What is the relationship between program level and course level outcomes?
A program includes a group of courses held together by a set of program outcomes. Courses include processes (learning and valuation activities) that lead to student achievement of program outcomes. Course learning and evaluation activities, such as portfolios, papers, exams, etc are data for evaluation of the program outcomes. A program director can determine if the courses in the program cover necessary concepts and skills needed for students to achieve program outcomes in a few hours by perusing the syllabi of courses in the program. If the program director determines the outcomes are likely met, then the program is ready to design other program assessment measures (i.e. alumni, senior, employer surveys etc.). If the director believes there are missing processes, needed changes can be included in their program assessment plan and implementation plan.
