Program Assessment
A primary goal of the Graduate School is the continuous improvement of graduate education at NC State. Program assessment achieves that goal by providing metrics to measure the effectiveness of programs and guidelines to evaluate, modify and enhance them.
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Assessment is a hot topic!
For each of these four review processes, the following table summarizes which credentials are covered, the review cycle, who requires the review, who manages the process, the foci, the outputs of the process, and how the resulting information is shared.
| Strategic program review | Outcomes assessment | APRA | Biennial productivity review | |
| Covered credentials | Degree progs not specially accredited | Degree progs Transcripted certificates | All degree programs | All degree programs |
| Cycle | 7-10 years | Yearly | 7 years | 2 years |
| Required by | NC State | NC State and SACSCOC | UNC-SO | UNC-SO |
| Managed by | IE and Grad School | IE and Grad School | IE and Grad School | UNC-SO |
| Foci | Quality Vision Curriculum Stu Learning | Stu learning Curriculum | Stu demand Stu careers Costs | Demand Productivity Stu careers ROI |
| Output | Review rpt Action plan Improvement | Improvement on curricula and student support | NC State recommendations on program size | Benchmark on program productivity and quality |
| Shared with | Prog/Dept College NC State leadership | Prog/Dept College NC State leadership | Prog/dept College NC State leadership | Board of Governors |