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Program Learning Outcomes for CAS Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Biology, BS

Students will:

1. Demonstrate mastery of content across the broad field of modern biology
2. Demonstrate laboratory expertise
3. Critically evaluate biological data
4. Demonstrate mastery of the scientific method
5. Effectively communicate biological information in writing
6. Effectively communicate biological information orally.

Chemistry, BS

Students will:

Chemistry

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major disciplines in the chemical sciences: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
2. Apply critical thinking to solving chemical problems and to designing experiments.
3. Proficiently record, analyze, and disseminate data utilizing chemical instrumentation and software.
4. Utilize chemical information resources in oral and written presentations of chemistry-related information.
5. Adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in the practice of science and in protecting the environment.
6. Demonstrate the safe practice of chemistry.
7. Prepare to succeed in employment and higher education in chemistry and related fields.

Biochemistry

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the key principles of biochemistry; using a strong foundation in the disciplines of chemistry.
2. Apply critical thinking to solve biochemical and chemical problems and to designing experiments.
3. Proficiently record, analyze, and disseminate data utilizing chemical instrumentation and software.
4. Utilize chemical information resources in oral and written presentations of biochemistry-related information.
5. Adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in the practice of science and in protecting the environment.
6. Demonstrate the safe practice of chemistry.
7. Prepare to succeed in employment and higher education in chemistry and related fields.

Chemistry Business

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major disciplines in the chemical sciences: analytical, organic, and industrial chemistry.
2. Record, analyze, and disseminate data utilizing chemical instrumentation and software.
3. Adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in the practice of science and in protecting the environment.
4. Demonstrate the safe practice of chemistry.
5. Prepare to succeed in employment and higher education in chemistry and related fields.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in fundamentals of business. 

Forensic Chemistry

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major disciplines in the chemical sciences: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
2. Apply critical thinking to solving chemical problems and to designing experiments.
3. Proficiently record, analyze, and disseminate data utilizing chemical instrumentation and software.
4. Utilize chemical information resources in oral and written presentations of chemistry-related information.
5. Adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in the practice of science and in protecting the environment.
6. Demonstrate the safe practice of chemistry.
7. Prepare to succeed in employment and higher education in chemistry and related fields.

Communications, BA

Students will:

1. Create professional quality written work using skills common to the field of communication.
2. Demonstrate the oral communication skills one would expect of a professional in the field of communication.
3. Apply critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems similar to those found in the field of communication.
4. Produce professional work through the use of technology and/or research and statistical concepts common to the field of communication.
5. Apply moral, ethical and/or Ignatian values to situations in the field of communication.
6. Apply theories and methods appropriate to the field of communication.

Computer Science, BS

info coming soon!

Criminal Justice, BS

Students will:

1. Explain the history, theories, processes, and current trends of American courts, law enforcement, and corrections at the local, state, and federal levels.
2. Explain the major theoretical and methodological perspectives related to the etiology and measurement of juvenile and adult crime.
3. Think critically about crime and justice programs and policies.
4. Conduct, analyze, and apply research related to criminal justice.
5. Competently  utilize  modern technology in educational and professional settings.
6. Write and speak effectively in the field of social sciences using standard English. 
7. Develop skills that will enable students to evaluate the social justice implications related to the criminal justice system.

Cybercrime & Homeland Security, BS

Students will:

1. Explain the history, theories, processes, and current trends of cybercrime and homeland security at the local, state, and federal levels.
2. Think critically about issues pertaining to cybercrime and homeland security.
3. Conduct, analyze and apply research on issues pertaining to cybercrime and homeland security.
4. Write and speak effectively in the field of cybercrime and homeland security using Standard English.
5. Develop skills that will enable students to evaluate the social justice implications related to issues pertaining to cybercrime and homeland security.
6. Develop skills that will enable students to identify, investigate, analyze and prevent issues pertaining to cybercrime and homeland security.

Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity, MS

Students will:

1. Compare the occurrence, effects, and processes of cybercrime and other abuses arising in a cyber environment to traditional offenses.
2. Appraise system vulnerabilities and the threats that may be present in the cyber realm.
3. Assess vulnerabilities to gain access to a system.
4. Apply cyber forensics techniques throughout an investigation life cycle with a focus on complying with legal requirements.
5. Mitigate the effects of system vulnerabilities on an operational system and its users.
6. Investigate emerging issues related to cybercrime and cybersecurity

Education, BS/MS

Students will:

PreK-4, Middle, & Secondary Education, BS

1. Demonstrate the content and/or pedagogical content knowledge necessary to teach effectively in their teaching area. 
2. Plan and adjust lesson and unit plans based on relevant research and the identified strengths and needs of all students.
3. Use and adjust a variety of evidence-based teaching strategies based on identified strengths and needs of all students
4. Design and apply formative and summative assessments to make educational decisions based on identified strengths and needs of all students.
5. Create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments based on knowledge of developmental, learning and classroom management theories so that all students become engaged and successful learners
6. Demonstrate professional behaviors and dispositions and will uphold professional responsibilities when interacting with all students and collaborating with other educators and the community.  Teacher candidates will practice self-assessment, reflection, and life-long learning to improve teaching practice and to advance the profession. 
7. Demonstrate a commitment to the Jesuit ideals in service to others.

Secondary Education, MS

1. Demonstrate the content and/or pedagogical content knowledge necessary to teach effectively in their teaching area.
2. Plan and adjust lesson and unit plans based on relevant research and the identified strengths and needs of all students.
3. Use and adjust a variety of evidence-based teaching strategies based on identified strengths and needs of all students.
4. Design and apply formative and summative assessments to make educational decisions based on identified strengths and needs of all students.
5. Create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments based on knowledge of developmental, learning and classroom management theories so that all students become engaged and successful learners.
6. Demonstrate professional behaviors and dispositions and will uphold professional responsibilities when interacting with all students and collaborating with other educators and the community.  Teacher candidates will practice self-assessment, reflection, and life-long learning to improve teaching practice and to advance the profession. 
7. Demonstrate knowledge of educational research related to their teaching area.

Special Education, MS

1. Demonstrate their knowledge of individual, developmental, and cultural differences of students with exceptionalities and their families.
2. Know and modify general education curriculum and implement specialized curriculum to advance learning of students with exceptionalities. 
3. Research, implement and evaluate evidence-based strategies to advance learning of students with exceptionalities.
4. Use relevant assessment tools and procedures to identify exceptionalities, to develop specially designed instruction, and to conduct progress monitoring for making educational decisions to advance learning of students with exceptionalities. 
5. Create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments based on knowledge of developmental, learning and classroom management theories so that all students become engaged and successful learners.
6. Demonstrate professional behaviors and dispositions and will uphold professional responsibilities when interacting with all students and collaborating with other educators and the community.  Teacher candidates will practice self-assessment, reflection, and life-long learning to improve teaching practice and to advance the profession.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of educational research related to their teaching area.

English, BA

Students will:

1. Execute literary arguments based on close readings of texts with attention paid to genre and thematic focus.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the key texts, authors, and historical development of Anglophone Literature.
3. Articulate knowledge about diversity (in many of its facets) through examination of Multi-Ethnic American and Post-Colonial/Colonial literary texts. 

Environmental Science, B.S. 

Students will: 

1. Have a sound knowledge of both chemistry and biology, and the biology and chemical aspects of environmental science.
2. Know how to apply critical thinking to the analysis and devising of possible solutions to conservation problems, sustainability issues, and environmental problems.
3. Have an appreciation of the social and economic implications of environmental science.
4. Have a sound knowledge of sustainability and how science can contribute to sustainable development.
5. Be proficient in the recording, analysis, and dissemination of data utilizing modern techniques, instrumentation, and software

History, BA

Students will:

1. Exhibit effective critical thinking, reading comprehension, and communication in written and oral forms.
2. Develop the technical skills required of historians. These include research methodology, citations, and argumentation.
3. Cultivate a deeper understanding of the breadth and depth of the human experience across time and societies.

Mathematics & Mathematical Sciences, BS

Students will:

Mathematics

1. Demonstrate college-level knowledge in foundational mathematics, e.g., Calculus and Linear Algebra
2. Demonstrate competence in routine analytical reasoning
3. Demonstrate college-level knowledge in applied mathematics
4. Demonstrate college-level knowledge in algebra/geometry
5. Demonstrate college-level knowledge in analysis
6. Demonstrate competence in nonroutine critical reasoning
7. Demonstrate college-level knowledge in fields related to mathematics

1.  Possess mastery of foundational mathematics, i.e., calculus and linear algebra.
2. Develop breadth and depth in mathematical areas relevant to partner disciplines.
3. Develop breadth and depth of content knowledge of a discipline that is a partner to the mathematical sciences.

Philosophy, B.S. 

1. Develop a crucial understanding of major traditions and contemporary ideas in the field of philosophy.
2. Learn to understand and apply concepts and theories of moral philosophy.
3. Acquire the skills to write and speak effectively about philosophy and other subjects.

Physics, BS

Students will:

1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental,  and societal contexts
5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Political Science, BS

Students will:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in one or more of the core bodies of knowledge contained in the basic subfields of the discipline.
2. Communicate clearly, accurately, and persuasively about political issues and ideas.
3. Identify issues related to the creation of injustices and the pursuit of social justice in one or more of the basic subfields of the discipline.

Psychology, BS

Students will:

1.  Have Knowledge of Psychology

• On the ETS Major Field Test in Psychology administered every third year, graduating psychology majors will score no lower than 65th percentile on institutional comparisons.
• Graduating psychology majors will score at least at the 60th percentile on all four of the ETS Major Field Achievement Test subscores: Learning/Cognition/Memory ; Sensory/Perception/Physiology; Clinical/Abnormal/Personality; and Developmental/Social.

      2.  Gain Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

• Graduating psychology majors will score no lower than the 65th percentile on institutional comparisons on the measurement/methodology assessment indicator of the ETS Major Field Test in Psychology.
• Psychology majors will reach writing competence (per scoring rubrics) in the Psychology program’s two required writing-intensive (EPW) courses:  PSYC 212, Research Methods & Statistical Analysis II, and PSYC 491, Senior Seminar. II.
• At least 12 psychology majors will present at external research conferences and/or coauthor publications per year.
• All psychology majors will successfully produce a poster as part of the two-semester Research Methods & Statistical Analysis sequence.

      3.   Learn Professional and Ethical Development

• All psychology majors will complete PSYC 390: Career Development Seminar and will demonstrate a pre-post course increase in their career knowledge and skills.
• All psychology majors will successfully pass (80% correct) the multiple-module CITI test on ethics in behavioral research.
• All psychology interns will demonstrate pre-post course improvement on an ethics exam and will demonstrate satisfactory ethical conduct in the field (as assessed by their external supervisors’ evaluations).
• At least 90% of graduating psychology majors will complete one or more transcriptable experiential activity in the psychology department (30%+ each in Student Faculty Teaching Mentorship Program, Faculty Student Research Program, Field Experience in Clinical or Applied Settings, and Service Learning/CBL Psychology course). 
• 90% of the previous year’s psychology graduates responding to the Center for Career Development’s first destination survey will be either employed full-time or pursuing additional education.

Sociology, BS

Students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the social role of culture, micro and macro social processes relating to people and social change, and an understanding of social stratification. 
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the major theoretical and methodological perspectives related to the study of social processes.
3. Develop research and statistical skills to look at an issue and  analyze it as to causes, process, and consequences, and then apply appropriate knowledge for constructing a positive solution.
4. Develop the skills necessary to be competent in the use of modern technology in educational and professional settings.
5. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about society and social programs/policies
6. The ability to write and speak effectively using standard English and the writing skills appropriate to the field of social sciences through the completion of written assignments. 
7. Develop skills that will enable students to evaluate the social justice implications related to social inequality.

Theatre, BA

Students will:

1. Perform, direct, design, write, etc. effectively for an audience incorporating elements of the particular discipline;
2. Critically analyze theatrical works paying particular attention to the various means (acting, directing, designing, constructing, playwriting, etc.) through which a theatrical concept is realized;
3. Describe and identify the historical context, cultural context, modes of production, and representative plays of theatre.

Theology, BA

Students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of central concepts and figures from the Christian tradition.  
2. Demonstrate knowledge of central concepts and figures from another religious tradition
3. Construct and defend coherent arguments on theological and religious themes using primary and secondary texts.  
4. Engage in moral evaluation and discernment, informed by theological and religious concept and Ignatian values

World Languages and Cultures, BA

Students will:

1. Communicate orally and in writing in languages other than English.
2.  Interpret literature written in languages other than English.
3.  Develop diversity and intercultural competence by describing and understanding cultural practices, beliefs, norms of societies where English is not the primary language.