MA in Marital and Family Therapy School of Leadership and Education Sciences University of San Diego 2015 Exit Survey Results This report was prepared by the USD-SOLES Office of Accreditation & Assessment on September 30, 2015
Exit Survey Overview Executive Summary The School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) - Office of Accreditation and Assessment administers the Exit Survey to graduating students at the University of San Diego (USD) annually. The Exit Survey affords students the opportunity to reflect on their program experiences and to provide valuable feedback utilized for program review. This report is specific to the results for the MA in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) for the years 2015, with 2014 and 2013 data provided for comparison purposes. Rating Scale Three different five-point rating scales were used in this survey. The goal is to have mean response ratings in the four to five range for each item. The rating scales used are: Strongly Agree (5), Agree (4), Neutral (3), Disagree (2), Strongly Disagree (1) Very Well (5), Well (4), Moderately (3), Little (2), Not At All (1) Very Satisfied (5), Satisfied (4), Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied (3), Dissatisfied (2), Very Dissatisfied (1) Response Rate Table 1 shows the percent of USD-Marital and Family Therapy graduating students who responded to the Exit Survey for the last three years. The three year trend (2013-2015) in response rates are 54%, 55%, and 73% respectively. Table 1 Exit Survey Response Rates for Marital and Family Therapy Graduating Students Program Completion Year Total Number of Marital and Family Therapy Graduates* Total Number of Marital and Family Therapy Respondents Exit Survey Response Rate 2015 26 19 73% 2014 33 18 55% 2013 35 19 54% *Note: Refers to the number of graduates for which correct email addresses were obtained. This document was prepared by the USD-SOLES Office of Assessment on September 30, 2015. Page 2
Summary of Findings Graduating students were asked to rate aspects of the Marital and Family Therapy Program in eight areas. The 2015 Cronbach s alpha values were as follows: faculty (.95); advisors (.87); intellectual climate (.91); program support and communication (.87); university support (.75); enhanced ability through coursework (.96); practicum experience (.85); and the overall program (.94), suggesting relatively high internal consistency of survey item responses. (Note that a reliability coefficient of.70 or higher is considered acceptable in most social science research situations.) All of the 2015 mean ratings were in the desired four to five range (using a 5 point scale). Figure 1 shows the comparison of 2015 means, with 2014 and 2013 means. These ratings indicate high levels of student satisfaction with the MA in Marital and Family Therapy Program at the University of San Diego. *Rating Scale 1: Strongly Agree (5), Agree (4), Neutral (3), Disagree (2), Strongly Disagree (1) ^Rating Scale 2: Very Well (5), Well (4), Moderately (3), Little (2), Not At All (1) + Rating Scale 3: Very Satisfied (5), Satisfied (4), Neither Satisfied Nor Dissatisfied (3), Dissatisfied (2), Very Dissatisfied (1) This document was prepared by the USD-SOLES Office of Assessment on September 30, 2015. Page 3
Professional Experiences Marital and Family Therapy graduates were asked about their professional experiences. Figure 2 shows graduates employment information, application of knowledge and skills gained, and professional involvement. FIGURE 2. EXPERIENCES OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY GRADUATES (N=19) Sought a new job/position 100% Apply knowledge and skills gained weekly or daily 95% Belong to Professional Associations/Networks 89% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2015 Graduate Comments Regarding Factors Most Important to Overall Program Satisfaction The faculty is truly outstanding. They are knowledgeable and helpful in every way. The amount, quality, and diversity of supervision from faculty members. Accessibility of the faculty members was the most beneficial factor in my program experience. This individualized attention in and outside the classroom was very helpful in my learning experience. The classes that were smaller and provided opportunities for discussion were also very beneficial. Learning current and evidence-based treatments that are most commonly applied in real-work settings. [It prepared] me to feel competent and comfortable with multiple patient populations. There was a great deal of respect and discussion between the students and faculty. They were always available and willing to be helpful. This document was prepared by the USD-SOLES Office of Assessment on September 30, 2015. Page 4
Factors Most Important to Overall Satisfaction with the Marital and Family Therapy Program When 2015 Marital and Family Therapy graduating students were asked which factors were most important in their overall satisfaction with the Marital and Family Therapy Program, they cited knowledgeable and supportive faculty, course content, practicum experiences, individualized attention, and class size as contributing to their overall satisfaction. A sample of graduating students comments regarding overall satisfaction is shown in Table A9 in the Appendix. Suggestions for Improving the Marital and Family Therapy Program When 2015 Marital and Family Therapy graduating students were asked for suggestions for improving the Marital and Family Therapy Program, they listed: more didactic teaching from faculty, better organization and communication, class schedules to accommodate practicum hours, adjustments to the curriculum, and more opportunities for students. Graduating students comments are shown in Table A10 in the Appendix. When 2015 Marital and Family Therapy graduating students were asked to share what particular skills, areas or topics not covered but should be in the Marital and Family Therapy Program, they listed: eating disorders, group therapy classes, how to work collaboratively with physicians and other professionals, more time on evidence based practices and treatment planning, ACT and DBT theories and interventions, business aspects of therapy practice, CBT application, and more sex therapy. Graduating students comments are shown in Table A11 in the Appendix. Fulfillment of Program Mission Exit survey data from Marital and Family Therapy graduating students serve as evidence of program mission fulfillment. Mission Statement The mission of the Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) Program is to help lead the transformation of family therapy by creating, educating and actively supporting a community of future professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of a biopsychosocial, systems approach to family-oriented mental health care. This document was prepared by the USD-SOLES Office of Assessment on September 30, 2015. Page 5