The Major Field Achievement Test and the Area Concentration Achievement Test are designed to assess what you have learned in your major field of study. These test cover the knowledge ands skills typically taught in your major field at colleges and universities across the nation. These tests are similar to the Graduate Record Examination in subject areas except that they measure what you have achieved rather than your potential for success in graduate school.
Most departments prefer that students take the test during their last semester.
To maintain accreditation, SACS requires that member institutions establish procedures for evaluating the extent to which their educational goals are being achieved. The MFAT or ACAT is a major component of the evaluation of attainment of educational goals for many of JSU's programs. The department uses test results to evaluate its success in achieving stated educational goals and to improve curriculum and instruction. Your scores on these tests will not affect your graduation. You will receive a report of your test results which will allow you to compare your achievement to that of students in your discipline who are graduating from many other colleges and universities.