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2013 Horticultural Sciences Academic Program Review Section 3 Page 14
Departmental assessment plans are reviewed by a committee of peers and administrators at the College-level and
evaluated for compliance with reporting guidelines. The Horticultural Sciences graduate program assessment was
found to be “under development,” indicating that it needs to be revised to be in full compliance. Several of the
University level outcomes are not assessed by our measures.
Departmental Ph. D. Program Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
The Ph.D. program in horticulture exists to provide an advanced science-based education for students through
teaching and directed horticultural research experience.
Outcomes
• Outcome 1. Graduates will have an understanding of the scientific method, statistical methodology, and
ability to apply these to solving horticultural research problems
• Outcome 2. Graduates will be able to find, critically evaluate, and communicate, both orally and written;
plant science literature and the results of horticultural research.
• Outcome 3. Graduates will develop strong problem-solving and management skills related to research
and development
Measures
• Research proposal (outcome assessed, 1)
Timely (12-24 months) and successful completion of research proposal
• Dissertation (outcome assessed, 1)
Timely (36-48 months) and successful presentation (exit seminar) and defense of thesis.
• Presentations (outcome assessed, 2)
Presentations of research study in meetings: Scientific Meetings, Student Research Week, Industry, etc.
• Publications non-refereed (outcome assessed, 2)
Publications accepted in non-referred journals or magazines. Abstracts are included in this category.
• Publications refereed (outcome assessed, 2)
Publications in referred journals.
• Recognition (outcome assessed, 2)
Awards for presentations at scientific meetings, intercollegiate awards, departmental recognition.
• Employment (outcome assessed, 3)
At this point in the assessment this objective is to gather information to see what targets and actions plans
are feasible. One possibility is the target of 75% job placement upon graduation from the program.
Masters of Agriculture Learning Outcomes
The Masters of Agriculture degree program exists to provide an advanced education for students through teaching
and directed horticultural research experience- in the form of internships.
Outcomes
• Outcome 1. Graduates will have proper exposure and experience involving assessment of horticultural
problem solving. They should have understanding regarding scientific method, statistical methodology,
and experience solving horticultural problems as it relates to their specific field of horticulture.
• Outcome 2. Graduates will be able to find, critically evaluate, and communicate, both orally and written;
plant science literature and the results of horticultural research and experiences as it relates to their
specific field in horticulture
• Outcome 3. Graduates will develop strong problem-solving and management skills related to industry,
research, horticultural experiences.
Measures
• Internship (outcome assessed, 1)
Completed Horticultural Internship
• Professional paper (outcome assessed, 1)
Student's completion of their professional paper regarding a critical analysis of their internship
opportunity and experience.
• Presentations (outcome assessed, 1, 2)