University Assessment & Testing

Learning Outcome Statements

Student learning outcomes should:

• Use active verbs to clearly state what STUDENTS will know and/or understand and be able to do with that knowledge or understanding when they complete their program (credit: University of Nebraska-Lincoln PEARL).

• Align with the mission and goals of the department, college, and institution.

• Be meaningful and manageable (credit: Bresciani).

• Communicate clearly with a variety of audiences the learning that is expected of students participating in the program.

Examples of Student Learning Outcomes

Student Outcomes for Agricultural Communications:

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of current communications practices, including effective writing, layout and design, photography, computer skills, and oral communications.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to work in a professional communications setting through an experiential-learning environment (i.e., internship).

• Students will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, to work independently and to work as members of a team.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to prepare professional quality communications work as evaluated through the annual National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Critique and Contest.

Student Outcomes for Geology. Upon degree completion, students will:

• Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts in eight subject areas: physical geology, historical geology, mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, geomorphology, paleontology, and structural geology;

• Demonstrate technical skills in the collection and analysis of geologic data, critical-thinking skills, plus written and verbal communication skills;

• Apply geologic knowledge and skills to a range of problems faced by business, industry, government;

• Graduates apply their knowledge regarding the hospitality industry to whatever career track within the industry they pursue;

• Graduates demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge and a capacity to think critically, which is reflective of a strong liberal education and a solid grounding in the content of their desired area of specialization.

• Graduates are effective users of recent research and theory in hospitality operations management and can assess new advances in their specialties.

• Graduates express satisfaction with their academic preparation and the opportunities afforded to them by the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

Student Outcomes for Industrial Engineering and Management. Graduating baccalaureate students possess an understanding of fundamental industrial engineering and management concepts, methodologies, and technologies as demonstrated by:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, probability and statistics, science, engineering, and engineering economy.

• An ability to design and conduct experiments involving risk and uncertainty, as well as to analyze and interpret data.

• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.

• An ability to function on culturally diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems involving physical, human, and economic parameters.

• An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

• An ability to communicate effectively.

• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.

• A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.

• A knowledge of contemporary issues and the role of the human in enterprise activities.

• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for industrial engineering and management practice.

Student Outcomes for English. Graduates of the English Department undergraduate program will:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of literature, technical writing, creative writing, or film as a discipline. 

Desired Student Outcomes for Psychology. Learning Outcomes. The department has identified seven learning outcomes relevant to the discipline of psychology. Students should be able to perform adequately or better in each of the following areas:

• Evaluation of existing research

• Understanding basic principles of original research designs

• Using APA style in written assignments

• Interpreting both descriptive and inferential statistics

• Understanding individual differences in both a biological and cultural context

• Understanding ethical principles for psychologists

• Writing effectively