Assessment Plan
Masters of Science (MS)
Objectives and Outcomes
The Master of Science (MS), a thesis degree program in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), has three objectives, which are assessed annually across five measurable outcomes.
- Objective 1: Develop foundational knowledge of the theories, principles, and methodologies used in the human development and family sciences, including their application across a range of settings and populations.
- 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 enhance career opportunities and/or readiness to pursue a doctorate 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: Demonstrate proficiency in research design, data analysis and interpretation, and scholarly writing.
- Outcome 3a: Successfully propose thesis
- Outcome 3b: Successfully defend thesis
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 MS 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 | 106 | 109 | 97.2% |
| 2021-2022 | 78 | 78 | 100.00% |
| 2022-2023 | 132 | 132 | 100.00% |
| 2023-2024 | 103 | 105 | 98.1% |
| 2024-2025 | 79 | 80 | 98.1% |
| Last Five Years | 498 | 504 | 98.8% |
- Assistantship Survey (newly developed): Will assess Outcome 2a each December and May
Assessment 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 MS 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 3a and 3b upon student completion.
Assessment Rubric:
What was the outcome of the thesis proposal/defense meeting?- PASS
- FAIL
- N/A Did not complete a project
Assessment Benchmark: 90% of all MS students will pass their thesis proposals (with or without revisions) and 90% of all MS students will pass their thesis defenses (with or without revisions).
| Academic Year | Yes | No | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 2 | 3 | 66.7% |
| 2021-2022 | 3 | 3 | 100.0% |
| 2022-2023 | 3 | 4 | 75.00% |
| 2023-2024 | 5 | 5 | 100.0% |
| 2024-2025 | 7 | 7 | 100.0% |
| Last Five Years | 20 | 22 | 90.9% |
- 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 MS 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 |
6 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Last Year |
6 |
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 MS 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.