Educational Effectiveness
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Contact Information
Phone: (626) 815-5448
Hours
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location
Each semester, graduating students of Azusa Pacific Seminary at Azusa Pacific University take the Graduating Student Questionnaire (GSQ), administered by ATS. Data collected from this report in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 academic years measures student satisfaction and self-reported educational effectiveness.
Graduates of Azusa Pacific Seminary advocate for the educational effectiveness of our programs. In the GSQ, students rank the following statements on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the highest rating. The averages follow:
| Measures of Satisfaction | MDiv 2015-16 | Total 2015-16 | MDiv 2013-14 | Total 2013-14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I have been satisfied with my academic experience here. | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Field education/internship has been a helpful experience. | 4 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Faculty were supportive and understanding. | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| I have felt accepted within this school community. | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| I have grown spiritually. | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| My faith is stronger than when I came here. | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| My personal faith has been respected. | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Individuals of other faith traditions have been respected. | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| I know at least one faculty member well. | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| I have been able to integrate the theology and practice of ministry. | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| The school has tried to be an inclusive community. | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| I have come to know students from other ethnic groups. | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| I have made good friends here. | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Seminary was a good experience for my spouse/family. | 4.4 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Commuting increased the time it took to complete my program. | 3.1 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 3.1 |
| I have been able to manage financially. | 4.5 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4 |
| If I had to do it over, I would still come here. | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Based on the GSQ, Master of Divinity students reported their highest levels of progress in skills as “Ability to use and interpret Scripture,” “Ability to think theologically,” “Knowledge of Christian philosophy and ethics,” and “Ability to work effectively with both men and women.”
Students in all programs reported highest levels of agreement (average of 4.5 and above) in the areas of academic experience satisfaction, accessibility of faculty and quality of teaching, ease in scheduling required courses, and library and research support.
When reflecting on their personal lives in light of their experience at the seminary, students rated the following criteria with average scores of 4: greater self-understanding, greater sense of people's needs, improved pastoral skills, and greater interest in future ministry.
Completion Rates
Of those admitted in years 2007-09, approximately 40% of students graduated within 4 years, and approximately 57% within 6 years. Many students work full or part time while taking courses, and some are placed within their desired area of ministry.
Graduation Rates
| Program | Azusa Pacific Seminary | All ATS Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Divinity | 75% | 64% |
| Professional MA | 64% | 51% |
| Academic MA | 55% | 52% |
| Adv. Professional | 62% | 48% |
| Overall | 70% | 58% |