Dakota State University
Assessment Plan with Annual Data
For Computer and Network Security
Goal #1
Demonstrate proficiency in foundational information technology disciplines.
Assessment Tools
(Evaluation Measures)
Student Learning Outcomes
Working knowledge in systems development, including
systems analysis, design, development, testing and
scripting.
1.
Working knowledge in common operating systems
including installation, configuration, scripting, user and
resource management, troubleshooting and the use of
common system utilities.
Proficiency in networking, including installation,
maintenance, monitoring, resource management, user
management, and performance issues.
1.
2.
2.
1.
2.
Course Grades: Students will successfully complete CSC 150, CSC 250,
CIS 275, CIS 375, and CIS 332 with a grade of B or higher.
Assessment Exam: Graduates will score a 70% or higher on the
Foundational IT portion of the CONS assessment exam.
Course Grades: Students will successfully complete CIS 350 and CIS 328
with a grade of B or higher.
Assessment Exam: Graduates will score a 70% or higher on the
Foundational IT portion of the CONS assessment exam.
Course Grades: Students will successfully complete CIS 350, CIS 383 and
CIS 385 with a grade of B or higher.
Assessment Exam: Graduates will score a 70% or higher on the
Foundational IT portion of the CONS assessment exam.
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
75%
70%
75%
70%
75%
70%
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
2010-11
Graduates
2009-10
Graduates
N=26
62%
N=21
29%
N=26
81%
N=21
29%
N=26
81%
N=28
54%
N=29
41%
N=28
82%
N=29
41%
N=28
68%
N=24
33%
N=26
42%
N=22
73%
N=26
42%
N=22
64%
N=15
73%
N=23
65%
N=15
93%
N=23
65%
N=15
73%
N=21
29%
N=29
41%
N=26
42%
N=23
65%
*The Computer and Network Security assessment plan was significantly changed for the 2010 year.
**In 2010, one graduate completed the degree through an articulation agreement and did not complete CIS 275, CIS 328, or CIS 350.
***CONS program contribution based on ratings of 3 & 4 on a 1-4 Likert scale ranging from none to a great deal. Employer survey ratings of 2-4 on scale of 1-4.
****2010-2011 Graduate course information based on only those who completed all courses listed for the outcome. There were a total of 24 graduates in 2010-2011.
Assessment Plan for Computer and Network Security
Goal #2
Demonstrate proficiency in the primary areas of information security.
Assessment Tools
(Evaluation Measures)
Student Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate proficiency in assessing vulnerabilities,
identifying necessary mitigation strategies, and verifying
effectiveness of resolutions in computer hardware and
operating systems.
1.
2.
3.
Demonstrate proficiency in assessing vulnerabilities,
identifying necessary mitigation strategies, and verifying
effectiveness of resolutions in computer networks.
1.
2.
3.
Demonstrate Proficiency in assessing vulnerabilities,
identifying necessary mitigation strategies, and verifying
effectiveness of resolutions in computer software.
1.
2.
3.
Course Grades: Students will successfully complete CIS 245 and CIS
414/CSC 432 with a grade of B or higher.
Assessment Exam: Graduates will score a 70% or higher on the
hardware and operating systems security portion of the CONS
assessment exam.
Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that the graduates
understand the technical aspects of securing computer hardware and
operating systems.
Course Grades: Students will successfully complete CIS 245, CIS
416/CSC 436 and CIS 420/CSC 438 with a grade of B or higher.
Assessment Exam: Graduates will score a 70% or higher on the network
security portion of the CONS assessment exam.
Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that the graduates
understand the technical aspects of securing computer hardware and
operating systems.
Course grades: Students will successfully complete CIS 245, CIS 422/CSC
434, and CSC 409/334/444 with a grade of B or higher.
Assessment Exam: Graduates will score a 70% or higher on the
software security portion of the CONS assessment exam.
Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that the graduates
understand the technical aspects of securing computer software.
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
2010-11
Graduates
2009-10
Graduates
75%
N=26
88%
N=30
73%
N=22
68%
N=16
88%
70%
N=21
67%
N=30
73%
N=26
58%
N=23
61%
75%
N/A
N=5
100%
N=5
100%
N=4
100%
N=26
69%
N=21
57%
N=30
77%
N=30
73%
N=15
67%
N=26
69%
N=16
94%
N=23
74%
N/A
N=5
100%
N=5
100%
N=4
100%
N=28
71%
N=30
60%
N=5
100%
N=14
79%
N=26
62%
N=4
100%
N=16
100%
N=23
65%
N=4
100%
75%
70%
75%
75%
70%
75%
N=23
78%
N=21
43%
N/A
The DSU Employer Survey is administered to the employers of DSU graduates 1 year after graduation. The survey was revised in 2010; the results are on a 4-point likert scale 1=Does not meet
expectations 2= Meets expectations 3= Exceeds expectations 4= Greatly exceeds expectations. “Non-Applicable” responses on surveys are not included. The DSU Alumni Survey is administered to
graduates at 1 year and 3 years post-graduation. For example: The 2010 Alumni Survey was completed by 2008-09 graduates (1 year) and 2006-07 graduates (3 years post-graduation). The survey
was revised in 2010; the results are on a 4-point likert scale 1=Very Dissatisfied 2=Dissatisfied 3=Satisfied 4= Very Satisfied.
Assessment Plan for Computer and Network Security
Goal #3
Well-prepared academically to secure an entry-level position in the career field or attend graduate school.
Assessment Tools
(Evaluation Measures)
Student Learning Outcomes
Be prepared for entry-level security-related positions
related to hardware, operating systems, networking, and
software.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Be prepared to attend graduate school in Information
assurance, Computer Science Software Engineering,
Information Systems, and other related disciplines.
1.
2.
3.
Assessment Plan for Computer and Network Security
Graduate Survey: Graduates will indicate that the CONS program
contributed to their knowledge of their academic area as it relates to
their job.
Graduate Survey: Graduates will indicate that they are satisfied with
their overall professional capabilities.
Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that CONS graduates have an
appropriate level of knowledge in securing hardware and operating
systems (when applicable to career appointment).
Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that DSU graduates need less
than the usual additional job-related training.
Employer Survey: Employers will indicate that DSU graduates’ ability to
learn on the job meets or exceeds expectations.
Placement results: CONS graduates registered with the DSU Placement
Office will be accepted into graduate school or find employment within
four months of graduation.
Graduate Survey: Graduates will indicate that the CONS program
contributed to their knowledge of information security as it relates to
their job.
Graduate Survey: Graduates will indicate that they are satisfied with
their overall professional capabilities because of the CONS program.
Placement Results: CONS graduates registered with DSU Placement
Office will be accepted into graduate school or find employment within
four months of graduation.
Benchmarks
(Standards of
Performance)
2012-13
Graduates
2011-12
Graduates
2010-11
Graduates
2009-10
Graduates
75%
N/A
N=7
100%
N=7
71%
N=2
100%
75%
N/A
N=7
86%
N=8
75%
N=2
100%
85%
N/A
N=5
100%
N=5
100%
N=4
100%
85%
N/A
85%
N/A
N=5
40%
N=5
100%
N=5
40%
N=5
100%
85%
N/A
95%
75%
N/A
N=7
100%
N=7
71%
75%
N/A
N=7
100%
N=7
86%
85%
N/A
95%
N=4
75%
N=4
100%
91% Placement
100% Placement
Total graduates:
Graduates: 23
22
Continuing Ed: 8
Continuing Ed: 4
Graduates
Graduates
placed: 15
placed: 16
N=2
100%
N=2
100%
91% Placement
100% Placement
Total graduates:
Graduates: 23
22
Continuing Ed: 8
Continuing Ed: 4
Graduates
Graduates
placed: 15
placed: 16