Baccalaureate Learning Outcomes

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The conferring of the bachelor's degree at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ recognizes a graduate's achievement of a set of connected learning goals. These five baccalaureate learning outcomes,Ìıcommon to all bachelor's degree programs at the University, are introduced in a student's firstÌıyear and developed at progressively advanced levels through the senior year.Ìı

Communication

Recipients of the bachelor's degree should be able to construct and communicate originalÌıknowledge effectively in writing, in oral presentations, and through the use of other mediaÌıwhere appropriate. This learning outcome includes the ability to formulate a clear andÌıcompelling statement of purpose, to order supporting information logically, to manage andÌıintegrate multiple sources of information, and to use Standard English proficiently. StudentsÌıshould exhibit these competencies throughout their course of study with reference to bothÌıgeneral and specialized audiences.

Inquiry and Reasoning

Recipients of the bachelor's degree should demonstrate the ability to define problems, discoverÌırelevant information, assess the validity of evidence, analyze complex arguments, considerÌıalternative perspectives, and reach reasoned judgments and conclusions. This learningÌıoutcome includes verbal and quantitative literacy, the mastery of research methods, and theÌıcompetent use of relevant technology. Students should consistently exhibit theseÌıcompetencies both generally and at an advanced level within their academic major.

Broad Knowledge of the Human and Natural World

Recipients of the bachelor's degree should possess a broad, active, and growing knowledge – informed by literacy in the arts and humanities, history, social sciences, and natural sciences –Ìıof the human world, the natural world, and their interrelationship. The University's otherÌılearning outcomes, including the competencies of the academic major, should beÌıdemonstrated in the context of an ethically informed awareness of the fragility, complexity, andÌıdiversity of the human and natural environment.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

All bachelor's degrees awarded by the University recognize the attainment of knowledge andÌıskills particular to a major. These include recognition of the distinctive features of the majorÌıdiscipline (or disciplines) in relationship to other fields, the mastery of specialized vocabulary,Ìıan understanding of theory, and proficiency in practice. These specialized competenciesÌıcomplement and focus the University's other learning outcomes with reference to a student'sÌıspecific academic and professional goals.

Applied Knowledge and Skills

All bachelor's degree programs at the University are designed to equip students to apply theirÌılearning to real opportunities, challenges, and needs. Recipients of the bachelor's degreeÌıshould have developed this ability throughout their course of study in service learning,Ìıinternships, and other experiences of pre-professional and civic engagement. Both the designÌıof these experiences and the work of the student should effectively demonstrate theÌıapplication of the University's other four baccalaureate outcomes in authentic and meaningfulÌıcontexts beyond the classroom.

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