INTENDED PROGRAM OUTCOMES

The program is intended to prepare graduates to serve in a variety of higher educational roles and contexts. In accordance with this objective, the program will focus on the following 16 specific learning outcomes.

• College student development: Program graduates will be able to describe the major elements and issues of college student development and will demonstrate the capacity to apply developmental understandings in professional settings.
• History of higher education: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key historical events, movements, and trends that have shaped American higher education.
• Administration and governance: Graduates will be aware of the unique administrative, organizational and governance issues and structures present in higher education. In addition, they will demonstrate the ability navigate these structures in a manner that allows them to work effectively within them.
• Counseling and referral: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of and proficiency with basic helping skills as well as the skills and knowledge required to provide referrals to students needing professional mental health care.
• Higher education finance: Graduates will exhibit a comprehensive understanding of higher education finance and funding structures as well as the abilities to understand, construct, and manage institutional and departmental budgets.
• Student learning: Graduates will possess knowledge of the student learning paradigm and demonstrate proficiency at promoting, developing and implementing a “seamless curriculum.”
• Program Development: Graduates will exhibit theoretical understanding and organizational skills necessary for the development and implementation of effective educational curricula and programs.
• Assessment: Graduates will have an understanding of the principles of program assessment, skills needed to construct such assessments, and the knowledge of how to incorporate assessment findings into continuous quality improvement.
• Educational foundations: Graduates will possess knowledge of the philosophical, psychological, and sociological underpinnings of American higher education. Additionally, they will be able to discern important implications of these foundations in the practice of program and curriculum design and implementation.
• Research and scholarship: Graduates will demonstrate research proficiency necessary for the purposes of program assessment and improvement, development of optimal educational practice, and the advancement of knowledge in the field. Students will participate in original research and have opportunities to present and or publish findings professionally.
• Leadership for change: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and practical principles for leading change. Additionally, graduates will develop a personal model of leadership and gain experience by assisting in undergraduate leadership development initiatives.
• Legal issues in higher education: Graduates will understand legal concepts and issues in higher education and demonstrate practical knowledge of working through legal counsel.
• Spiritual development: Graduates will display personal spiritual maturity and the clear ability to effectively and appropriately integrate faith and practice. Additionally, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to promote student spiritual formation. This outcome will form the foundation of the whole person philosophy of this Christ-centered program and its graduates.
• Contemporary issues and trends in higher education: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of significant issues and trends in higher education. Additionally, they will possess a practical understanding of methods of identifying and evaluating contemporary developments.
• Practical experience: Graduates will gain hands-on professional experience through participation in a variety of practicum and internship opportunities.
• Global engagement: Graduates will understand higher education within a global context and be prepared to skillfully operate within multiple cultural environments.