Assessment Plan
Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
Objectives and Outcomes
The Master of Human Development and Family Studies (MHDFS), a non-thesis degree program in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), has three objectives, which are assessed annually across four measurable outcomes.
- Objective 1: Develop foundational knowledge of the theories, principles, and methodologies used to understand and enhance individual, family, and community settings, including their application across a range of persons.
- Outcome 1: Take and pass department coursework with a B or higher grade
- Objective 2: Engage in professional development activities, including research or teaching assistantships or clinical practica, to work effectively with a diverse range of community stakeholders upon degree completion.
- Outcome 2a: Meet or exceed expectations in department assistantships
- Outcome 2b: Meet or exceed major professor’s expectations for progress toward degree completion
- Objective 3: Advance knowledge or addresses a societal problem while demonstrating proficiency in technical writing and communication.
- Outcome 3: Successfully complete project
Assessment Data Collected
- Course Grades: Assesses Outcome 1 each December and May
Assessment Rubric: Graded coursework assessed on Utah State University’s A-through-F scale. Non-graded coursework assessed on Utah State University’s pass/fail scale.
Assessment Benchmark: 90% of all coursework taken by MHDFS students will be passed with a B or higher grade, or a P in pass/fail coursework.
Benchmark Data
| Academic Year | B or Higher (or P) | B- or lower (or F) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 3 | 3 | 100.00% |
| 2021-2022 | 18 | 18 | 100.00% |
| 2022-2023 | 12 | 12 | 100.00% |
| 2023-2024 | 6 | 6 | 100.00% |
| 2024-2025 | 12 | 12 | 100.00% |
| Last Five Years | 51 | 51 | 100.00% |
- Assistantship Survey (newly developed): Will assess Outcome 2a each December and MayAssessment Rubric:
Please rate the student’s performance in the current department assistantship
- EXCEEDS expectations
- MEETS expectations
- DOES NOT MEET expectations
Assessment Benchmark: 90% of all MHDFS students will meet or exceed expectations in all department assistantships.
Benchmark Data:
Are being collected for the first time during the 2025-26 academic year. Will be posted in May 2026.
- Results of Terminal Project: Assesses Outcome 3 upon student completion.
Assessment Rubric:
What was the outcome of the project presentation meeting?- PASS
- FAIL
- N/A Did not complete a project
Assessment Benchmark: 90% of all MHDFS students will successfully complete their project and present it to their major professor.
| Academic Year | Yes | No | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| 2021-2022 | 2 | 2 | 100.00% |
| 2022-2023 | 3 | 3 | 100.00% |
| 2023-2024 | 1 | 1 | 100.00% |
| 2024-2025 | 4 | 4 | 100.00% |
| Last Five Years | 10 | 10 | 100.00% |
- Annual Review: Assesses Outcome 2b each April
Assessment Rubric:
Please rate the student’s progress toward degree completion-
- EXCEEDS expectations
- MEETS expectations
- DOES NOT MEET expectations
Assessment Benchmark: 90% of all MHDFS students will meet or exceed their own and their major professor’s expectations for progress toward degree completion.
Benchmark Data: Progress toward Degree Completion
|
Academic Year |
Meets/Exceeds Expectations |
Does not meet expectations |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2024-25 |
4 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Last Year |
4 |
0 |
100.0% |
Results are Used to Improve the Training Program
Assessment data are aggregated to observe how certain demographics or populations of students are learning and achieving, which guides deeper discussions about improving teaching, mentoring, and learning within the MHDFS degree pathway. Program data are summarized and discussed twice annually: in April during a meeting of all graduate faculty (summative review), and in August at the HDFS fall retreat (formative preview). These discussions are used to enhance and facilitate student progress in the subsequent academic year.
Assessment Procedures are Reviewed Annually
The HDFS Graduate Program Committee reviews assessment procedures annually to adjust and enhance the assessment strategy and ensure continuous alignment with educational goals and industry standards.