Using an Assessment Exam to Asses a CIS Program

Assessment of academic programs is required by accrediting bodies, universities, and colleges. The objective of this paper is to share one method of assessing a CIS program; an in-house developed assessment exam. The paper describes the development, reliability, validity, and use of an assessment exam used in a CIS program at a public university in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The exam is given to all students preand post-program. The faculty within the program developed the assessment exam to correspond to the objectives of the program. Developing the exam required a great deal of time by the faculty members. The discussions in developing and maintaining the exam have helped to strengthen the program and the bonds between faculty members. The results of the exam have been used to improve the courses and the whole curriculum.