Current student surveys may be administered to all students in the program or to a sample of students at each class level. These surveys can help determine the perceptions and attitudes of students currently in the program. An exiting student survey allows the department to gather comments from graduating seniors concerning their perceptions of the department, their immediate and future plans, and if they have been able to obtain employment or acceptance into a graduate program before graduation. Alumni surveys allow departments to determine the types of jobs or graduate degrees their majors are able to obtain and the skills that are necessary for the job market or for graduate study. These surveys provide information about entry level salaries, as well as perceptions of the department after being away for some time.
Alumni can also reflect on the knowledge and skills gained in the program of study.
Faculty surveys allow the department to determine if there is consensus on the goals and objectives of the department, if the faculty members feel the goals and objectives are being met, the strengths and weaknesses of the program, and faculty members' expectations of students entering the program. Employer surveys enable the department to determine if their graduates have the necessary job skills and if there are additional skills which are especially sought after. There are several types of data that can be obtained on a survey instrument. The department may be interested in finding information about students' perceptions of the department, levels of involvement, perceived competence at various skills, students' satisfaction, employment or education status, and faculty opinions about the department. The following are examples of questions that may be included on a survey used for the purpose of assessing the departmental major.