Tennessee Tech University

Program Outcome I:

Make progress toward achieving a critical mass of qualified Ph.D. students capable of graduation rates of four per year by academic year 2007-2008.

Assessment Method:
Tracking inquiries and admissions.

Results:
The number of applicants to the EVS Ph.D. program averages 25-30 annually. We had 15 students enrolled during the 2004-2005 academic year. Fourteen students will be enrolled during Fall 2005, with an additional student to be enrolled during Spring 2006.

Action Plan for 2005-06 Based on Results:
In order to attract additional students, we plan to generate a greater number of teaching assistants and research assistants via internal and external funding. We will be active in recruiting at regional and national graduate fairs to increase awareness of our program. We have recently raised our stipends from $12,000 to $14,000 and will attempt to increase these stipends to $16,000 to attract qualified students.

Program Outcome II:

Pursue an enhanced regional and national reputation in Environmental Science at TTU.

Assessment Method:
Annual feedback from department chairs in biology and chemistry, as well as the TTU Center for the Management, Utilization, and Protection of Water Resources concerning recruitment trips by faculty, publications, and job placement of environmental science graduates.

Results:
During 2004-2005, four environmental sciences faculty attended and recruited at six regional and national meetings. Three students graduated from the program during 2004-2005, and two have secured employment. Twelve faculty published in scientific journals for a total of sixteen publications during 2004-2005.

Action Plan for 2005-06 Based on Results:
We plan to encourage faculty to both attend and recruit at regional and national meetings within their discipline and, additionally, encourage faculty to increase the number of publications submitted on an annual basis. We will continue to assist with placement of Ph.D. graduates in environmental positions.

Program Outcome III:

Be more aggressive in recruiting quality PhD candidates.

Assessment Method:
Track inquiries and enrollment on an annual basis.

Results:
Funds were allocated during 2004-2005 for our inclusion on the powerful website Peterson.com. In addition, faculty attended six regional or national meetings for recruiting purposes. As a result of recruiting and a growing reputation, approximately 30 students applied to the program during 2004-2005. Enrollment has been steady at approximately 15 students per year. A recent stipend increase for teaching assistantships from $12,000 to $14,000 has been accomplished to attract quality students.

Action Plan for 2005-06 Based on Results:
We will continue to recruit from graduate fairs at both national and regional meetings. We will also continue to seek additional funding for our stipends, which remain uncompetitive. At this time, a stipend of $16,000 per year appears to be the minimum level necessary to compete for high quality students.

Program Outcome IV:

Prepare students for careers in research, management, government service, teaching, and other areas where they can make productive contributions to the solution of environmental problems.

Assessment Method:
All graduates of the Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Program will be required to complete an on-line exit survey. The Environmental Science Executive Committee will track exit survey responses and results from dissertation defenses to ensure that students are being adequately prepared for their careers.

Results:
Responses from recent graduates have overall been favorable. As a result of dissertation defenses and an external review during 2004-2005, we have identified an inadequate knowledge of environmental law in the core curriculum.

Action Plan for 2005-06 Based on Results:
We will continue to stress the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science by offering a core curriculum with courses in biology, chemistry, earth sciences, agriculture, and sociology. The Environmental Science Executive Committee will begin the planning necessary to add an environmental law course to the core curriculum.