Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Student Learning Outcomes

Electronic Arts Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Student’s creative work exhibits collaboration skills and an understanding of the elements and principles of collaborative creative production (Collaboration Skills)
• Student demonstrates effective communication skills specific to their discipline. (Communication Skills)
• Student demonstrates effective story-telling skills through their medium(s) of choice along with an ability to critically assess narrative development. (Story-telling skills)
• Student demonstrates technical skills in their medium of emphasis and an awareness of when to implement various tools. (Technical skills)
• Student demonstrates a willingness to explore and innovate creative solutions within their production work (Exhibited Artistic Skill)

Art Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

Department-Wide Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate fluency with formal vocabulary, artistic techniques and procedures of art practice.
• Students will be able to communicate a critical understanding of past and present works of art and visual objects from a diversity of cultures.
• As members of a broader community, students will be able to exhibit ethical leadership, community engagement and cultural competence.

Art

• Students’ creative work demonstrates visual problem solving through an understanding of the elements and principles of visual organization.
• Students demonstrate knowledge of technical and aesthetic issues in their discipline.
• Students demonstrate an ability to critically assess works of art in regard to form, content and technical concerns.
• Students demonstrate an understanding of historical and contemporary issues within their discipline
• Students demonstrate a willingness to explore and innovate personal solutions within their creative work.

Art Education Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

Department-Wide Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate fluency with formal vocabulary, artistic techniques and procedures of art practice.
• Students will be able to communicate a critical understanding of past and present works of art and visual objects from a diversity of cultures.
• As members of a broader community, students will be able to exhibit ethical leadership, community engagement and cultural competence.

Art Education

• Are able to understand, motivate, and engage K-12 learners in the study and appreciation of visual art
• Grow a teaching skillset and receive feedback. Teaching presentations are videotaped and discussed in group settings
• Are able to demonstrate teaching proficiencies by meeting state teaching certification requirements.
• Are able to demonstrate fluency with formal vocabulary, artistic techniques, and procedures of art practice.
• Are able to communicate a critical understanding of past and present works of art and visual objects from a diversity of cultures.
• Are able to critically analyze content in their specialty area.
• Are able to demonstrate knowledge of global, historic, and cultural perspectives in contemporary art education practices.

Dance Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Demonstrate a consistently high level of performance as a dancer in one style of dance.
• Demonstrate a consistently high level of choreography development in one style of dance.
• Describe and contextualize choreographic process and creative choices in a manner consistent with expectations in professional grant writing.
• Analyze choreographic work through a cultural and historical lens.
• Demonstrate ethical collaboration skills in all aspects of production process, displaying approaches and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the professional performance community.
• Prepare relevant professional marketing skills and tools.
• Demonstrate professional level research and analytical skills in at least one aspect of dance theory: anatomy and kinesiology, dance research methods, dance history, or dance pedagogy.
• Describe the intersection of dance with their second major or minor.

Design Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

Department-Wide Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate fluency with formal vocabulary, artistic techniques and procedures of art practice.
• Students will be able to communicate a critical understanding of past and present works of art and visual objects from a diversity of cultures.
• As members of a broader community, students will be able to exhibit ethical leadership, community engagement and cultural competence.

Design

• Students demonstrate ability in drawing: perception, translation of 3-D into 2-D space, composition, and expression.
• Students demonstrate relevant computer skills and proficiencies
• Students demonstrate typographic knowledge: rules, hierarchy, organization, expression
• Students demonstrate problem solving: systematic, conceptual and expressive
• Students demonstrate innovation, imagination, creative thinking
• Students demonstrate ability in writing: organization, communication, and clarity of expression

Music (General) Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will demonstrate the understanding and use of public performance as a means for engaging communities, creating cultural awareness, and providing ethical leadership. (Public Affairs)
• Music students will be able to perform as soloists, ensemble members, and chamber musicians at appropriate levels for entering graduate music study and for public school and studio teaching. (Performance)
• Students will be able to create, analyze, and synthesize music as a means of supporting developing careers in music teaching and/or performance. (Theory and Musicianship)
• Students will be able to recognize, classify, and interpret a common body of western literature and individual repertory by written and oral means. (Repertoire)
• Students will be able to demonstrate teaching skills for individual studio and group settings for teaching and audience education purposes. (Pedagogy)

Music Education Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will demonstrate the understanding and use of public performance as a means for engaging communities, creating cultural awareness, and providing ethical leadership. (Public Affairs)
• Music students will be able to perform as soloists, ensemble members, and chamber musicians at appropriate levels for entering graduate music study and for public school and studio teaching. (Performance)
• Students will be able to create, analyze, and synthesize music as a means of supporting developing careers in music teaching and/or performance. (Theory and Musicianship)
• Students will be able to recognize, classify, and interpret a common body of western literature and individual repertory by written and oral means. (Repertoire)
• Students will be able to demonstrate teaching skills for individual studio and group settings for teaching and audience education purposes. (Pedagogy)

Music Performance Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will demonstrate the understanding and use of public performance as a means for engaging communities, creating cultural awareness, and providing ethical leadership. (Public Affairs)
• Music students will be able to perform as soloists, ensemble members, and chamber musicians at appropriate levels for entering graduate music study and for public school and studio teaching. (Performance)
• Students will be able to create, analyze, and synthesize music as a means of supporting developing careers in music teaching and/or performance. (Theory and Musicianship)
• Students will be able to recognize, classify, and interpret a common body of western literature and individual repertory by written and oral means. (Repertoire)
• Students will be able to demonstrate teaching skills for individual studio and group settings for teaching and audience education purposes. (Pedagogy)

Musical Theatre Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

At each level of the BFA Musical Theatre Program, the student will be assessed on their competency and mastery of the required skills. At the conclusion of study in the Program, the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate a consistently high level of performance as an actor, singer and dancer.
• Project themselves believably in word and action into imaginary circumstances.
• Characterize themselves convincingly in productions of different genres and styles in an ensemble relationship with other performers.
• Possess vocal technique (speaking) that employs a strong foundation in the principles and practices of breathing, support, and resonance.
• Possess singing technique that employs a strong foundation in the principles and practices of breathing, support, and resonance.
• Possess dancing technique that employs a strong foundation in the principles and practices of breathing, support, and alignment.
• Possess physical tools of the actor and the ability to access kinesthetic impulses suitable for character exploration.
• Possess an appreciation for the people and ideas which contributed to the development of contemporary performance as well as the corresponding panoply of theatrical literature.
• Develop effective and competitive audition skills and repertoire.
• Prepare relevant professional marketing skills and tools.
• Develop approaches and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the professional performance community.
• Satisfy all assessment measures as outlined in the BFA Musical Theatre Handbook.

Speech and Theatre Education - Theatre Emphasis Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the process of production, including ethical collaboration.
• Students will be able to analyze artistic endeavors through a cultural lens and demonstrate awareness of how cultural and historical context affects artistic choices.
• Students from the Department of Theatre and Dance will be able to engage with various groups outside the department to enrich the life of the community.
• In all departments, course syllabi will include applicable student learning outcomes.

Theatre Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the process of production, including ethical collaboration.
• Students will be able to analyze artistic endeavors through a cultural lens and demonstrate awareness of how cultural and historical context affects artistic choices.
• Students from the Department of Theatre and Dance will be able to engage with various groups outside the department to enrich the life of the community.
• In all departments, course syllabi will include applicable student learning outcomes.

Theater and Dance Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the process of production, including ethical collaboration.
• Students will be able to analyze artistic endeavors through a cultural lens and demonstrate awareness of how cultural and historical context affects artistic choices.
• Students from the Department of Theatre and Dance will be able to engage with various groups outside the department to enrich the life of the community.
• In all departments, course syllabi will include applicable student learning outcomes.

Visual Art and Culture Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

Department-Wide Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate fluency with formal vocabulary, artistic techniques and procedures of art practice.
• Students will be able to communicate a critical understanding of past and present works of art and visual objects from a diversity of cultures.
• As members of a broader community, students will be able to exhibit ethical leadership, community engagement and cultural competence.

Visual Art and Culture

• Students will demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of form, content, and aims of art over time and between cultures.
• Students will be able to perform competent visual analyses of art, being able to describe art while employing Art Historical terminology.
• Students will be able to effectively research art and be able to synthesize and express the resulting knowledge coherently.
• Students will recognize the value of a range of current and past art historical methodologies.
• Students will be able to discuss ethics in art, being able to explain both sides of controversial issues.

Communication Studies Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Describe the communication discipline and its central questions.
• Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.
• Engage in communication inquiry
• Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context
• Critically analyze messages
• Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals
• Apply ethical communication principles and practices
• Utilize communication to embrace difference
• Influence public discourse

Creative Writing Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand, analyze, and effectively use the conventions of the English language.
• Students will examine how texts function across a range of genres, contexts, and cultures.
• Students will fulfill Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Mission by analyzing how their writing, reading, and research:
  • respond to existing leadership and help provide new leadership
  • represent cultures and encounters between cultures
  • answer the needs of existing communities and creative new communities (or how these skills might be meaningfully applied in these areas)

Culture, Literature, and Media Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to identify and demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical foundations of media.
• Students will be able to analyze and critique a variety of media products, case studies and issues.
• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues related to the media.

Digital Film and Television Production Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to identify and demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical foundations of media.
• Students will be able to analyze and critique a variety of media products, case studies and issues.
• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues related to the media.

English Education Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand, analyze, and effectively use the conventions of the English language.
• Students will examine how texts function across a range of genres, contexts, and cultures.
• Students will fulfill Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Mission by analyzing how their writing, reading, and research:
  • respond to existing leadership and help provide new leadership
  • represent cultures and encounters between cultures
  • answer the needs of existing communities and creative new communities (or how these skills might be meaningfully applied in these areas)

Journalism Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to identify and demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical foundations of media.
• Students will be able to analyze and critique a variety of media products, case studies and issues.
• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues related to the media.

Literature Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand, analyze, and effectively use the conventions of the English language.
• Students will examine how texts function across a range of genres, contexts, and cultures.
• Students will fulfill Missouri State University's Public Affairs Mission by analyzing how their writing, reading and research:
  • respond to existing leadership and help provide new leadership
  • represent cultures and encounters between cultures
  • answer the needs of existing communities and creative new communities (or how these skills might be meaningfully applied in these areas

Professional Writing Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand, analyze, and effectively use the conventions of the English language.
• Students will examine how texts function across a range of genres, contexts, and cultures.
• Students will fulfill Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Mission by analyzing how their writing, reading, and research:
  • represent cultures and encounters between cultures
  • respond to existing leadership and help provide new leadership
  • answer the needs of existing communities and creative new communities (or how these skills might be meaningfully applied in these areas

Socio-Political Communication Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Speech and Theatre Education - Communication Emphasis Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Describe the communication discipline and its central questions.
• Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.
• Engage in communication inquiry
• Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context
• Critically analyze messages
• Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals
• Apply ethical communication principles and practices
• Utilize communication to embrace difference
• Influence public discourse

Strategic Communication Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Describe the communication discipline and its central questions.
• Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.
• Engage in communication inquiry
• Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context
• Critically analyze messages
• Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals
• Apply ethical communication principles and practices
• Utilize communication to embrace difference
• Influence public discourse

Criminology and Criminal Justice Learning Outcomes

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will demonstrate academic proficiency in the core criminal justice areas (law enforcement, law and corrections).
• Students will be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, using appropriate references and technologies.
• Students will be able to assess the basic quality of research in criminology and criminal justice publications and other media.
• Students will be able to evaluate ethical issues related to the criminal justice system and criminology.
• Students will identify issues of diversity and human rights in relation to the workings of the criminal justice system and criminology.
• Students will employ critical thinking skills when evaluating issues in criminology and criminal justice.

Anthropology Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will demonstrate a solid foundation in the main subjects, concepts, issues, and methods of archeological, biological, cultural and linguistic anthropology.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of different theoretical approaches to anthropology.
• Students will be able to write a coherent essay on a topic in anthropology.
• Students will be able to give an effective oral presentation on a topic in anthropology.

Gerontology Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Upon completion of the gerontology degree, students will demonstrate:

• An understanding of human aging as a combination of psychological, social, and biological processes.
• Sufficient familiarity with the methods of gerontological research, the ability to apply research methods in a concrete setting, and the knowledge to evaluate their use by others in the field of gerontology.
• Knowledge of the different theories and principles within gerontology as an interdisciplinary science and the ability to apply this knowledge in a setting working with older adults.
• An awareness of the historical record of gerontology's development as an interdisciplinary science devoted to an understanding of the issues affecting the aging process.
• A recognition of the practical and ethical issues involved in studying gerontological phenomena and working with older adults.
• An ability to express and communicate gerontological knowledge to others in both written and oral form.
• A recognition of how gerontology can inform analysis of social policy and is applied in the public and private sectors.
• The academic background necessary to practice in the field of aging or to pursue graduate work in gerontology.
• Ability to communicate effectively with older adults and professionals in the field of aging.

Global Studies Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will recognize and understand how the increasingly global nature of every aspect of life affects local, national and international environments.
• Students will exhibit basic proficiencies in a foreign language.
• Students will be able to help solve problems faced by the communities they live and work in.

History Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to demonstrate a breadth of training across historical time and space.
• Students will be able to develop an in-depth understanding of a field, theme or region.
• Students will be able to demonstrate an historical awareness of the diversity of the human experience across time and space (research papers).
• Students will be able to apply, assess and debate the major historical schools of thought, methodology and types of sources that historians use to make original arguments (research papers).
• Students will be able to formulate historical arguments and communicate those arguments in clear and persuasive prose.

History Education Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to demonstrate a breadth of training across historical time and space (Praxis).
• Students will be able to develop an in-depth understanding of a field, theme or region (Praxis).
• Students will be able to demonstrate an historical awareness of the diversity of the human experience across time and space (research papers).
• Students will be able to apply, assess and debate the major historical schools of thought, methodology and types of sources that historians use to make original arguments (research papers).
• Students will be able to formulate historical arguments and communicate those arguments in clear and persuasive prose.

Modern Language Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Modern Language program will be able to:

• Students will demonstrate speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language consistent with the Advanced levels as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
• Students will demonstrate an accurate understanding of linguistic concepts related to the target language, including the fundamentals of phonetics, semantics, and morphology and syntax, as well as basic pragmatic and sociolinguistic aspects.
• Students will demonstrate awareness of key similarities and differences between their own cultural practices and perspectives and those of target language groups and the ability to express divergent cultural viewpoints clearly and accurately in speech and writing.
• Students will articulate knowledge of major literary, artistic, and cultural works and figures associated with target language societies.
• Students will analyze and interpret authentic texts and other cultural products in clearly organized and coherent presentations in speech and writing in ways that reflect informed understanding of relevant contextual factors, including socio-historical influences and cultural traditions, perspectives, and behavioral patterns.
• Students will integrate target language proficiencies, intercultural competencies, technology skills, and critical modes of thinking and expression to effectively perform tasks typical of today’s globalized work environment, including professional communications, translation, and project collaboration.

In addition to the above-stated learning outcomes, graduates of the Department’s educator preparation (teacher certification) program will be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of pedagogical theories, language teaching methods, best practices, and standards (institutional, state, and national), and the ability to apply them in ways that increase the language proficiency and cultural competence of their students.

Philosopy Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to identify significant philosophical issues that arise within a variety of human activities.
• Students will be able to analyze philosophical issues, uncovering the major implications of the problems involved.
• Students will be able to critically assess and resolve the issues.

Political Science Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will develop and be able to demonstrate academic proficiency in the subfields of American Government and Politics, Comparative Government, International Relations, Public Administration, Political Theory, and Public Law.
• Students will develop and be able to demonstrate skills in conducting as well as presenting research in political science.
• Students will develop and be able to demonstrate skills in analytical and critical thinking.

Religious Studies Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will recognize and understand diverse manifestations of religion(s).
• Students will demonstrate critical and creative cognitive skills while studying religion(s).
• Students will demonstrate in both oral and written form their critical analyses and interpretations of religious phenomena.

Sociology Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Students will:

• demonstrate knowledge of core sociological concepts.
• demonstrate knowledge of how to use theory to conceptualize a sociological problem.
• develop an ability to use social scientific research methods to address sociological questions.
• demonstrate the ability to communicate sociological knowledge to others.
• develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be engaged members of the community.
• possess analytical skills in areas such as policy analysis, administration/management, communication, quantitative analysis and problem solving.

Master of Art Education Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

Graduates from the Master of Art Education (MAE) program will:

• Enhance their preparation in both professional education and subject matter areas appropriate to their teaching field by learning new teaching methods and classroom management strategies.
• Collaborate to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for students, teachers, and communities.
• Gain in-depth study of today’s art education world and powerful set of professional skills to deploy in the field of teaching by developing effective curriculum for contemporary classroom.
• Develop a firm understanding of cultural issues in art education by discussing its structures, organizations, and essential protocols.
• Select either a studio emphasis or a written thesis to provide evidence of competencies and program expectations.
• Refine their studio practices with important pedagogical applications.
• Work with the area advisor to develop the program of study which will focus on the needs and interest expressed by them.
• Qualify to teach dual credit and other college courses.

Master of Music Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will demonstrate an advanced level of technical skill on an instrument or voice, an advanced ability to perform in an ensemble, advanced levels of confidence and stage presence, and aesthetic judgments at a professional level. (Performance Skills)
• Students will show an advanced level of technical skill as either a composer or a conductor, in those degree emphases, with abilities to lead an ensemble as a conductor or to coach an ensemble as the composer of its literature. (Performance Skills for Composers and Conductors)
• Students will demonstrate the ability to hear, analyze, read, and/or write music at an advanced level. (Advanced Musicianship and Theory)
• Students will demonstrate and relate an advanced knowledge of music literature, both for their individual specialties, and for the whole of music history. (Music Literature)
• Students will acquire and use advanced knowledge of research, scholarly reading comprehension, and writing techniques. (Research Skills)
• Students will acquire and synthesize knowledge of the theoretical, historical, pedagogical, and psychological foundations of music teaching and learning both in research and in the classroom. (Music Education Skills)

Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• You'll produce a focused and significant body of work within your field of study.
• You'll demonstrate professional competence and depth of knowledge within your field of study.
• You'll demonstrate understanding within your field of study.
• You'll demonstrate the ability to think independently.
• You'll be able to integrate and synthesize information associated with your field of study.
• You'll demonstrate awareness of current issues and developments that are influencing your field of study.
• You'll demonstrate ability and potential for expansion and evolution of your field of study.
• You'll demonstrate capabilities in the creation, dissemination, documentation of your work within the field of study.
• You'll demonstrate effective communication skills.

Master of Arts in Communication Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2025

• Graduate students will be able to identify ethical research processes.
• Graduate students will be able to synthesize and evaluate research in an area of the field.
• Graduate students would be able to construct, produce, and present original research.
• Students will be able to read, understand, and apply communication and rhetorical theory.

Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

When you finish the MFA in Dramatic Writing at Missouri State, you will have learned

• a wide variety of skills related to dramatic writing, producing, and production.
• To write character-based stories that emphasize conflict and utilize specific tools of storytelling (including mystery, suspense, planting/payoff, preparation/aftermath, and dramatic irony).
• will learn the basics of writing three-act structure feature and learn more complicated alternate structures, ensuring that they will be able to tell more complex stories.
• To practice professional script formatting for both stage and screen, as well as how to tell stories for maximum dramatic impact at varying lengths (short films, features, one-act plays, full-length plays, and episodic).
• To write for a wide range of professional outlets, including television, web series, theatre, and film, and for specific budgets (ranging from micro-budget projects to big-budget projects features with studio/network involvement).
• To explore a wide range of projects and develop their personal voices and styles to create a portfolio of polished scripts ready for industry submission.
• To learn practical and professional approaches to directing and producing for both the stage and screen. Through hands-on experiences, they will gain skills in above-the-line production, basic camerawork, visual storytelling, and staging.

Master of Arts in English Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will know the history of literature written in English, including literary periods and generic traditions.
• Students will locate literary texts in their historical, cultural, and rhetorical contexts.
• Students will employ literary terms and contemporary critical methodologies in the analysis of texts, appropriately using and citing secondary materials.
• Students will employ advanced research methods with professional rigor.
• Students will understand, analyze, and effectively use the conventions of the English language.
• Students will demonstrate how narratives lead to the discovery of cultures in their specificities and diversity, and to the understanding of human beings in their similarities and differences.
• Students will fulfill Missouri State University’s public affairs mission by analyzing how literature, writers, and literary institutions respond to existing leadership and provide new leadership.

Master of Science in Education - English Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will understand and utilize educational research methods.
• Students will understand the history of educational philosophies in America and the impact of these philosophies on education.
• Students will exhibit advanced skills in writing, critical reading, and the analysis of language and literature.
• Students will fulfill Missouri State’s Public Affairs mission (Cultural Competence, Ethical Leadership, Civic Engagement) by applying their learning to current or future classroom teaching assignments.
• Depending on their interests, graduates will be prepared for advanced teaching assignments at the secondary level or doctoral study.

Master of Professional Studies - Applied Communication Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to read, understand, and balance the budget for the organizations in which they are employed.
• Students will understand and practice appropriate legal/regulatory and ethical issues in the context of the work environment.
• Students will be able to select, train, evaluate, and terminate employees under their supervision.
• Students will design research projects to collect information to assess the effectiveness of current practices, and interpret the results of a statistical analysis of data, and use this to make informed decisions.
• Students will be able to identify and employ effective communication appropriate to the work environment.
• Students will understand, utilize, and adapt to the technologies common in their work environments.
• Students will understand the culture, behavior, diversity and structure of organizations.
• Students will understand the basics processes of grant writing and grant administration.

Professional Studies - Screenwriting Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to read, understand, and balance the budget for the organizations in which they are employed.
• Students will understand and practice appropriate legal/regulatory and ethical issues in the context of the work environment.
• Students will be able to select, train, evaluate, and terminate employees under their supervision.
• Students will design research projects to collect information to assess the effectiveness of current practices, and interpret the results of a statistical analysis of data, and use this to make informed decisions.
• Students will be able to identify and employ effective communication appropriate to the work environment.
• Students will understand, utilize, and adapt to the technologies common in their work environments.
• Students will understand the culture, behavior, diversity and structure of organizations.
• Students will understand the basics processes of grant writing and grant administration.

Master of Arts in Writing Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will develop research skills used to study the teaching of writing or the practice of writing in business and industry.
• Students will demonstrate competence as professionals in teaching and writing.
• Students will increase their marketability as effective writing teachers or professional writers.

Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Program

Reviewed: April 27, 2026

• Students will be able to conduct a thorough and critical review of the research literature on current legal or policy-related issues in criminal justice.
• Students will be able to demonstrate problem-solving and analytic skills relevant to criminal justice.
• Students will be able to integrate leadership and ethical concepts within criminal justice practices.
• Students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to analyze the causes of criminal activity and offender decision making.
• Students will be able to formulate and communicate evidence-based recommendations for improving and revising existing policy and framing an agenda for future research.

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2028

• Students will be able to analyze timely and critical issues in international and national security affairs.
• Students will be able to engage effectively with public affairs issues and policies related to international and national security.
• Students will be able to contribute to informed public debate.
• Students will be able to present academic and intellectual resources to concerned civic groups and organizations.

Master of Applied Second Language Acquisition Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to describe in detail grammatical and linguistic features of the language studied.
• Students will be able to apply principles of second language acquisition to case studies and specific populations.
• Students will be able to analyze materials and assessments for their applicability to second language acquisition.
• Students will be able to synthesize linguistic elements and language skills to enable proficiency development.
• Students will be able to explain the significance of the perspectives and products of the target language as these contribute to the second language acquisition process.

Master of Arts in History Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Historical knowledge: Students should gain a solid understanding of their fields of study and be able to integrate them into a compelling narrative of historical change and continuity over time.

• Historiographical knowledge: Students should become familiar with major historical works, interpretations, methods, and theories central to the discipline and to their fields of study. 

• Analytical Thinking: Students should be able to recognize patterns and connections in primary sources and critically evaluate secondary sources. 

• Original Research: Students should be able to develop a research topic of appropriate scope, identify the appropriate primary and secondary sources to carry out their project, present an analytical argument in clear prose appropriate to a specialist reader, and make oral presentations on their findings. 

Master of Science in Education - History Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will develop an understanding of historiography, the historical method, and history as an academic discipline.
• Students will develop advanced knowledge in one or more scholarly fields in the study of history.
• Students will utilize theories and methods appropriate for graduate research in the study of history.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking, analytical, and interpretive skills appropriate for graduate research in history.
• Students will communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Master of International Affairs Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

Master of Public Administration Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will be able to lead and manage in public governance.
• Students will participate in and contribute to the policy process.
• Students will be able to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.
• Students will articulate and apply a public service perspective.
• Students will be able to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Master of Arts in Religious Studies Program

Reviewed: April 28, 2026

• Students will develop advanced knowledge in one or more scholarly fields in the study of religion.
• Students will utilize theories and methods appropriate for graduate research in the study of religion.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking, analytical, and interpretive skills appropriate for graduate research in religion.
• Students will communicate effectively both orally and in writing