Assessment Plan
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Objectives and Outcomes
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 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 advanced 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 readiness to pursue a career in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship upon degree completion.
- Outcome 2a: Meet or exceed expectations in department assistantships
- Outcome 2b: Meet or exceed supervisory committee’s expectations for progress toward professional and interpersonal competencies.
- Objective 3: Conduct original research that advances the theoretical understanding and practical application of humans in context and/or over the lifespan while demonstrating expertise in research design, data analysis and interpretation, and scholarly writing.
- Outcome 3a: Successfully propose dissertation
- Outcome 3b: Successfully defend dissertation
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 PhD 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 | 68 | 68 | 100.0% |
| 2021-2022 | 79 | 79 | 100.0% |
| 2022-2023 | 74 | 77 | 96.1% |
| 2023-2024 | 75 | 77 | 97.4% |
| 2024-2025 | 79 | 79 | 100.0% |
| Last Five Years | 377 | 380 | 100.0% |
- 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 PhD 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 project presentation meeting?- PASS
- FAIL
- N/A Did not complete a project
Assessment Benchmark: 90% of all PhD students will successfully complete their project and present it to their major professor.
Benchmark Data:
Proposal Meetings
| Academic Year | Pass | Fail | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 1 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2021-2022 | 2 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2022-2023 | 1 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2023-2024 | 2 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2024-2025 | 4 | 2 | 66.7% |
| Last Five Years | 10 | 12 | 83.3% |
Defense Meetings
| Academic Year | Yes | No | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 1 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2021-2022 | 2 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2022-2023 | 1 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2023-2024 | 2 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2024-2025 | 3 | 2 | 60.00% |
| Last Five Years | 9 | 11 | 81.8% |
- Annual Review: Assesses Outcome 2b each April
Assessment Rubric:
This student’s progress toward professional competencies:- EXCEEDS expectations
- MEETS expectations
- DOES NOT MEET expectations
- EXCEEDS expectations
- MEETS expectations
- DOES NOT MEET expectations
90% of all PhD students will show some, adequate, or significant progress their own expectations for progress toward professional and interpersonal competencies. 85% of all PhD students in HDFS will meet or exceed their supervisory committee members’ expectations for progress toward professional and interpersonal competencies.
Benchmark Data: Professional Competencies
|
Academic Year |
Meets/Exceeds Expectations |
Does not meet expectations |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2023-24 |
33 |
3 |
91.7% |
|
2024-25 |
32 |
2 |
94.1% |
|
Last Year |
65 |
5 |
92.9% |
Interpersonal Competencies
|
Academic Year |
Meets/Exceeds Expectations |
Does not meet expectations |
Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2023-24 |
35 |
1 |
97.2% |
|
2024-25 |
34 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Last Year |
69 |
1 |
98.6% |
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 PhD 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.