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Learning Outcomes Assessment

Student Learning Outcomes

In keeping with its mission, Thomas Edison State University is committed to maintaining high standards of academic integrity and of quality service to its students. To achieve this goal, the University engages in outcomes assessment, a process through which the effectiveness of the University and its programs is evaluated against institutionally determined standards. Thomas Edison State University's institutional outcomes are closely mapped to the Essential Learning Outcomes of the Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) initiative as documented by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The University Academic Council has approved specific institutional learning outcomes for all undergraduate students and graduate students.

Undergraduate Institutional Learning Outcomes

All Thomas Edison State University students who graduate from bachelor's degree programs will have the following competencies:

  • Written Communication
    Communicate ideas effectively in writing using text, data and images for addressing globally complex challenges.
  • Oral Communication
    Communicate ideas effectively orally using multiple modes of communication, as appropriate.
  • Information Literacy
    Identify, locate, evaluate and effectively and responsibly use and share information for the problem at hand.
  • Quantitative Reasoning/Literacy
    Demonstrate competency and comfort in working with numerical data, create complex and refined arguments supported by quantitative evidence, and clearly communicate those arguments in a variety of formats, as appropriate.
  • Diversity/Intercultural Literacy
    Recognize that they are members of a world community and demonstrate intercultural knowledge, skills and attitudes that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
  • Ethical Leadership
    Assess their own ethical values and the social context of a given situation, recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings, apply ethical principles to ethical dilemmas, and consider the ramifications of alternative actions.
  • Critical Thinking
    Critically explore issues and ideas, frame events, consider evidence and analyze assumptions before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.

Graduate Institutional Learning Outcomes

All Thomas Edison State University students who graduate from advanced-level degree programs will be able to:

  • Apply in-depth knowledge to the major questions, theories, debates, and methodologies in their organization, field or profession.
  • Use critical analysis and research to make informed decisions and to improve an organization, field, or profession.
  • Communicate effectively to positively impact an organization, field, or profession.
  • Apply ethical principles and theories in research, evaluation, organizational culture, and communities.
  • Interpret cultural influences in organizations and communities.
  • Create sophisticated arguments supported by quantitative evidence.

Programmatic Learning Outcomes

Programmatic learning outcomes, focusing on degree specific learning goals and objectives, have also been established within each school at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. 

Student’s Role in Outcomes Assessment

In keeping with its mission, Thomas Edison State University is committed to maintaining high standards of academic integrity and of quality service to its students. To achieve this goal, the University engages in outcomes assessment, a process through which the effectiveness of the University and its programs is evaluated against institutionally determined standards.

Students are an important and necessary source of information about Thomas Edison State University’s effectiveness. By surveying students and graduates, and administering certain kinds of assessments that gauge the level of students’ skills and learning, the University gains valuable information, which is used to assess its effectiveness and to guide the development of curriculum.

Although these surveys and assessments, as well as other information-gathering instruments, are not typically part of a student’s degree program, Thomas Edison State University students are required to participate in such activities when selected. All students who take part in outcomes assessment activities contribute to the continued excellence of Thomas Edison State University and to the reputation of the degrees awarded by the institution.

Additional Learning Outcomes

Heavin School of Arts and Sciences

School of Applied Science and Technology

School of Business and Management

W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing

John S. Watson School of Public Service and Continuing Studies

Toni M. Terry, BA

"I am 67 years old, soon to be 68, and to be able to say I did this at this day in my life is just gratification for my own self."

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