Program Assessment Plan American University SOC: Communication - PhD

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Program Assessment Plan

American University

SOC: Communication - PhD

SOC: Communication - PhD

Contact Person for

Assessment:

Kathryn Montgomery

Primary Department: Communication Studies

Learning Outcome: Theory

Students will demonstrate advanced, doctoral level knowledge of the following:

- The history of the communication field and related disciplines, particularly in their individual areas of concentration.

- Major theories, areas of scholarship, and research in the communication field and related disciplines as they relate to the focus of the program and the students' specific concentrations.

- The practical application of these theories and areas of scholarship in a variety of policy contexts, industries and professional situations.

Assessment Plan: Questions to assess these outcomes will be included in the comprehensive doctoral exam, which students will take in the spring semester of their second year.

Outcome Year: 2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome

Assessment Plan

Assessment Method Target

Comprehensive examinations, administered during the spring semester of the second year will include a question that specifically tests students' understanding and application of communication theory.

At least 90% of the students showing mastery.

Measure Type:

Written Assignment

Schedule/Cycle

Spring Semester, starting in 2013.

Active

Yes

Learning Outcome: Research Methods

- Doctoral students will use advanced technology methods in conducting and presenting research, findings, and creative material.

- Doctoral students must demonstrate analytical thinking and employ evidence-based reasoning, as evaluated by the doctoral committee and graduate program director

- Students will demonstrate doctoral level knowledge of the nature of the research process, the development and evaluation of knowledge, and the application of evidence.

- Doctoral students must excel at gathering primary and secondary data qualitatively and quantitatively, as evaluated by the doctoral committee and advisor.

- Students must pass a comprehensive doctoral exam and demonstrate timely completion of course work.

Outcome Year: 2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome

Assessment Method

Assessment Plan

Target Schedule/Cycle Active

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Assessment Method

Successful completion of methodology section in the students' dissertation proposals.

Measure Type:

Written Assignment

Assessment Plan

Target

100% approval rate of dissertation proposals.

Schedule/Cycle Active

By the end of Spring Semester, beginning in

2013.

Yes

Learning Outcome: Applied Research

Students will successfully research, write, and defend their dissertations, as evaluated by the doctoral committee and external examiner.

Outcome Year: 2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome

Assessment Method

Successful presentation and defense of research methods used in the dissertation.

Measure Type:

Quiz/ Exam

Assessment Plan

Target

100 % of students.

Schedule/Cycle

End of the third year in the program, which will begin in April, 2014.

Active

Yes

Learning Outcome: Teaching

Students will, through the teaching seminar, and through working as a teaching assistant, gain teaching experience and skills to prepare them for careers in academia and beyond.

Outcome Year: 2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome

Assessment Method

Successful performance as a teaching assistant in Comm 100. Supervising professors will write an evaluation for each TA at the end of the semester.

Measure Type:

Performance

Students will list their accomplishments in graduate school to date to show their growing record of experience and professional accomplishment.

Measure Type:

Other

Assessment Plan

Target

100% of students

Schedule/Cycle

Fall Semester of second year, beginning in

2012.

Active

Yes

Yes

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