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Academic Assessment Program	Sociology
University of Central Arkansas

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BA/BS in Sociology
Departmental Honors in Sociology

Statement of Progam Purpose
The goals of the Sociology Program are to (1) increase student awareness and understanding of sociological theories, methods, and research, in particular as relevant to the structure and variance of social interaction in human societies or as related to the discipline specialties of criminology, ethnic studies, and medical sociology; (2) provide students with a basic background in statistical analysis and methodological assessment of research; and (3) prepare students for advanced study and careers in sociology and sociology-related areas.

Statement of Progam Purpose

The goals of the Sociology Program are to (1) increase student awareness and understanding of sociological theories, methods, and research, in particular as relevant to the structure and variance of social interaction in human societies or as related to the discipline specialties of criminology, ethnic studies, and medical sociology; (2) provide students with a basic background in statistical analysis and methodological assessment of research; and (3) prepare students for advanced study and careers in sociology and sociology-related areas.

BA/BS in Sociology

Most recent assessment report: October 1998

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Intended Outcomes/Objectives	Assessment Procedures and Criteria
1. Students completing a baccalaureate degree in Sociology will have competence in the understanding of sociological theories, methods and research. This will include Comprehension of the basic concepts in sociology, A general understanding of the main foci of sociological research, and Knowledge of the principle theorists in sociology.	1a. The average score of graduates of the baccalaureate program in Sociology will be near the 50th percentile on the MFAT (which will be taken just prior to completion of the requirements for a major in the field). 1b. The mean grade point average in the core program courses for those who major in Sociology will be at or above 3.0 in a 4.0 system. Core courses are SOC 2320, 2321, 4330, and 4360.
2. Students completing a baccalaureate degree in Sociology will have necessary skills to conduct their own methodologically sound research projects and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.	2a. Ninety percent of graduating majors will state that they "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement: "I feel that the program curriculum prepared me to understand sociological methods of inquiry." 2b. All majors will have experience using statistics to analyze data, as demonstrated by a majority receiving passing grades on exercises using statistical packages. 2c. Forty percent of those completing a major in sociology will present an original paper in at least one of the annual Arkansas Sociological and Anthropological Undergraduate Symposia, at another sociological meeting, or at other opportunities for a formal presentation.
3. Students completing a baccalaureate degree in Sociology will be prepared for employment in a sociology-related field or pursuit of advanced education in sociology, or will quickly be able to acquire these skills.	3a. Ninety percent of graduating majors will state that they "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement: "I feel that the program curriculum prepared me for sociology-related employment." 3b. Of the sociology graduates responding to a survey, twenty-five percent or more will be applying to graduate programs in Sociology or some related field. 3c. Of the sociology graduates responding to a survey, twenty-five percent or more will explicitly seek discipline-related employment.

Intended Outcomes/Objectives

Assessment Procedures and Criteria

1. Students completing a baccalaureate degree in Sociology will have competence in the understanding of sociological theories, methods and research. This will include

Comprehension of the basic concepts in sociology,
A general understanding of the main foci of sociological research, and
Knowledge of the principle theorists in sociology.

1a. The average score of graduates of the baccalaureate program in Sociology will be near the 50th percentile on the MFAT (which will be taken just prior to completion of the requirements for a major in the field).

1b. The mean grade point average in the core program courses for those who major in Sociology will be at or above 3.0 in a 4.0 system. Core courses are SOC 2320, 2321, 4330, and 4360.

2. Students completing a baccalaureate degree in Sociology will have necessary skills to conduct their own methodologically sound research projects and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.

2a. Ninety percent of graduating majors will state that they "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement: "I feel that the program curriculum prepared me to understand sociological methods of inquiry."

2b. All majors will have experience using statistics to analyze data, as demonstrated by a majority receiving passing grades on exercises using statistical packages.

2c. Forty percent of those completing a major in sociology will present an original paper in at least one of the annual Arkansas Sociological and Anthropological Undergraduate Symposia, at another sociological meeting, or at other opportunities for a formal presentation.

3. Students completing a baccalaureate degree in Sociology will be prepared for employment in a sociology-related field or pursuit of advanced education in sociology, or will quickly be able to acquire these skills.

3a. Ninety percent of graduating majors will state that they "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement: "I feel that the program curriculum prepared me for sociology-related employment."

3b. Of the sociology graduates responding to a survey, twenty-five percent or more will be applying to graduate programs in Sociology or some related field.

3c. Of the sociology graduates responding to a survey, twenty-five percent or more will explicitly seek discipline-related employment.

Departmental Honors in Sociology

Intended Outcomes/Objectives	Assessment Procedures and Criteria
1. Sociology honors graduates will conduct intensive professional research in sociology, beyond normal program requirements.	1. Sociology honors graduates complete SOC 4390, Selected Problems in Sociology, as an honors independent study with a 4.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Sociology honors graduates will write high-quality, professional sociology papers.	2. Each honors graduate's departmental honors committee, comprised of two members of the sociology faculty, in conjunction with the director of the honors project, judges the paper "excellent by professional standards."
3. Sociology honors graduates will present and defend their research papers during an oral examination.	3. The honors graduate's departmental committee, in conjunction with the director of the honors project, judges the presentation and defense acceptable.

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