Major Field Test Data

The content of the Major Field Tests reflects the basic knowledge and understanding gained in the core undergraduate curriculum for selected degree programs. The multiple-choice examinations are designed to assess mastery of concepts and principles as well as knowledge expected of students at the conclusion of a major in specific subject areas. They go beyond measurement of factual knowledge, however, because they also evaluate students' ability to analyze and solve problems, understand relationships, and interpret material. Currently, Major Field Tests are required for undergraduate students in subject-specific areas (Business Administration, Criminal Justice, History, English, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology).  The test is also required for graduate students in the Business Administration program (MBA).

Comparative Data Guides for the Major Field Test

Click on the links below to view the Major Field Test Results for that particular program.

Criminal Justice Data
The Major Field Test in Criminal Justice contains 150 multiple-choice items, some of which are grouped in sets and based on such materials as diagrams, graphs, and statistical data.  Most of the questions require knowledge of specific information about the Criminal Justice system, but the test also draws on the student’s critical thinking ability.

Business Administration Data
The Major Field Test in Business Administration contains 120 multiple-choice items, some of which are grouped in sets and based on such materials as diagrams, charts, and tables of data.  The questions are designed to measure a student's knowledge and ability to apply significant facts, concepts, theories, and analytical methods.  The questions represent a wide range of difficulty, and the test attempts to cover both depth and breadth in assessing students' levels of achievement.  The major areas covered by the tests are accounting, economics, management, quantitative business analysis and information systems, finance, legal and social environment, and international issues.

History Data
The Major Field Test in History contains 160 multiple-choice items, some of which are grouped in sets and based on such materials as quotes, maps, graphs, diagrams, tables, cartoons, or artwork.  The questions on the Major Field Test in History cover topics in European, United States, and world history.  The questions, regardless of geographic focus, cover the following types of history: cultural, diplomatic/military, economic, intellectual, political, and social.  Cultural and intellectual history comprises 25-35 percent of the test; economic and social history comprises 35-45 percent of the test; and political and diplomatic/military comprises 30-40 percent.

MBA Data
The Major Field Test for the Master of Business Administration consists of 124 multiple-choice questions, half of which are based on short case-study scenarios.  Some questions employ such materials as diagrams,graphs, and statistical data.  Most of the questions require knowledge of specific information drawn from marketing, management, finance, and managerial accounting, or a combination of these, referred to as "strategic integration".  The test also includes questions that focus on international business, information technology, the legal and regulatory environment of business, statistical analysis, and managerial economics.  A unique feature of the MFT-MBA is that all of the questions on the test measure critical thinking ability; that is, the ability to interpret data, to apply concepts and ideas, and to analyze the data, theories, and relationships deductively and inductively.  The overall scaled score can be considered a measure of a student's critical thinking and reasoning within the domain of a standard MBA curriculum.