Weber State University
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Criminal Justice - GraduateResults of Assessment 2004-2005 (submitted 04/19/05) Graduate Program Outcome Assessments
DESIRED OUTCOME: Gain knowledge of graduate level research methodology MEANS OF ASSESSMENT: Assignments, quizzes, and exams for MCJ - 6110, Reseach Methods ASSESSOR: David Murphy, Ph.D. RESULTS: Through an examination of scholarly research articles published in peer-reviewed journals, students developed an ability to identify appropriate applications and the strengths and shortcomings of various research methodologies. This ability was demonstrated by students through their successful completion of weekly quizzes administered in class. Weekly assignments were also used to confirm that over the course of the term each student made significant progress in developing the ability to engage in variable operationalization, data coding, and data analysis using SPSS software and other tools. DESIRED OUTCOME: Understand the variety of theories dealing with the course of crime and delinquency and be able to apply them – personally and professionally. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT: Five papers assigned during the semester in MCJ 6120 - Theories of Crime and Delinquency requiring students to select various theories and show how they apply. ASSESSOR: Professor Gillespie RESULTS: Students were able to apply theories and theoretical concepts by applying them to situations they face occupationally and in their private lives. Each paper was evaluated on the basis of understanding and applications of concepts. HOW ASSESSED: A comprehensive take home examination is required of each student. Included are 3 case studies, an additional case drawn from a California police department attempting to implement dramatic policy changes and personnel climate, and selected discussion questions taken from other assigned readings. Additionally, each student is required to select a policy topic/area and prepare a policy paper on that issue. The paper must include:
And, finally, weekly class discussion regarding all reading assignments, as well as criminal justice issues that arise weekly in the media, on the job, etc. Each student is required to respond to questions posed by the professor requiring an application of the study material. ASSESSOR: Dr. Frank W. Budd RESULTS: As the semester is yet to conclude, final grades are not determined. However, student attendance is satisfactory, and class participation is adequate. Students have selected their topics for their papers, and are preparing them. It is anticipated that all students will submit the take home examination, on time, and perform at an above average graduate level. IMPLICATIONS: Each semester, the material for this course changes, depending on current policy issues. Students are exposed to practical experience, as well as reading material that covers a diverse number of policy issues, HOW ASSESSED: In-class examinations, oral presentations, written assignment, and class discussion . ASSESSOR: Robert Heffernan RESULTS: All of the students entering the class were first year students in the Master of Criminal Justice degree program. Most of the students had a strong commitment to criminal justice related careers. During the semester, most of the students continued to develop their understanding of the various components of the criminal justice system including police, courts, prosecution, and corrections. Students continued to develop their ability to comprehend, analyze and attempt to resolve the complex problems and issues facing criminal justice in the twenty-first century. Students were introduced to contemporary challenges in juvenile justice, victimology, media representations, substance abuse law and intervention, terrorism, police practice and directions, criminal law, corrections, technological advances, and systemic gender and diversity issues. All students demonstrated proficiency in each of the above areas on written examinations covering each of the above areas. In addition, knowledge was assesses via in-depth class discussion of topics assigned to the class. Furthermore, each student, in consultation with the instructor, chose an area of specific interest to them and completed a research paper on the chosen topic and made an oral presentation to the class on this topic. In summary, each student demonstrated a proficiency in the general areas covered during the class and in a specific area of professional interest to the student. HOW ASSESSED Written Examination (1), weekly assignments, and submittal of a criminal justice budget as a group project. Students will present their budget project to a group of public sector decision makers to include, commissioners, councilpersons and mayors. ASSESSOR: Professor Chabries RESULTS: Typically, most graduate students are ill-prepared to plan, prepare and evaluate a budget for either their own criminal justice organization or any criminal justice agency. This class teaches them the principles involved with public sector budgeting developed over the last 100 years, Students will learn the concepts of line item budgeting, cost analysis, performance and program budgeting, zero base budgeting and strategic planning. Students will submit weekly exercises using the concepts of these various budgeting strategies. The class will then take a comprehensive written, not multiple choice, examination. The last four weeks of the class, the students are assigned to various groups to develop an entire criminal agency budget from "scratch". Finally, students find themselves in a "real world" situation of presenting and justifying their budget to a group of public sector professionals with extensive experience in public sector financing. Mission Statement / Student Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid / Assessment Plan / Contact Person |
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