Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes

B.S.Ed. Earth and Space Science Secondary Education, B.S. Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, and B.S. Meteorology

SLO1 Knowledge and Understanding Earth Science (i.e. Earth Science Education, Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, and Meteorology) graduates exhibit knowledge and understanding of the component of the Earth system specific to their discipline.

Environment, Geosciences, and Emergency Management majors graduate as fledgling scientists prepared to embark on their careers with a strong foundational knowledge that allows them to work effectively to address complex issues. For example, Meteorology graduates will be able to list and employ the seven fundamental equations. Environmental Earth and Ocean Science graduates will be able to collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data about geologic, hydrologic, and ocean systems. Earth Sciences Education graduates will demonstrate a broader, knowledge and understanding of the Earth system focusing on geology, meteorology, and oceanography. Geography? EM?

SLO2 Evidence-based Scientific Reasoning Earth Science (i.e. Earth Science Education, Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, and Meteorology) graduates can employ evidence-based scientific reasoning to critically think about problems in the Earth Sciences.

Environment, Geosciences, and Emergency Management majors can employ a process of observation, inquiry, analysis, and synthesis to expand their knowledge and understanding of the Earth system.

SLO3 Tools Earth Science (i.e. Earth Science Education, Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, and Meteorology) graduates demonstrate skill in the use of tools and the application of technologies appropriate to their discipline.

Environment, Geosciences, and Emergency Management majors can move on to the next phase of their career (e.g. graduate school or employment) with the ability to use fundamental tools of the discipline and to apply contemporary technologies to solve problems. Students will be able to evaluate the scientific problem to determine the tool/technology necessary to solve the problem and then employ that tool/technology effectively. Tools are extensions of self (e.g. geologist's compass) and tend to increase productivity. Technologies are imposed knowledge systems (e.g. the use of software or computer programs to create a map).

SLO4 Oral Communication Earth Science (e.g. Earth Science Education, Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, and Meteorology) graduates demonstrate effective oral communication skills.

Environment, Geosciences, and Emergency Management majors can effectively communicate their knowledge and understanding of the Earth system in oral presentation format to various audiences including the general public, fellow students, and subject experts.

SLO5 Written Communication Earth Science (e.g. Earth Science Education, Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, and Meteorology) graduates demonstrate effective written communication skills.

Environment, Geosciences, and Emergency Management majors can effectively communicate their knowledge and understanding of the Earth system in written format to various audiences including the general public, fellow students, and subject experts.

B.S. Emergency Management

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts in emergency management, through the FEMA Core Competencies.
  2. Identify and Apply the theoretical underpinnings of emergency management to practice in the profession
  3. Develop Plans and Demonstrate an Understanding of the Preparedness Concepts in the Practice of Disaster Management.
  4. Identify and demonstrate effective emergency management leadership principles through certification examinations and knowledge assessments.
  5. Develop and compose both formal and informal written communications as required in the emergency management profession.

B.A. Geography (all options) 

  1. Describe and analyze geographic concepts and theories in physical geographic and human-environment systems. 
  2. Describe and analyze geographic concepts and patterns of human systems at various scales. 
  3. Apply appropriate concepts and methodologies to organize, assess, visualize, evaluate, and analyze complex geographic problems and interpret patterns, relationships, and trends. 
  4. Design independent and team-based geographic inquiries to identify, collect, organize, analyze, integrate, and synthesize complex data and information from multiple sources. 
  5. Analyze and critique scientific, technological, and policy solutions for geographic issues. 
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of methods and technology current in the field of geography. 
  7. Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and written and oral communication skills.