Program Outcomes

Justice Studies AA and Justice Studies major:

Students completing the Justice Studies major will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to all of the following.  Students completing the Justice Studies AA will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to outcomes #1 and #2.

1. The ability to think critically about major issues relating to justice studies.
2. Proficiency in the use of verbal and written communication skills.
3. An understanding of human behavior, social control, cultural differences, and concerns for minority groups with regard to criminal justice.
4. Basic competencies in conceptualizing, conducting, interpreting, and evaluating research in the field of criminal justice.
5. An understanding of criminal and juvenile justice, criminology, law enforcement, adjudication, and corrections.
6. First-hand experience in the theoretical and practical applications of justice studies.

Psychology and Psychology: Secondary Education major:

Students completing the Psychology major will be able to demonstrate the following.

1. A broad knowledge of developmental psychology.
2. An appropriate undergraduate level of knowledge of statistics.
3. A broad knowledge of social psychology.
4. A broad knowledge of abnormal psychology
5. Produce original research using valid research methodologies.

Students who major in Psychology need to be aware that some elective psychology courses may require a discussion or disclosure of personal information, such as relationships with parents or significant others.

Behavioral Science AA and General Studies, History, History-Public History, and Social Sciences majors:

Students completing a History, History–Public History, or Social Science major will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to all of the following.  Students completing a Behavioral Science AA or General Studies major will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to outcomes #1 and #2.

1. Think critically and analytically about social phenomena through reading, writing, and discussion.
2. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of human perspectives and behaviors.
3. Conduct social science research by formulating research questions and applying appropriate research methods (quantitative/qualitative) and theory.
4. Be prepared to engage in constructive activities outside of the Social Sciences program, such as through acceptance into graduate/professional programs, internships, paid employment, community service, and the like.

Social Work major:

Students completing the Social Work major will be able to demonstrate knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes related to the following.

1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
2. Engage diversity and difference in practice.
3. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
5. Engage in policy practice.
6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Secondary Education:

1. The program completer understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
2. The program completer uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
3. The program completer works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
4. The program completer understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
5. The program completer understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
6. The program completer understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
7. The program completer plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
8. The program completer understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
9. The program completer engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
10. The program completer seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

In order to obtain regular feedback on program excellence, the Division requires that all graduating seniors participate in a graduate assessment that includes:

• Senior research projects and presentations, including a capstone experience with quantitative or qualitative research.
• Area Concentration Achievement Tests (ACATs) for Justice Studies and Psychology graduating seniors.
• Social Work Education Assessment Package (SWEAP) pre- and post-assessments for Social Work majors.
• The graduate follow-up survey.