SJSU Annual Program Assessment Form
Academic Year 2013-2014
Department: Electrical Engineering
Program: M.S. Electrical Engineering
College: Engineering
Website: ee.sjsu.edu
Program Accreditation (if any):
Contact Person and Email: Robert H. Morelos-Zaragoza, robert.morelos-zaragoza@sjsu.edu
Date of Report: May 28, 2014
Part A
1. List of Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program uses the Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
posted on the EE Department website at http://ee.sjsu.edu/content/learning-objectives as shown
below:
The EE department is committed to fulfill the following learning objectives in its Master of Science in
Electrical Engineering program:
PLO1: Students will be able to base analysis, problem solving and design on core advanced EE
theory.
PLO2: Students will be able to develop deeper understanding of an area of concentration in their
graduate programs.
PLO3: Students will be able to apply modern tools for computations, simulations, analysis, and
design.
PLO4: Students will be able to communicate engineering results effectively.
2. Map of PLOs to University Learning Goals (ULGs)
The five University Learning Goals are listed below:
1. ULG #1 - Specialized Knowledge: Depth of knowledge required for a degree, as identified by its
program learning outcomes
2. ULG #2 - Broad Integrative Knowledge: Mastery of each step of an investigative, creative, or
practical project. Understanding of the implications of results or findings from a particular work in
societal context
3. ULG #3 - Intellectual Skills: Fluency in the use of specific theories, tools, technology, and graphical
representation. Skills and abilities necessary for life-long learning: critical and creative thinking
effective communication, conscientious information gathering and processing, mastery of
quantitative methodologies, and the ability to engage effectively in collaborative activities
4. ULG #4 - Applied Knowledge: Ability to integrate theory, practice, and problem-solving to address
practical issues. Ability to apply their knowledge and skills to new settings or in addressing complex
1
problems. The ability to work productively as individuals and in groups
5. ULG #5 - Social and Global Responsibilities: Ability to act intentionally and ethically to address a
global or local problem in an informed manner with a multicultural and historical perspective and a
clear understanding of societal and civic responsibilities. Diverse and global perspectives through
engagement with the multidimensional SJSU community
The mapping of MSEE PLOs to the University Learning Goals is shown in the table below.
MSEE Program Learning Objectives (PLOs)
PLO1: Ability to base analysis, problem solving and design on core advanced
EE theory
PLO2: Ability to develop deeper understanding of an area of concentration in
their graduate programs
PLO3: Ability to apply modern tools for computations, simulations, analysis,
and design
PLO4: Ability to communicate engineering results effectively
1
X
2
X
X
X
ULGs
3
4
X
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
3. Alignment – Matrix of PLOs to Courses
The levels of attainment of courses to the MSEE Program Learning/Student Outcomes are shown in the
table below. In the table, the numbers (1 to 5) represent the levels of support such that blank (or 0)
means "no support," 1 is minimum support and 5 is the highest support
Program Outcomes versus Courses
EE 295 /
EE 210
EE 221
EE 250
ENGR 200W
PLO1
5
5
5
PLO2
PLO3
4
3
PLO4
4
Comprehensive
Exam1
EE 297A/B
5
4
5
5
EE 299A/B
4
5
5
1
List of courses covered in the comprehensive exam: EE210, EE221, EE223, EE224, EE250, EE251, EE253,
EE270, EE271, EE281, EE283.
4. Planning – Assessment Schedule
The overall data collection (C), evaluation (D), and implementation (I) schedule for the EE graduate
program is shown in the figure below. The figure only shows the schedule for the assessment of the
Program Educational Objectives.
2
↓Semester Program Start
Semester of End of Program ↓
PO
F-10
S-11
F-11
S-12
F-12
S-13
F-13
S-14
F-14
S-15
1
C
D
I
C
D
I
C
D
I
C
C
D
I
C
D
I
C
D
I
C
D
I
C
D
I
C
D
C
D
I
C
D
I
C
2
3
4
The Overall Program Assessment Schedule
5. Student Experience
 The current set of MSEE Program Educational Objectives is available in the university catalog and
posted on the EE Department website at http://ee.sjsu.edu/content/learning-objectives
 The Program Educational Objectives are determined and evaluated through consultation involving
four core constituents: Students, Alumni, Industry, and Faculty.
 Students have limited knowledge of the program outcomes. Communication is occasional and
informal, left to individual faculty or advisors.
Part B
6. Graduation Rates for Total, Non URM and URM students (per program and degree)
Academic Programs
Electrical Engineering
First-time Freshmen: 6
Year Graduation Rates
New UG Transfers: 3 Year
Graduation Rates
Grads : 3 Year
Graduation Rates
Fall 2007 Cohort
Fall 2010 Cohort
Fall 2010 Cohort
Entering
% Grad
Entering
% Grad
Entering
% Grad
Total
46
45.7%
39
43.6%
157
73.9%
URM
11
18.2%
5
0.0%
5
80.0%
Non-URM
27
51.9%
24
50.0%
31
41.9%
Other
8
62.5%
10
50.0%
121
81.8%
7. Headcounts of program majors and new students (per program and degree)
Fall 2013
New Students
Electrical
Engineering
Degree
1st Fr.
UG Transf
New Creds
Total
92
98
0
BS
92
98
MS
0
0
Cont. Students
Total
1st
Grads
192
UGs
Creds
Grads
UGs
Creds
Grads
345
0
213
535
0
405
0
0
345
0
0
535
0
0
0
192
0
0
213
0
0
405
3
8. SFR and average section size (per program)
Fall 2013
Student to
Faculty
Ratio
(SFR)
22.5
Average
Headcount
per Section
Lower Division
45.4
39.4
Upper Division
22.9
37.8
Graduate Division
20.5
32.0
Course Prefix
Course Level
EE - Electrical Engineering
Total
34.9
9. Percentage of tenured/tenure-track instructional faculty (per department)
Fall 2013
Electrical Engineering
% Tenured/Prob
Tenured
Probationary
Temp Lecturer
62.0%
9.175
7.707
3.421
Part C
10. Closing the Loop/Recommended Actions
∙ Develop rubrics for each assessed outcome for all core courses, comprehensive exam, and the
project/thesis courses
∙ Develop a student database for student advising
∙ Continue data collection (C), analysis of assessment results (D), and implementation of
recommended changes (I) as scheduled
∙ Invite industry representatives and working engineers to attend MSEE project/thesis
presentations
∙ Modify the number of core courses to two and add a mandatory area course
11. Assessment Data
Data for this report is based on a PLO report prepared for WASC in Fall 2011. MSEE project reports,
theses and comprehensive exams are available from the EE department upon request.
12. Analysis
The EE297A course now includes lectures on technical report preparation, proper use of references,
presentation skills and invited lectures. Rubrics have not yet been implemented in full. In particular,
some data of final project courses EE297A/B (which most students take) rely only grades. The
department has yet to implement a proper direct-assessment process for the MSEE program.
13. Proposed changes and goals (if any)
∙ Include proper course learning objectives using Bloom’s taxonomy in all MSEE program courses
∙ Perform direct assessment in core courses, using samples of student work
∙ Define new student outcomes and redefine program educational objectives (which are currently
stated as outcomes) for the MSEE program
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