GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS LEARNING OUTCOMES

2007

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

The department has established the following learning outcomes for students completing
the Ed. D. program.

Candidates will be able to facilitate the development, articulation,
implementation, and stewardship of a district-wide vision of learning
supported by the school community.

Candidates will be able to promote a positive district culture, provide an
effective instructional program, apply best practice to student learning,
and design comprehensive professional growth plans for staff.

Candidates will be able to manage district organization, operations, and
resources in a way that promotes a safe, efficient, and effective learning
environment.

Candidates will be able to collaborate with families and other community
members, respond to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilize
community resources.

Candidates will be able to act with integrity, fairly, and in an ethical
manner.

Candidates will be able to influence the larger political, social, economic,
legal, and cultural context.

Candidates will be able to synthesize and apply the above outcomes
through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real settings.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in American Studies

Learning Outcome 1:
Students will develop complex analyses of the influence of cultural diversity on major
developments and cases in American history and life, integrating cultural materials with
concepts of social formation and process.

Learning Outcome 2:
Students will compare and connect historical trends, social issues, and/or cultural texts in
the US with related examples from specific other countries and/or the global situation of
the period under question.

Learning Outcome 3:
Students will design and implement significant individual research projects that explore
complex questions using appropriate materials, concepts, and methods from multiple
disciplines.

Learning Outcome 4:
Students will present their own research to multiple audiences, making appropriate
choices about the format, content, organization, and the use of evidence that are
appropriate for different purposes, audiences, and situations.

Learning Outcome 5:
Students will develop and practice ways to connect and apply their academic work to
professional contexts and audiences beyond the university.

Learning Outcome 6:
Students will integrate content, theory and methods for interdisciplinary study of
American history and culture.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics

The learning outcomes for the MA in economics are as follows:
The students will demonstrate how to measure, detrend, and analyze
macroeconomic variables such as GDP and inflation.
The students will evaluate monetary and fiscal policy using various versions of
the IS-LM model.
The students will demonstrate the importance of expectations in current
macroeconomic theory.
The students will compare the basic theories and models of Neoclassical and
New-Keynesian Economics.
The student will solve for utility-maximizing and cost-minimizing outcomes
using calculus.
The student will mathematically model the behavior of firms in competitive
markets and firms who are monopolies.
The student will calculate the welfare losses due to a lack of competition.
The student will explain how public goods and externalities result in market
failure.
The student will summarize how taxes result in efficiency losses and what factors
determine the size of the efficiency loss.
The student will use an econometric approach to model economic phenomenon,
estimate the resulting model, and interpret the estimated regression coefficients.
The student will demonstrate how to conduct a literature search of professional
economic journals using EconLit.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in English

The English Department has established the following learning outcomes for students
completing the M.A. in English:

English graduate students will demonstrate the ability to produce professional-
quality research papers that could be used as the basis for conference
presentations or professional publications.

English graduate students will demonstrate the use of a variety of interpretive
strategies for analyzing multiple kinds of texts, including close reading,
contextual analysis, analysis of form and genre, and rhetorical analysis.

English graduate students will demonstrate the use of theories related to the
representation of culture, race, class, gender, and sexuality to interpret literary
texts.

English graduate students will demonstrate the ability to participate in the
professional life of the filed as scholars, teachers, editors, and/or writers.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in History

General Goals:
Learning Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate the mastery of the historians skills of
research, analysis and writing and employ them in a variety of forms (analytical,
historiographic and bibliographic essays, and research papers or theses.

Learning Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate the understanding and the mastery of
European, American and/ or World Historiography.

Learning Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate the recognition and mastery
intercultural relationships and change over time..

Learning Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to distinguish and utilize
primary and secondary sources.

Learning Outcome 5: Students will demonstrate the ability to critique and analyze the
works of other historians, past and present.

Applied History Goals:
Learning Outcome 6: Students will demonstrate the ability to translate traditional
historical scholarship into media meant for non-professional audiences.


Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Students completing the MBA program will demonstrate knowledge in:

Management of basic business processes that relate to the production and
marketing of goods and services, finance, human resources, and information
flows.

Economic, political, legal, social and cultural forces, international as well as
domestic, that shape the market environment within which organizations strive to
achieve competitive advantage.

Ethical dimensions of decision-making

Students completing the MBA program will demonstrate the following skills:

Ability to identify and analyze complex business situations and to develop and
implement effective solutions.

Written and oral communications ability.

Effective use of information technology for decision-making.

Ability to work effectively in a group environment.

Master of Computing and Information Systems (M.C.I.S.)

Masters Degree students in the C&IS program will:

Gain Knowledge of the big picture of information systems, including system design
and analysis, and how components such as databases and networks fit into the system
knowledge vital to successful application of information systems to an organization.

Experience opportunities to study other emerging and important areas of applied
computing, including client/server programming, web site design, data mining, project
planning, and security.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for positions in key areas of information
systems, including Information Systems Analysis, Database Design and Administration,
Network Design and Administration, Computer Security, and Web Site Design and
Administration.

Students with interdisciplinary backgrounds in other areas will also be well prepared to
utilize knowledge of information systems in areas such as Heath Care, Business,
Education, Art and Graphic Design, and Criminal J ustice.
Master of Health and Human Services (M.H.H.S.)

Learning Outcome 1: The student will demonstrate skills to critically analyze health and
human services issues.

Learning Outcome 2: The student will demonstrate skills to access and successfully
utilize computer sources of health and human services information

Learning Outcome 3: The student will demonstrate skills that produce research projects
and a publishable manuscript in APA style.

Learning Outcome 4: The student will effectively perform proficiently in an online
setting.

Master of Music (M.M.)

Learning Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate specialized knowledge of at least one era
of music history.

Learning Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate specialized knowledge of at last one
aspect of music theory.

Learning Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate skills in reading, interpreting, and
performing research in a given discipline within the field of music.

Learning Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate skills in writing coherently about their
area of specialization within music.

Master of Physical Therapy (M.P.T.)

Upon completion of the physical therapy program graduates will:

Be prepared to sit for and pass the National Licensure Examination

Demonstrate professional, contextualized, decision making related to
patient management.

Formulate a plan of personal goals to continue professional development.

Demonstrate a commitment to the physical therapy profession

Display the characteristics and abilities of an autonomous practitioner of
physical therapy.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology

Thesis option:

1. Learning Outcome #1: Students will be competitive for entry into health or
research-related professional schools, post-graduate (Ph.D.) programs in the
biological sciences, or the work place.

2. Learning Outcome #2: Students will master the subjects found on standardized
tests (molecular biology, physiology, immunology) required for entrance into
professional schools (MCAT, GRE, etc.).

3. Learning Outcome #3: Students will demonstrate the ability to read
and evaluate the scientific literature in the biological sciences.

4. Learning Outcome #4: Students will be competent and independent researchers in
a discipline of the biological sciences.

Non-thesis option:

1. Learning Outcome #1: Students will be competitive for entry into health or
research related professional schools, post-graduate (Ph.D.) programs in the
biological sciences, or the work place.

2. Learning Outcome #2: Students will master the subjects found on standardized
tests (molecular biology, physiology, immunology) required for entrance into
professional schools (MCAT, GRE, etc.).

3. Learning Outcome #3: Students will be able to read and evaluate scientific
literature in the biological sciences.

4. Learning Outcome #4: Students will demonstrate broad knowledge in the
biological sciences.

Biology Education option:

1. Learning Outcome #1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic
biological principles.

2. Learning Outcome #2: Students will be able to communicate biological
principles in written and oral forms.

3. Learning Outcome #3: Students will be familiar with the scientific process
and the process of hypothesis testing.

4. Learning Outcome #4: Students will be capable of designing a basic
experiment.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry

Learning Outcome 1: Independent and critical thinking

Graduate students should demonstrate the ability to critically review the literature
pertaining to their research projects, and connect the earlier literature to their own results.
Evidence for this independent and critical thinking process should extend through the
students interpretation of their experimental data.

Learning Outcome 2: Fundamentals of chemical instrumentation/software

Graduate students should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the applications and
basic principles of the chemical instrumentation and/or software vital to their thesis
projects.

Learning Outcome 3: Written/oral communication skills:

Graduate students should demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate their
research ideas and findings both orally and in writing.

Learning Outcome 4: Chemical principles

Graduate students should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the chemical
principles related to their area of research.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice

Students will demonstrate the ability to review critically the literature pertaining to their research
projects and connect the literature to their own research results.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Studies

o Communicate effectively using the language, concepts, and models of
environmental science in written, visual, and numerical formats.
o Properly apply the scientific method to research an environmental problem and
formulate conclusions.
o Demonstrate ability to apply appropriate field- and laboratory-based methods (of
acquiring, quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing and interpreting
environmental data and information).
o Apply environmental science research as demonstrated by the successful
completion of the comprehensive exam and a Masters thesis.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics

Learning Outcome 1: Students will develop and demonstrate the ability to reason
mathematically by constructing mathematical proofs and recognizing and analyzing
accurate numerical data in all core courses. Students will learn that truth in mathematics
is verified by careful argument, and will demonstrate the ability to make conjectures and
form hypotheses, test the accuracy of their work, and effectively solve problems.

Learning Outcome 2: Students will learn to identify fundamental concepts of
mathematics as applied to science and other areas of mathematics, and to interconnect the
roles of pure and applied mathematics.

Learning Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate that they can communicate
mathematical ideas effectively by completing a graduate project or thesis involving an
investigative mathematical project, together with oral and written examinations.

Learning Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate that they can write mathematics well,
consistent with the written tradition of the discipline.

Learning Outcome 5: Students in cooperative doctoral programs will demonstrate their
ability to create significant, original mathematics.

Learning Outcome 6: Students in the Actuarial Science Track will show mastery of
actuarial science concepts and techniques by passing actuarial examinations administered
by the Society of Actuaries and other testing authorities.

Master of Science in Education Counseling

Learning Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate counseling knowledge and skills for
working with diverse populations and ethnic groups

Learning Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate knowledge of theories of individual and
family development across the life span

Learning Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of essential
interviewing and individual and group counseling skills

Learning Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts of
standardized and nonstandardized testing and other assessment techniques

Learning Outcome 5: Students will demonstrate abilities to use technology and statistical
methods in conducting research and program evaluation

Learning Outcome 6: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the identity, history, and
philosophy of the counseling profession in general, and their particular counseling
programs

Learning Outcome 7: Students will demonstrate knowledge and the ability to apply
ethical standards of the ACA and related entities and legal codes specifically related to
the practice of community counseling, school counseling, and student affairs

Learning Outcome 8: Students will demonstrate an understanding of career theory and
career counseling techniques, including career assessment
Master of Science in Education Educational Administration

The department has established the following learning outcomes for candidates
completing its M.S. Ed. and post-masters licensure programs.

Candidates will be able to facilitate the development, articulation,
implementation, and stewardship of a school vision of learning that is
supported by the school community.

Candidates will be able to promote a positive school culture, provide an
effective instructional program, apply best practice to student learning,
and design comprehensive professional growth plans for staff.

Candidates will be able to manage school organization, operations, and
resources in a way that promotes a safe, efficient, and effective learning
environment.

Candidates will be able to collaborate with families and other community
members, respond to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilize
community resources.

Candidates will be able to act with integrity, fairly, and in an ethical
manner.

Candidates will be able to influence the larger political, social, economic,
legal, and cultural context.

Candidates will be able to synthesize and apply the above outcomes
through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real settings.
Master of Science in Education Teacher Education

Curriculum and Instruction Program

Advanced teacher candidates have the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, and
sensitivities needed to be accomplished teachers, researchers, advocates, and leaders in
their fields of specialization as they explore, create, and implement curriculum and
instruction methods and strategies. The standards and criteria for judging candidates are
established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and by
the Ohio Department of Education. From these standards, the following educational
learning outcomes are derived.

Advanced Teacher Candidates will:

1. apply content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and research results in
carrying out teaching responsibilities,

2. use technology with students as a means to discover, apply, and communicate
knowledge and information,

3. reflect thoughtfully concerning instructional and assessment strategies,

4. develop professionally through reflective practice and active analysis in field-
based experience,

5. understand and value human diversity as a central element in educational settings,
and

6. exercise fairness and principled concern, care, and tolerance in professional
activities.
Early Childhood Education

Early childhood advanced teacher candidates have the breadth and depth of knowledge,
skills and sensitivities needed to be a accomplished teachers, researchers, advocates and
leaders within the field. The standards and criteria for judging candidates are established
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). From these standards, the
following educational learning outcomes are derived.

Advanced Teacher Candidates will:

1. develop a professional depth, complexity and applicability to the professional
contexts of the five undergraduate outcomes;
2. demonstrate a high level of competence in understanding and responding to
diversity of culture, language and ethnicity;
3. demonstrate in depth knowledge and thoughtful application of NAEYCs Code of
Ethical Conduct and other guidelines relevant to their professional role.
4. possess a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with
specialization for the specific professional role(s) emphasized in the program.
5. demonstrate a high level of skills in identifying and using the human, material,
and technological resources needed to perform their professional roles and to keep
abreast of the fields changing knowledge base.
6. use systematic and professionally accepted approaches. They will demonstrate
inquiry skills, showing their ability to investigate questions relevant to their
practice and professional goals.
7. demonstrate the flexible, varied skills needed to work collaboratively and
effectively with other adults in professional roles.
8. demonstrate competence in articulating and advocating for sound professional
practices and public policies for the positive development and learning of all
young children.
9. reflect on and use their abilities and opportunities to think strategically, build
consensus, crate change and influence better outcomes for children, families and
the profession.

Middle Childhood Education and Grades 4-6 Endorsement Program

Middle level master candidates will:
1. understand and analyze the major concepts, principles, theories, and research
related to young adolescent development, and they apply that knowledge in
their practice.
2. Middle level masters candidates will understand and analyze the major
concepts, principles, theories, and research underlying the philosophical
foundations and organizational components of highly effective middle level
schools, and they apply that knowledge in their practice.
3. Middle level masters candidates will understand and analyze the major
concepts, principles, theories, and research related to middle level curriculum
and assessment, and they apply that knowledge in the practice.
4. Middle level masters candidates will understand and analyze the major
concepts, principles, theories, standards, and research related to their teaching
field(s), and they apply that knowledge in their practice.
5. Middle level masters candidates will understand and analyze the major
concepts, principles, theories, and research related to effective middle level
instruction and assessment, and they apply a variety of effective strategies to
meet the varying abilities, interests, and learning styles of all young
adolescents.
6. Middle level masters candidates will understand and analyze the major
concepts, principles, theories, and research related to working collaboratively
with family and community members, and they provide leadership in helping
all stakeholders offer high quality learning opportunities for all young
adolescents.
7. Middle level masters candidates will understand and analyze the major
concepts, principles, theories, and research related to their professional roles
in middle level education, and they apply that knowledge.
Adolescent/Young Adult Content Area Concentration Program

Advanced candidates view professional development and coaching as a career-long effort
and responsibility. Secondary advanced teacher candidates have the breadth and depth
of knowledge, skills, and sensitivities needed to be accomplished teachers, researchers,
advocates, and leaders in their fields of specialization. The standards and criteria for
judging candidates are established by the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards (NBPTS. From these standards, the following educational learning outcomes
are derived.

Advanced Adolescent/Young Adult master teacher candidates will:

1. use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods, and curriculum
materials to planning for instruction.
2. use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective
instruction.
3. apply content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and research results in
carrying out teaching responsibilities,
4. use technology with students as a means to discover, apply, and communicate
knowledge and information,
5. reflect thoughtfully concerning instructional and assessment strategies,
6. develop professionally through reflective practice and active analysis in field-
based experience,
7. understand and value human diversity as a central element in educational settings,
and
8. exercise fairness and principled concern, care, and tolerance in professional
activities.

Adolescent/Young Adult Master and/or Licensure Program

Adolescent/Young Adult advanced teacher candidates have the knowledge, skills, and
sensitivities needed to become accomplished teachers, researchers, advocates and leaders
within the field. The standards and criteria for judging candidates are established
mandated by the Ohio Department of Education, and the following specialized
professional associations (SPAs): National Council for Teachers of English,
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Council for the Social Studies,
National Science Teachers Association. From these various standards, the following
learning educational outcomes are derived.

The Teacher Candidates will:

1. Apply content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and research results in
carrying out teacher responsibilities.
2. Use technology with students as a means to discover, apply and communicate
knowledge and information.
3. Will reflect thoughtfully concerning instructional assessment strategies.
4. Will develop professionally through reflective practice in field-based experiences.
5. Will understand and value human diversity as a central element in educational
settings.
6. Will exercise fairness and principled concern, care, and tolerance in professional
activities.

Literacy Master and/or Reading (Pre K-12) Endorsement Program

Literacy professionals with an endorsement or Masters in Reading are responsible for
meeting the literacy needs of all students. The standards and criteria for judging
candidates are established by the International Reading Association (IRA) and mandated
by the Ohio Department of Education. From these standards the following educational
learning outcomes are derived.

Literacy Master Candidates will:
1. have knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and
instruction.
2. use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods, and curriculum
materials to support reading and writing instruction.
3. use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective
reading instruction.
4. create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating
foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods,
curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments.
5. will view professional development and coaching as a career-long effort and
responsibility.
Educational Technology

Advanced candidates have the knowledge, skills, and sensitivities needed to become
accomplished teachers, researchers, advocates and leaders within the field. In this
program they will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to be leaders in the
educational technology field as guided by the ISTE Standards. From these standards the
following educational learning outcomes were developed.

Educational Technology teacher candidates will:
1. Educational technology facilitators demonstrate an in-depth understanding of
technology operations and concepts.
2. Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences. Educational
technology facilitators plan, design, and model effective learning environments
and multiple experiences supported by technology.
3. Educational technology facilitators apply and implement curriculum plans that
include methods and strategies for utilizing technology to maximize student
learning.
4. Educational technology facilitators apply technology to facilitate a variety of
effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
5. Educational technology facilitators apply technology to enhance and improve
personal productivity and professional practice.
6. Educational technology facilitators understand the social, ethical, legal, and
human issues surrounding the use of technology in P-12 schools and assist
teachers in applying that understanding in their practice.
7. Educational technology facilitators promote the development and implementation
of technology infrastructure, procedures, policies, plans, and budgets for P-12
schools.
8. Educational technology facilitators will contribute to the shared vision for campus
integration of technology and foster an environment and culture conducive to the
realization of the vision.
Master of Science in Engineering

In the Master of Science in Engineering programs at YSU, students learning outcomes
include development of:
1. an ability to formulate and solve advanced engineering problems;
2. an ability to apply knowledge in a specialized area of their engineering
discipline;
3. an ability to design and conduct research projects;
4. an understanding of business fundamentals, including project planning and
management, asset management, leadership, and entrepreneurship; and
5. an understanding of the role of engineers in society.
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

The Learning Outcomes for each of the specialty MSN options are as follows:

CNS Chronic Illness Care Option Outcomes:
1. Practice in advanced nursing roles within the Health Care Delivery System.
2. Incorporate a variety of theories from nursing and related fields into nursing
practice and management roles.
3. Analyze social issues related to the health care delivery system and Advanced
Practice Nursing.

CNS School Nurse Option Outcomes:
1. Work in the clinical practice specialty of school health using advanced
practice roles.
2. Incorporate a variety of theories from nursing and related fields into nursing
practice and management roles.
3. Analyze social issues related to the health care delivery system and Advanced
Practice Nursing.

Nurse Anesthetist Option Outcomes:
1. Administer anesthesia in a variety of practice settings to patients needing
anesthesia care.
2. Utilize advanced practice nursing roles within the health care delivery system.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
The program learning outcomes for a Masters in Social Work are as follows:

Prepare students to apply the generalist practice perspective to advanced
social work practice using a strengths-based empowerment orientation
with diverse client populations and social service delivery systems;
Develop an understanding of causal factors such as oppression, poverty,
racism, and discrimination that influence social and economic justice
among diverse client groups;
Develop an understanding of diversity that promotes competent practice in
the areas of social work assessment, planning, practice and research;
Promote the development, integration and incorporation of core values and
ethics of the social work profession into advanced practice; and
Establish an understanding of how the implementation of program
evaluation and research are used to advance a cost effective, accountable
environment in social service agency settings.