Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are the characteristics or skills that each student is expected to acquire by completion of their educational program. They should be written as simple declarative statements that are program specific and measurable. Below are examples from the BS in Animal and Range Sciences and the graduate programs in Mathematics.

Assessable PLOs

Program: BS in Animal and Range Sciences

 

Learning Outcomes were developed collectively by all Animal Science teaching faculty based on the expertise necessary for graduates to be successful in animal agriculture and the skills taught in individual courses. Students earning their BS in Animal Science at MSU will have demonstrated the ability to:

 

  1. Design and evaluate animal management systems by synthesizing and applying knowledge of biological processes related to animals and the rangeland plants that support them. [Knowledge]
  2. Identify and critically evaluate scientific or technical animal science content to make informed decisions providing a foundation for lifelong learning. [Critical Thinking]
  3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication to a range of audiences and within collaborative environments. [Communication and Collaboration]
  4. Use scientific principles to formulate questions, explore solutions, and solve real-world problems and advocate based on science. [Problem Solving]
  5. Actively engage in discussions of complex ethical issues in their profession. [Ethics]
  6. Demonstrate animal husbandry and plant identification skills. [Skills]

Differentiating PhD and Master’s Programs PLOs

Program: PhD in Mathematics and MS in Mathematics

 

Graduate degree program outcomes are similar at the Master’s and Doctoral degree levels, with the doctoral degree requiring greater depth and independence of knowledge and mastery. The Program Assessment Report for graduate degrees in Mathematics differentiated Program Learning Outcomes for the PhD and MS programs in Mathematics in this way:

PhD Mathematics

MS Mathematics

Demonstrate a solid understanding of core graduate level real and complex analysis

 

Demonstrate solid understanding of graduate level real analysis and advanced linear algebra

Demonstrate a solid understanding of core mathematical concepts in at least one area of specialty

Demonstrate solid understanding of core mathematical concepts in at least one area of specialty

Formulate new research problems

 

Clearly communicate mathematical research both orally and in writing