9.6 POST-BACCALAUREATE RIGOR AND CURRICULUM
Post-baccalaureate professional degree programs and graduate degree programs are progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate programs, and are structured (a) to include knowledge of the literature of the discipline and (b) to ensure engagement in research and/or appropriate professional practice and training.
JUDGEMENT
Compliance 
Non-Compliance Partial Compliance
NARRATIVE
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's compliance with this standard is demonstrated through its policies and procedures for graduate degree programs. N.C. A&T’s graduate degree programs are proposed by faculty then go through a rigorous review process by peers on the campus, but also by the UNC System program approval process described in Section 9. 1. The UNC approval process includes an external peer review and feedback loop that sometimes require that the institution to respond to follow-up questions before the proposal is approved by the Board of Governors.
The institution’s curriculum approval process, also described in 9.1 helps to ensure the rigor of our graduate programs. Quality assurance of the institution’s graduate programs is also supported by program accreditation and by regularly scheduled (approximately every six years) external programs reviews.
Graduate degree completion requirements at N.C. A&T are structured to (a) provide students with knowledge of the discipline and (b) ensure student engagement in research and/or appropriate professional practice and training experiences.
(a) Include Knowledge of the Literature of the Discipline
The Graduate Catalog describes graduate education at N.C. A&T as follows:
The Graduate College provides a foundation of knowledge and techniques for those who wish to enhance their career options or to continue their education in doctoral programs. While studying at this university, it is expected that graduate students will (1) acquire special competence in their chosen fields; (2) further develop their ability to think independently and constructively; (3) develop and demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, evaluate, create and report facts that will enable them to make a scholarly contribution to knowledge about their discipline; and (4) apply new and existing knowledge so as to contribute to their professions and to humankind, p. 17.
The graduate curricula for the academic degree programs at N.C. A&T are structured to be progressively more advanced in content and rigor than undergraduate training. The graduate curricula provide graduate students with fundamental and well-rounded knowledge of the literature of their specific discipline, trains them in research methods and practices, and provides professional practice and training experiences. Graduate students are required to demonstrate mastery of their discipline through a variety of means, such as required course work, research projects, qualifying exams, theses, dissertations and practicum experiences that connect their education and training to their careers. All docoral programs require a dissertation, and most master’s degree programs require a thesis. Table 9.6—i presents comparable courses at different levels—Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees—to show the difference in rigor. The syllabus for each course is attached.
Table 9.6—i: Course Title, Learning Outcomes, and Assessments in Similar Courses at Different Academic Levels (Bachelor’s and Master’s)*
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Course Title and Description |
Student Learning Outcome or Course Content |
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Family and Consumer Sciences |
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FCS 484. Fashion Marketing and Merchandising (formerly FCS 485) Credit 3(3-0)
This course emphasizes the functions and responsibilities of the fashion merchandiser, and considers various retail establishments. A synthesis of business knowledge and its application to the fashion field will be included. Prerequisites: FCS 180, FCS 181, FCS 380. (F;S;SS) |
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes · Understand the nature of the retail industry. · Compare various retail formats. · Analyze retail locations and evaluate retail growth and expansion · Critique and analyze the process of development and distribution of consumer products. · Critically discuss and write about the retail industry. · Apply merchandise resources to developing merchandising strategies |
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FCS 683 -Consumer Behavior in Fashion
This course is the study of how the consumer's world is influenced by the actions of fashion marketers and how fashion marketers are influenced by consumers. Marketing and consumer behavior theories and concepts as they apply to fashion will be discussed. Results of research studies will be used to illustrate marketing and consumer behavior theories and concepts. Students will gain an understanding of how fashion shapes the everyday world of consumers. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor. (F;S) 3.000 Credit hours |
Learning Outcomes: · Understand the dynamics of consumer behavior and the relevance of consumer behavior to the global fiber/textile/apparel/retail complex. · Comprehend the nature and complexity of the environmental, individual, and psychological influences upon consumer behavior. · Be able to analyze the consumer decision process and behavior. · Be able to apply consumer analysis and marketing strategy decisions to the global textile and apparel complex. · Develop an in-depth research proposal including all major research components using the consumer decision process model as the theoretical framework. · Conduct research, analyze data and summarize findings using descriptive statistics. |
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Supply Chain Management |
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SCMG 240. Introduction to Supply Chain Management Credit 3(3-0)
Supply Chain Management is a term which denotes a total system approach to the management of all activities involved in physically moving and storing raw materials, components and finished goods from the suppliers’ supplier to the customers’ customer. Supply Chain Management also involves the coordination of information and financial flows surrounding the physical flow of goods. Effective supply chain management can help businesses gain a competitive advantage, improve customer service levels and ultimately increase their profit margins. (F;S;SS) |
Students will: · understand the role of supply chain management in the conduct of domestic and international businesses. • comprehend the individual components of logistics and their interrelationships within and between firms. • identify and apply the skills, analytical tools and techniques used to address supply chain management problems and opportunities. • cultivate an interest in supply chain management and identify professional opportunities in the discipline. |
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SCMG 720 - Global Supply Chain Design Management This course is a compre-hensive study of the concepts, processes, and models used in the design, development, analysis, and management of global supply chains. Specific topics include global procurement and sourcing; demand fore-casting, facilities location, sales and operations planning, transportation decisions, distribution planning, inventory management, and logistics systems design. This course relies on cases and quantitative problem sets to understand and solve the issues faced in global supply chain management. Software will be used to model logistics and supply chain applications. . (F;S) 3.000 Credit hours |
Students will: · To develop the basic skills necessary to evaluate and design a product-based supply chain · To understand the need for coordination, collaboration and critical thinking to implement integrative supply chain management processes and reinforce the need for effective communication across the supply chain · To identify the role of the major participants in a typical product-based supply chain · To examine the business model envisioned by process oriented supply chain management involving multiple trading partners · To introduce the use of decision support software to assist in global supply chain analysis |
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Electrical and Computer Engineering |
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ECEN 474. Genetic Algorithms Credit 3(3-0)
This course covers the theory and application of genetic algorithms. Genetic algorithms combine a Darwinian survival-of-the-fittest with a randomized, yet structured, information exchange to form an improved search mechanism with surprising robustness. Engineering applications of genetic algorithms for design and control will be presented. Prerequisite: ECEN 410. (F) |
COURSE CONTENT · What is a Genetic Algorithm (GA)? · The mechanics of a simple GA. · Review of probability and combinatorics. · Power of effect ‑ schemata and implicit parallelism. · Mathematical foundations ‑ the fundamental theorem. · Review of MATLAB programming language for FORTRAN/Basic programmers · Computer implementation of a genetic algorithm. · Application of GA's in science, engineering, and business. · Real-value genetic algorithm. · Genetics‑based machine learning. · Genetic Programming · Advanced topics and analysis. |
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ECEN 725 - Pervasive Computing System Design This course is a study of Pervasive Computing (a.k.a. Ubiquitous Computing) System Design, which is the seamless integration of computing and communication technology into humancentered environments. A popular objectoriented internet programming language, its corresponding integrated development environment (IDE), and contemporary smart devices are used for prototyping most of the example systems. The core of the course material is organized using a contextual data access hierarchy perspective. Other pervasive computing topics covered include wearable computing, smart devices, intelligent environments, and the Internet of Things. Prerequisites: ECEN 621. (S) 3.000 Credit hours |
On completion of this course, the student will be able to: · Discuss the fundamental features of pervasive (ubiquitous) computing systems. · Identify a pervasive computing system based on knowledge of key pervasive system properties. · Explain the role of middleware as it relates to pervasive computing systems. · Discuss the concept of context awareness as it relates to pervasive computing systems. · Explain what a “Smart Thing” is, and Discuss different types. · Design and Implement Pervasive Computing Systems using a popular specialized programming environment. · Discuss various types of interfaces used in pervasive computing systems. · Independently research topics related to pervasive computing systems · Propose original ideas related to a pervasive computing system. · Interface applications to one another over the internet. |
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Computer Science |
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COMP 420. Applied Network Security Credit 3(3-0)
This course covers network security concepts and various network security practices and solutions. Topics include cryptography, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), taxonomy of various attack methods, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, Internet Protocol (IP) security, and web security. Prerequisite: COMP 285. (F;S;SS) |
At the end of this class students are expected to: · Be familiar with TCP/IP stack, its related security threat, and possible threat mitigation techniques. · Be familiar with cryptography and network security solutions work based on it. · Be familiar with basic network programming in Python, especially socket programming. · Be familiar with at least one network protocol analyzer tool and apply it to basic network traffic monitoring purposes. |
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COMP 726 –Network Security
The course covers various aspects of securing data during their transmission. It includes the following topics: vulnerabilities in software and hardware systems; cyber attack methods and their defense mechanisms; symmetric ciphers; public key ciphers; hash functions; message authentication and digital signature; public key infrastructure and web of trust; email security; web security; IPSec; firewall; intrusion detection system. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. (F;S;SS) 3.000 Credit hours |
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: · Describe and implement various vulnerabilities · Describe attack methods and their defense mechanisms · Describe how private and public key ciphers work · Secure networks in application, transport and network layers · Apply ciphers to design secure protocols and applications · Research how a security tool works and apply it
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*BS courses are in black; equivalent/similar MS courses are in blue
The doctoral degree is distinguished from the master’s degree by the rigor of the coursework and by the additional degree requirements. The doctoral degree symbolizes the ability of the recipient to undertake original research and scholarly work at the highest levels, therefore the degree is conferred only upon demonstration of comprehensive knowledge and high attainment in scholarship in a specialized field of study. Each doctoral degree candidate must complete a comprehensive examination in the field of specialization and complete the doctoral dissertation. The comprehensive exam (Graduate Catalog, p. 45-46) is a written examination that is required of all PhD students. This qualifying examination must be passed prior to the end of the student’s third semester in the PhD degree program. Details are listed in the Graduate Catalog. Table 9.6—ii presents a comparison between master’s and equivalent/similar doctoral courses.
Table 9.6—ii: Course Title, Learning Outcomes, and Assessments in Similar Courses at Different Academic Levels (Master’s and Doctorates)*
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Course Title and Description |
Student Learning Outcome or Course Content |
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Computational Science and Engineering |
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CSE 620 -Intro to Compu Software Tools
This course covers the introduction and application of commonly used computational tools including computer algebra systems, interpreted languages used as scripting languages, and programming. This course also covers the basics of computational science including finite precision arithmetic, logic, and algorithmic design. Prerequisite: None. (F;S) 3.000 Credit hours |
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes 1. Objective: Effectively employ critical thinking skills in written and oral communication Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to employ critical thinking skills in written response to essay questions on examinations and assessment in assigned projects. Course Syllabus (Revision 3-29-19) Page 2 2. Objective: Use analytical thinking skills to evaluate information critically. Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to employ analytical skills in written responses to exercises, in class discussions, analysis of case studies and on questions on examinations. 3. Objective: Apply multiple modes of inquiry, including quantitative and qualitative analysis, to formulate, describe, evaluate, and solve problems. Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to employ multiple modes of inquiry in class discussions, online collaborator, final project and written responses to exercises and examinations. |
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CSE 804 -Computational Modeling and Visualization
This course covers some computational techniques for solving deterministic and non-deterministic models followed by analysis and interpretation techniques useful in the analysis of numerical data. The course includes the use of visualization tool kits, such as 3D visualization. Students will analyze the effectiveness of visual representations and construct their own visualizations, strengthening their abilities to explore, evaluate, and understand large amounts of quantitative data. Prerequisites: CSE 620 or Consent of Instructor. (F;S) 3.000 Credit hours |
Objective 1: Effectively improve students’ disciplinary expertise. Outcome: Students will address practical challenges involving complex real-world data and include several case studies and hands-on work with the several programming languages. Students will substantially exposured to modeling, simulation, and visualization techniques that are used in decision making. The students wil have the opportunity to work with the state-of-the art software in problem solving. Objective 2: Pratically employ critical thinking skills. Outcome: Students will learn skills in written and oral communication by assessing other assigned projects and answer critical questions. Students will learn how to formulate and solve the problem with visualization on computational tool by practicing their critical thinking skills and actively learning and applying their knowledge. Objective 3: Ensure student engagement in research. · Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to employ miultiple modes of inquiry in class discussions and written response to exercises and examninations. Students will experience collaborating in project teams while working on course project(s) and enhancing their written and oral communication skills. |
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Nanoengineering |
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NANO 721 -NanobioelectronicsThis course introduces the emerging areas where biology, medicine, nanofabrication and electronics coverage. The course addresses fundamental concepts and current applications of biofabrication and bioelectronic devices such as biosensors, DNA electronics, protein based devices, analytical electrochemistry, biomolecular electronics, single molecule physics, BioNano machines, and biofuel cells. A special emphasis is placed on problem-based learning targeting current issues in nanobioelectronics. Prerequisites: NANO 702 or NANO 703 or consent of instructor. (F;S) |
Upon completing this course, students will be able to: · Understand, explain, and discuss scientific literature in the areas of nano-biofabrication and bioelectronics. · Effectively write, analyze and communicate ideas and make constructive criticism of others’ science. · Knowledge of contemporary issues, challenges and opportunities for nanobioelectronics. · Apply nanoelectronics and bioengineering approaches to future research projects through the application of problem-based learning methods |
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NANO 821-Advanced Nanosystems
This course is designed to teach advanced nanosystems, which are a result of hierarchical assembly and integration of diverse and heterogeneous components including materials, molecules and components at the nanoscale. This course discusses the fundamental concepts and current trends in such advanced nanosystems with examples from nanoelectronic/ photonic devices, organic-inorganic assemblies, biomimetic devices, bio-nano machines, biofuel cells etc. A special emphasis is placed on problem-based learning targeting current issues in nanosystem integration. Prerequisites. NANO 721 or consent of instructor. (F;S) 3.000 Credit hours |
Upon completing this course, students will be able to: · Analyze, understand and discuss literature in the area of nanosystem design, fabrication and integration · Effectively write, analyze and communicate ideas and make constructive criticism of others’ science. · Knowledge of contemporary issues, challenges and opportunities in advanced nanosystems. · Apply concepts of system assembly and integration approaches to future research projects through the application of problem-based learning methods. |
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Counseling |
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COUN 763 -Family Counseling
This course discusses the history, philosophy, professional issuses, and trends in family counseling with an emphasis on the roles and functions, models and theories, and ethical and legal considerations of the counselor working with families. In addition, family development across the lifecycle, families in crisis, and specific issues facing families are examined. Prerequisites: COUN 735. (F;S;SS) 3.000 Credit hours |
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND CACREP standards CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
5.C.1.a. history and development of clinical mental health counseling 5.C.1.b. theories and models related to clinical mental health counseling 5.C.1.c. principles, models, and documentation formats of biopsychosocial case conceptualization and treatment planning 5.C.1.d. neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders 5.C.1.e. psychological tests and assessments specific to clinical mental health counseling 5.C.2.a. roles and settings of clinical mental health counselors 5.C.2.b. etiology, nomenclature, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders 5.C.2.c. mental health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care, such as inpatient, outpatient, partial treatment and aftercare, and the mental health counseling services networks 5.C.2.d. diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis and the use of current diagnostic classification systems, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 5.C.2.e. potential for substance use disorders to mimic and/or co-occur with a variety of neurological, medical, and psychological disorders 5.C.2.f. impact of crisis and trauma on individuals with mental health diagnoses 5.C.2.g. impact of biological and neurological mechanisms on mental health 5.C.2.h. classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation 5.C.2.i. legislation and government policy relevant to clinical mental health counseling 5.C.2.j. cultural factors relevant to clinical mental health counseling 5.C.2.k. professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling 5.C.2.l. legal and ethical considerations specific to clinical mental health counseling 5.C.2.m. record keeping, third party reimbursement, and other practice and management issues in clinical mental health counseling 5.C.3.a. intake interview, mental status evaluation, biopsychosocial history, mental health history, and psychological assessment for treatment planning and caseload management 5.C.3.b. techniques and interventions for prevention and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues 5.C.3.c. strategies for interfacing with the legal system regarding court-referred clients 5.C.3.d. strategies for interfacing with integrated behavioral health care professionals 5.C.3.e. strategies to advocate for persons with mental health issues |
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COUN 860 -Family Violence
This course provides clinical theory on the assessment and treatment of different forms of family violence (e.g., child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, adult survivors of abuse) from a trauma-informed care perspective. Safety planning and treatment modalities, including when to use single versus conjoint treatment, are reviewed in detail so that students are well-equipped to address these issues intheir places of employment. Prerequisite: COUN 850. (F;S;SS) 3.000 Credit hours |
A. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES SLO: 1 Students will obtain content knowledge in cultural diversity, trauma informed care, and additional expertise in specific areas in rehabilitation education B. CACREP DOCTORAL STANDARDS: DOCTORAL PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY
Counseling 6.B.1.a. scholarly examination of theories relevant to counseling 6.B.1.b. integration of theories relevant to counseling 6.B.1.c. conceptualization of clients from multiple theoretical perspectives 6.B.1.d. evidence-based counseling practices 6.B.1.e. methods for evaluating counseling effectiveness 6.B.1.f. ethical and culturally relevant counseling in multiple settings |
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Industrial and Systems Engineering |
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ISEN 655 -Product Planning & Scheduling
This course focuses on the design, control and underlying behavior of manufacturing and service systems with emphasis on quantitative and information technology methods. Topic covered in this course include demand forecasting, inventory management, aggregate planning, operations scheduling, Material Requirements Planning and Manufacturing Resource Planning. Just-in-time, Theory of Constraints and Supply Chain Management. Projects will be required. Prerequisite: Senior/Graduate Standing. (F;S) 3.000 Credit hours |
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Predict future demand for a product given a historical demand data and/or related economic data 2. Generate a production plan that meets demand while keeping inventory and other costs low 3. Determine optimal inventory levels for independent demand of purchased or manufactured items. 4. Compute inventory levels and order dates for dependent demand items given a master production schedule 5. For a given production plan, determine an optimal sequence and efficient allocation of resources. 6. List and describe techniques used to improve production within a global supply and distribution network. |
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ISEN 852 -Integrated Product & Product Design
This course provides an integrated approach to the design and manufacture of a new product. Topics include product requirements, concept generation and selection, design, product optimization, tolerances, prototype 32 development, design for manufacturability and assembly, process optimization, and quality function deployment. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. (F;S) 3.000 Credit hours |
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: · Students will learn the fundamentals of product and process design technologies. · Students will be exposed to the quantitative and qualitative design, conceptualization and manufacturing tools. · Students will develop basic understanding of integrating design and manufacturing activities towards product realization for biomedical, automotive and aerospace applications. |
*PhD courses are in black; equivalent/similar MS courses are in blue.
Study of the literature of the discipline is incorporated into the content of each graduate course and also in independent study courses, selected topic courses, and seminar courses.
(b) Ensure Engagement in Research and/or Appropriate Professional Practice and Training
Each graduate program at N.C. A&T places a strong emphasis on research and/or appropriate professional practice and training. The master’s and doctoral programs incorporate disciplinary research and a strong grounding in the disciplinary literature into the coursework of each program. Many programs also include a research capstone project such as a master’s project, master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation. In fact, all of the institution’s doctoral degree programs include the dissertation. And, other graduate degree programs requirements may include presentation or publication of scientific papers, case study activities, or practicum experiences. Each semester the university’s academic calendar includes the deadline for theses and dissertation defenses and for the submission of defended theses and dissertations in time for that semester’s commencement ceremony.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
1. The Graduate Catalog, p. 17
2. The Graduate Catalog, p. 45-46 (The Comprehensive Examination)
3. UNC Feedback on the MS in Health Psychology proposal.
4. Syllabi referenced in Table 9.6-i
a. BS and MS in Family and Consumer Sciences
b. BS in Supply Chain Management and MBA course in Supply Chain Management
c. BS and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
d. BS and MS in Computer Science
5. Syllabi referenced in Table 9.6-ii
a. MS and PhD in Computational Science and Engineering
b. MS and PhD in Nanoengineering