What are the Global Tests for Major Studies (GTMS)?

The Global Tests for Major Studies are innovative undergraduate and MBA outcomes assessments designed to measure the basic knowledge and understanding achieved by students in a major field of study. Test results enable academic departments to better assess and refine curricula, gauge the progress of students compared to others in the programme, and those in similar programmes at schools throughout the country. The GTMS were formerly known as Major Field Tests (MFT), a name that remains for the domestic US market.

Paper-and-pencil tests, GTMS go beyond the measurement of factual knowledge; they help evaluate students' ability to:

• analyse and solve problems
• understand relationships
• interpret material

Who takes GTMS?

Undergraduate level students: The tests are designed to assess the knowledge expected of students at the conclusion of a major in specific subject areas. The test is often given in a Capstone course or in the last semester of study as part of a graduation requirement to document proficiency in the specific area of study.

GTMS are offered for the following programmes:

When and where do students take the exams?

Tests are typically given during the senior year, after a student has successfully completed the majority of courses required for a given major. There are no preset test administration dates, so institutions and departments may schedule testing at their convenience; academic departments are able to choose where to administer the exams, as long as it is in a proctored environment. Universities and schools that have already previously administered MFT can start administering GTMS now.

Why GTMS?

GTMS provide valuable information in:

• Meeting external requirements: GTMS provide reliable documentation of performance for accreditation, strategic planning and performance-based funding
• Benchmarking and trend analysis: Facilitates comparison of scores to measure student achievement, document programme effectiveness and demonstrate programme improvement over time
• Developing and improving curricula: A variety of score reports allow for detailed curriculum review and evaluation
• Assessing student achievement: Faculty and administrators can assess student level of achievement within a field of study compared to that of other students in their programme, and to the national comparative data

How can I use GTMS?

• Integrate the exam into the Capstone course
• Students can be tested to demonstrate that they have achieved the goals for learning established by their educational institution and major department
• Schedule the assessment during class time
• Incorporate the administration of the assessment into the course syllabus to imply performance counts
• Make the exam a graduation requirement
• Require students to take the exam to motivate performance without mandating performance