Outcomes Data

Educational Testing Services. Colleges and universities throughout the United States use the Major Field Test in Business developed by Educational Testing Services (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, to measure student academic achievement and growth and to assess the educational outcomes of the business program’s core subjects collectively as well as separately.

Educational Testing Services results from 2009, 2006 and 2005

Business Core Classes Assessment. Each department in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business teaches two or more courses in the business core curriculum required of all majors. As part of our assessment effort, learning goals for each core course have been developed. Progress made in achieving selected learning goals is assessed through pre- and post-tests in each course. The charts below show the students’ progress from pre-tests given at the beginning of the semester to the post-tests given at semester end.

Pre/Post Test Results Spring 2006 - Fall 2006 Comparison

Student Course Evaluations. The Utah State University Teacher/Course Evaluation is administered in all SOA courses at the end of each semester. This instrument contains four sections of quantitative rankings (general, course information, instruction, and student demographic data) and provides space for written comments on the back. View Student Course Evaluations.

Student Satisfaction Surveys. All seniors and graduate accounting students complete the SOA Student Satisfaction Survey. This instrument captures quantitative rankings measuring faculty, knowledge area coverage, professional skills coverage, and pedagogy. Students are also asked to respond to two high-level questions. They are asked if they consider their choice to attend the SOA a wise choice. They are also asked if they would recommend the SOA to other potential students.

Alumni Satisfaction Surveys. Alumni are surveyed in five-year intervals using an instrument very similar to the student satisfaction survey. This instrument captures quantitative rankings measuring faculty, knowledge area coverage, professional skills coverage, and pedagogy. Alumni are also asked to respond to two high-level questions. They are asked if they consider their choice to attend the SOA a wise choice. They are also asked if they would recommend the SOA to other potential students.

Employer Satisfaction Surveys. Employers are surveyed in five-year intervals using an instrument that is closely related to a subset of the student satisfaction survey. It asks employers to rate USU-educated employees according to their performance in knowledge, skills, and professional attribute areas.

Recruiter Satisfaction Surveys. Accounting recruiters who visit campus are surveyed annually to assess their satisfaction with the SOA recruiting process, facilities, student preparation, and student interviewing effectiveness.

CPA Exam. One of the world’s leading licensing tests, the CPA Examination serves to protect the public interest by helping to ensure that only qualified individuals become licensed as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy compiles national pass rates by institution.

External Course Review. The SOA engages accounting practitioners to review syllabi, pedagogy, exams, and other course materials for core accounting courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. This instrument asks these professionals to provide quantitative rankings on the syllabus, course content and delivery, and exams and assignments. Comments are also solicited. View PDF of External Course Review document.

Peer-Teaching Evaluation. SOA faculty members conduct peer-teaching evaluations of each other’s courses that examine the syllabus, the content and organization, and the delivery and student interaction. A survey instrument is used to guide and document classroom visits and teaching assessments. The instrument requires faculty to respond to the peer evaluation and explain how reviewer comments will be addressed in future courses. A master evaluation schedule has been established to ensure that every course for every faculty member is reviewed at least twice every three years. The peer evaluation provides an opportunity for faculty members to observe the teaching techniques of their peers, provide constructive criticism, and share best practices on teaching. View PDF of Peer-Teaching Evaluation document.

Student Focus Groups. Each year the SOA forms a Student Advisory Council from a diverse group of students, at both the masters and bachelors level. This enables the SOA to obtain candid insights into our programs from a student perspective. Students provide feedback about program strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

Survey Results. The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business receives reports from the University Analysis, Assessment and Accreditation Office on a number of measures related to student satisfaction and placement. Copies of several of the complete reports are located on this page. The summaries are an executive summary of key measures from these university generated reports.

Embedded Assessment. The School of Accountancy (SOA) maintains a comprehensive teaching and learning assessment process to ensure that such activities effectively support its mission. At the core of this process are the program-level teaching and learning goals for both the undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. These goals were developed by faculty curriculum committees with significant input by both the professional and student advisory boards. They were also influenced by the written pronouncements of professional, academic, and accrediting bodies, as well as professional licensing agencies. Embedded assessment tools are employed to directly assess the effectiveness of the learning activities that purport to meet program learning goals.

School of Accountancy Embedded Assessment Results