Public and Human Services Administration
Assessment Plan

Link to Assessment Measures:
    Assessment of Final Project
    Program Evaluation

Assessment Policy And Procedure

Students graduating with a Master's in Public and Human Services Administration are required to complete a Final Project and Oral Examination. The Project and examination are under the tutelage of the student's major advisor and three other committee members. Successful completion of the final project and oral exam demonstrates the student's ability to use the various skills and knowledge acquired during their tenure in the PHSA program. These two instruments are the best tools available for assessing how well the student has learned the lessons the program seeks to teach.

Successful completion means that the student has demonstrated the ability to define the issue under study, use valid research and analysis techniques, and draw appropriate conclusions from the results in a way that enable an organization or administrator to make a decision. The committee with whom the student has been working throughout the life of the project makes this determination. The committee acts as both guides through the process of completing the project and examiners of the student's efforts. Their experience and knowledge makes them the best choice for evaluating whether the student has attained the level of scholarship required for obtaining a Master's in Public and Human Services Administration.

The attached form on assessing the final project and oral examination is not a replacement for the committee's judgment. The purpose of this form is to provide a written evaluation. The final projects from PHSA students cover a variety of topics depending upon their own interests and career goals. The form does not cover everything that the committee will consider when evaluating the student's project or oral exam. Much of that evaluation will depend upon the specific project the student has proposed. The points covered by the form, however, are applicable to any final project and oral exam.

The second form is given to graduating students so they may evaluate their professors, classes, and overall educational experience in the PHSA program. This form has been used for several years. I have added three questions that relate specifically to the program's relevance to the student's current job or future job/career plans. The main purpose of this evaluation is to provide the PHSA director and faculty with feedback on the overall program as seen by those who have successfully completed it.

Vision Statement
The following statement is drawn from the PHSA student handbook

Moorhead State University's Master of Science Degree in Public and Human Service Administration offers the special expertise needed by professionals who are now managing or who intend to manage public agencies, non-profit organizations, and/or social service facilities. The program integrates knowledge from several areas such as sociology, public administration, social work, political science, business administration and law. The program is aimed at anyone interested in the management and administration of organizations, non-profit corporations, health care facilities, arts boards, youth groups, law enforcement, and similar organizations.

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an equal opportunity educator and employer | Accessibility Questions? | Contact assess@mnstate.edu | Updated 1/11/06
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