Establish Clear Student Learning Outcomes

Program-level learning outcomes (PLOs) are broad statements that describe the key knowledge, skills, and abilities that students are expected to demonstrate upon completion of an academic program. They are distinct from course-level learning outcomes, which are more specific and focused on the content and activities within an individual course. Most academic degree programs will have 5-7 PLOs.


Why Should We Use Learning Outcomes at the Program Level?

Program-level learning outcomes (PLOs) are important tools for organizing and communicating the purpose and direction of an academic degree program. PLOs help students understand the knowledge, skills, and competencies they will acquire, and they provide a framework for designing and evaluating the curriculum.

  • Creates focus for the program and its courses
  • Creates a shared understanding amongst program faculty about purpose and scope
  • Contributes to a framework for decision-making about the curriculum
  • Helps students understand what they can expect to learn in the program
  • Facilitates external communication about the value of the program
  • Supports coherent course planning

Characteristics of Effective Learning Outcomes

Specific and measurable: Learning outcomes should be clearly stated and describe observable, measurable behaviors or abilities.

Aligned with program goals: Outcomes should be directly tied to the overall mission and objectives of the academic program. Outcomes are often informed by disciplinary norms and values.

Achievable and relevant: Outcomes should be realistic for students to attain within the program’s timeframe and relevant to their future academic or professional pursuits. They should be written at the appropriate developmental level and be relevant for graduates at that level.

Incorporate active verbs: Use action-oriented verbs like “analyze,” “evaluate,” “design,” or “create” to describe the intended learning. Bloom’s Taxonomy provides guidance for developing outcomes that fit the expected developmental levels.

Focused on the end result: Outcomes should describe what students will know and be able to do upon completion of the program or learning experience.

Basic Steps to Develop Program-Level Learning Outcomes​


Review program mission and goals

  • Start by clearly defining the overarching purpose and objectives of the academic program. This will provide a foundation for developing relevant and aligned learning outcomes.
  • Ensure that PLOs align with the broader mission and goals of the institution.
  • If the program is accredited, make sure the learning outcomes meet any applicable accreditation requirements.

Involve key members of the community

  • Involve faculty members who teach in the program, as they understand the course content and how it contributes to the overall learning goals.
  • If applicable, consult with industry professionals, employers, and alumni to ensure the outcomes align with professional expectations and job market needs.
  • Consider student feedback to ensure the outcomes are relevant to their needs and aspirations.

Identify key knowledge, skills, and competencies

  • Brainstorm the most important abilities, concepts, and practical skills that students should master by the end of the program. Refer to disciplinary associations or accreditation standards for guidance.
  • Include critical thinking, problem-solving, research skills, technical skills, communication, teamwork, and other relevant competencies.
  • Define the attitudes, values, and ethical considerations important for the discipline.
  • Consider the ability to continue learning and adapting in a rapidly changing field.

Write Specific and Measurable Outcomes

  • Translate key program elements into clear, specific, and measurable learning outcome statements.
  • Start with action verbs that specify what students will be able to do (e.g., analyze, create, evaluate, demonstrate, design).
  • Ensure each outcome is specific and understandable, avoiding vague language. Outcomes should be written in language that students can understand and connect with.
  • The outcomes should be measurable, meaning that it should be possible to assess whether students have achieved them.

Align with Curriculum

  • Map Outcomes to Courses: Identify where in the curriculum each PLO will be addressed. This ensures that all outcomes are sufficiently covered throughout the program.
  • Consider Sequence: Ensure that the curriculum builds towards achieving these outcomes, with lower-level courses supporting the development of skills and knowledge required for higher-level courses.

Review and Refine

  • Evaluate draft outcomes against the characteristics of effective learning outcomes.
  • Seek feedback from colleagues, students, and industry partners to ensure the outcomes are relevant and achievable.

Communicate and Implement

  • Clearly communicate the program-level learning outcomes to students, faculty, and other stakeholders.
  • Incorporate the outcomes into the curriculum, assessment practices, and program review processes. Ensure PLOs are included in syllabi, program handbooks, and promotional materials.
  • Clearly communicate PLOs to students so they understand the expectations and goals of their education.

Assess and Update Regularly

  • Continuous Assessment: Develop assessment tools to measure student achievement of each outcome. Use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
  • Periodically review and update the PLOs to keep them relevant with changes in the discipline, industry standards, and educational practices.

Examples of Undergraduate Program-Level Learning Outcomes

These examples illustrate how program-level learning outcomes can be tailored to the unique knowledge, skills, and competencies expected of graduates in different academic disciplines. Regardless of the field, the key is to ensure the outcomes are specific, measurable, aligned with program goals, and focused on what students will be able to demonstrate upon completion of the program.

  • Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in English Literature will be able to critically analyze literary texts, evaluate the historical and cultural contexts that shaped their production, and effectively communicate their interpretations through written and oral presentations.
  • Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy will be able to apply ethical frameworks to identify and address complex moral dilemmas, construct logical arguments to support their philosophical positions, and engage in respectful dialogues with individuals holding diverse worldviews.
  • Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology will be able to design and conduct empirical research studies, interpret psychological data using appropriate statistical methods, and apply evidence-based principles to promote individual and community wellbeing.
  • Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Economics will be able to utilize economic theories and quantitative tools to analyze complex socioeconomic issues, evaluate the potential impacts of policy interventions, and effectively communicate their findings to policymakers and the public.
  • Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Biology will be able to apply the scientific method to investigate biological phenomena, evaluate the ethical considerations of emerging biotechnologies, and communicate scientific information to diverse audiences.
  • Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science will be able to design, implement, and test software solutions that address real-world problems, collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and industry practices.

Master's Programs

These examples illustrate how program-level learning outcomes for graduate programs can be designed to align with the advanced knowledge, specialized skills, and high-level competencies expected of master’s and doctoral degree holders. The outcomes emphasize the ability to apply theoretical and practical expertise to address complex, real-world challenges, as well as the communication and leadership abilities required for success in various professional contexts.

  • Graduates will be able to apply principles of sustainability, circular economy, and life-cycle analysis to engineer innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote resource efficiency.
  • Graduates will be able to lead interdisciplinary teams to identify, evaluate, and address complex sustainability challenges through the integration of technical, economic, and policy considerations.
  • Graduates will be able to communicate technical information related to sustainable engineering effectively to diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, industry partners, and the general public.
  • Graduates will be able to analyze public policy issues, evaluate the political, economic, and social implications of policy decisions, and formulate evidence-based recommendations to address complex public problems.
  • Graduates will be able to apply principles of public administration, including budgeting, human resource management, and organizational theory, to effectively lead and manage public and non-profit organizations.
  • Graduates will be able to demonstrate ethical leadership, cultural competence, and a commitment to social equity and community engagement in their professional practice.
  • Graduates will be able to produce a substantial, cohesive body of original creative work in their chosen literary genre (e.g., fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction) that demonstrates a high level of artistic and technical proficiency.
  • Graduates will be able to critically analyze and provide constructive feedback on the creative work of their peers, drawing on their in-depth knowledge of literary traditions, craft elements, and publishing industry standards.
  • Graduates will be able to effectively communicate their creative vision and artistic process to diverse audiences through public readings, workshops, and other professional platforms.

PhD Programs

These examples illustrate the elevated expectations and specialized expertise associated with doctoral-level programs. The program-level learning outcomes emphasize the ability to conduct independent, original research, critically evaluate complex information, and communicate findings to diverse stakeholders. They also highlight the development of advanced disciplinary knowledge, leadership skills, and the capacity to address complex, real-world problems in each field.

  • Graduates will be able to independently design and conduct original, cutting-edge research that advances the field of molecular biology and addresses significant biological problems.
  • Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and interpret complex biological data, draw insightful conclusions, and effectively communicate their research findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences through publications, presentations, and grant proposals.
  • Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology principles, techniques, and emerging trends, and apply this knowledge to formulate innovative research questions and hypotheses.
  • Graduates will be able to critically analyze educational policies, programs, and practices, and generate research-based recommendations to address complex challenges in educational systems and institutions.
  • Graduates will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct rigorous, interdisciplinary research that integrates theoretical frameworks, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and ethical considerations to advance the field of educational policy and leadership.
  • Graduates will be able to assume leadership roles in academia, government, or the non-profit sector, and effectively advocate for equitable and evidence-based educational policies and practices that promote student success and social justice.
  • Graduates will be able to independently identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying advanced mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles and techniques.
  • Graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct original, high-impact research that contributes to the advancement of mechanical engineering theory, design, and/or applications, and communicate their findings effectively through scholarly publications and presentations.
  • Graduates will be able to assume leadership roles in academic, industrial, or research settings, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions that address technological, economic, and societal challenges.

Resources

New to Assessment? National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment Resources

Bloom’s Taxonomy via Yale’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning

Bloom’s Taxonomy from Iowa State University

CSU uses the Anthology Planning tool for program-level learning outcomes assessment and documentation.