Educational Evaluation, a New Need in Higher Education in Iran (Case Study: Rural Development Management Department, Yasouj University)

The aim of this study was to evaluate Rural Development Management Department of Yasouj University based on Internal Evaluation (IE) approach. Evaluation elements and criteria were selected and categorized in six groups: head of department, faculty members, non- faculty members, students, curriculum, and equipment. These criteria were evaluated by faculty members and students using SWOT model in some focusing group interviews. The results showed that the supposed department is relatively good at "head of department" and "faculty members", moderate at "curriculum", and weak in terms of "students" and "equipment". Based on these results, some recommendations are presented in the paper to the responsible bodies, i.e. Rural Development Management Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University and Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.