Evaluation of an Undergraduate Psychology Program: Occupational and Personal Benefits

Abstract

A 30-item questionnaire completed by 272 psychology graduates from Marquette University, between May 1973 and May 1983, provided an updated evaluation of the undergraduate program. This study investigated: (a) differences between male and female graduates, (b) graduates' evaluation of the psychology curriculum and faculty, and (c) occupational benefits of the psychology major for those who pursued graduate work in psychology or professional fields and for those who sought employment with the terminal bachelor's degree. Results of this study are compared with those of other alumni surveys published between 1961 and 1987.

To Get Involved or Not: The Relation among Extracurricular Involvement, Satisfaction, and Academic Achievement

“…Participants rated satisfaction with nine aspects of the psychology major on a scale from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 4 (very satisfied). Aspects came from prior research (Ogletree, 1998;Quereshi, 1988;Sheehan, 1994) and included course variety, course availability, quality of instruction, quality of advising, faculty accessibility, faculty interactions, job market preparation, further study preparation, and overall experience. The sum of ratings for satisfaction items ranged from 0 to 36 (Cronbach's α = 0.89).…”

A Senior Exit Survey and its Implications for Advising and Related Services

“…Results of this research indicate that program improvement can be achieved through the suggestions ofpast and present students (Doll&]acohs. 1988;Lunneborg, 1986;McGovern &Hawks, 1986;Quereshi, 1988;Titley &Titley, 1987;Walker, New, comb, & Hopkins, 1987). Quereshi (1988) surveyed alumni psychology majors and reported that the overall satisfaction with a department was related to the effectiveness of a career development program, helpfulness in personal development, and the support of faculty members and faculty advisers.…”

“…1988;Lunneborg, 1986;McGovern &Hawks, 1986;Quereshi, 1988;Titley &Titley, 1987;Walker, New, comb, & Hopkins, 1987). Quereshi (1988) surveyed alumni psychology majors and reported that the overall satisfaction with a department was related to the effectiveness of a career development program, helpfulness in personal development, and the support of faculty members and faculty advisers. The increasing number of students majoring in psychology and the need for quality academic and career advising are justifications for considering student perceptions and self-reports when developing and modifying curricula.…”

Using Senior Exit Surveys and Alumni Surveys to Assess the Quality of an Undergraduate Psychology Degree Program

“…Favorable ratings were provided by most seniors in response to their critical thinking skills and written and oral communication skills and how much they learned from specific courses; this finding provides evidence that PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM Bickes, Lawrence, and Noble students perceive the quality of the program as good. Based on results of other studies (Allen & Scrams, 1991;Finney, Snell, & Sebby, 1989;Hogan, 1991;Korn & Lewandowski, 1981;Quereshi, 1988) and data from this study, KSU psychology faculty may need to focus more attention on advisement regarding career options with an undergraduate degree. There was improvement in perceived faculty availability by seniors responding to the 1995 survey compared to seniors responding in 1994 indicating the KSU psychology faculty improved in this area.…”