CSBS
20.00%
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
60
I believe I have received a high quality graduate education from UNI by
college
100%
90%
20.00%
34.78%
80%
48.89%
70%
60.00%
55.88%
68.18%
68.75%
60%
Strongly Agree
Agree
50%
Disagree
40%
Not sure
65.22%
30%
48.89%
36.76%
20%
Strongly Disagree
80.00%
35.00%
25.00%
25.00%
10%
0%
5.00%
2.94%
4.41%
4.55%
2.27%
CBA
COE
CHFA
2.22%
CNS
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
61
I would recommend my graduate program to a prospective student by
college
100%
90%
20.00%
80%
50.00%
70%
65.00%
54.55%
61.76%
68.75%
72.73%
60%
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
60.00%
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
40%
Not sure
30%
40.91%
40.91%
20%
30.00%
35.29%
25.00%
18.18%
10%
0%
20.00%
5.00%
1.47%
1.47%
CBA
COE
9.09%
CHFA
4.55%
4.55%
2.27%
2.27%
CNS
CSBS
6.25%
Ind Studies/Liberal College Unknown
Studies
62
Appendix A
UNI Graduate Program Survey
May 2011
CONGRATULATIONS on your graduation! Your responses to this survey will be used for program improvement and will not be linked in any way to your
records. Individual responses to this survey will be confidential. Survey findings will be reported in aggregate only. Please complete all six sections.
Please fill in the response circle completely. Use only black or blue ink or dark pencil to complete the survey.
Section 1: Background Information
Student ID Number
If employed, please provide the following
details: (individual responses will be kept confidential)
Job Title
⓪
⓪
⓪
⓪
⓪
⓪
①
①
①
①
①
①
②
②
②
②
②
②
③
③
③
③
③
③
④
④
④
④
④
④
⑤
⑤
⑤
⑤
⑤
⑤
⑥
⑥
⑥
⑥
⑥
⑥
⑦
⑦
⑦
⑦
⑦
⑦
⑧
⑧
⑧
⑧
⑧
⑧
⑨
⑨
⑨
⑨
⑨
⑨
Institution Name
City
State
Area of study
Intended Degree
Start Date
Name of Employing
Organization
City
State
Section 4: Scholarly and Academic
Activities at UNI
Annual Salary ($)
Start Date
Is this job in the state of
Iowa?
If not, would you return to Iowa
in the future if given the chance?
① Yes
① Yes
② No
② No
Section 2: Plans Following Graduation
What is MOST LIKELY to be your PRINCIPAL
activity upon graduation?
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨
Employment, full-time paid
Employment, part-time paid
Graduate or professional school, full-time
Graduate or professional school, part-time
Additional undergraduate coursework
Military service
Volunteer activity (e.g., Peace Corps)
Starting or raising a family
Other, please specify:
If pursing further education, please provide
the following details:
Section 3: Plans for Further Education
What are your continuing education plans?
①
②
③
④
Accepted to another graduate/professional
program
Currently applying to programs, not yet
accepted
Accepted to an undergraduate program
None
Please mark each of the following activities
that you experienced or participated in
during your graduate education at UNI.
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
Completed original research
Submitted original research for publication
Published original research
Creative work presented/performed for
professional review
Presented research at a professional
conference
Participated in other ways in regional or
national professional society
Completed a practicum or internship in a
professional setting
Will you be attending:
①
②
Full-time
Part-time
64
Office of Institutional Research 319-273-3050
Please complete both sides of the survey.
Below are some reasons for going to graduate school. Shade in the appropriate circle for how
important that reason was to you.
Low
①
High
④
Advancement or promotion in a career you had already begun
① ② ③ ④ Entry into a new career
① ② ③ ④ Preparation for further graduate education
① ② ③ ④ Personal growth/fulfillment
① ② ③ ④ Intellectual stimulation
① ② ③ ④ To learn new intellectual/technical skills relevant to my career
Using the same reasons, shade in the appropriate circle for how satisfied you feel about
achieving that goal through your graduate experience at UNI.
Low
High
NA
① ② ③
④
⓪ Advancement or promotion in a career you had already begun
① ② ③
④
⓪ Entry into a new career
① ② ③
④
⓪ Preparation for further graduate education
① ② ③
④
⓪ Personal growth/fulfillment
① ② ③
④
⓪ Intellectual stimulation
① ② ③
④
⓪ To learn new intellectual/technical skills relevant to my career
②
③
Think about your future/career goals. Using
the scale on the left, please rate how well
UNI has prepared you for….
Poor
Fair
Average
Good
Excellent
Cannot
Evaluate
Section 5: Educational Experiences and Skills
Planning projects
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
Defining problems
Solving problems
Learning new things
Thinking creatively
Bringing information/ideas together from
different areas
Using research skills
Conducting yourself in a professional manner
Upholding ethical standards
Adapting to change
Working under pressure
Making decisions
Working independently
Working with people of diverse backgrounds
Working as a team
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
①
②
③
④
⑤
⓪
Section 6: Academic and Social Environment
Please indicate the extent to which you
agree or disagree with the following
statements.
Most of the graduate courses I took at
UNI were intellectually demanding.
Most of my graduate instructors were
intellectually stimulating.
My graduate learning experience was
cumulative over a series of courses in my
program.
The overall quality of graduate teaching at
UNI is excellent.
The graduate faculty I had contact with
were committed to advancing student
learning.
At least one graduate faculty member
showed an active interest in my
educational/career goals.
Most of the courses in my graduate
program were readily available when I
wanted to take them.
The UNI community encourages the
examination of diverse and controversial
ideas in its graduate programs.
I believe I have received a high quality
graduate education from UNI.
I would recommend my graduate
program to a prospective graduate
student.
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Not
Sure
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
①
②
③
④
⓪
Section 7: Faculty and Staff Recognition
Please list the name(s) of any
faculty who have had a positive
influence on your development as
a student at UNI.
Please list the name(s) of any
staff members who have had a
positive influence on your
development as a student at UNI.
Faculty Name(s)
Staff name(s)
65