Graduate Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Geographic Information Science, MS
Geography, MA
Public Administration, MPA
Urban Planning, MUP

Geographic Information Science, MS

PLO 1 Analyze geographic patterns in dif erent data types for measuring spatial statistical models to detect non-randomness.
PLO 2 Use alternative open source tools for practicing GIS besides licensed and conventional platforms for hosting, data development, processing, and sharing.
PLO 3 Design, evaluate, develop and execute on a GIS project with the appropriate GIS dif erent concepts, spatial analytics and visualization techniques, and datasets to solve a variety of spatial problems.
PLO 4 Apply and incorporate the applications of data ethics and literacy in GIS projects. 

Geography, MA

PLO 1 Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and interpret published research on the theoretical foundations of geographical information science.
PLO 2 Demonstrate the ability to explain contemporary issues in geographic information science in the context of current theory.
PLO 3 Demonstrate the ability to define a research problem and design and execute a research program.
PLO 4 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and interpret research results in the context of current theory.
PLO 5 Demonstrate the ability to communicate research results in written, graphic, and verbal form.
PLO 6 Demonstrate understanding of how geographic information science and technology may be applied to a variety of problems.

Public Administration, MPA

PLO 1A Lead and manage in public governance - Apply the project management approach to public management models.
PLO 1B Lead and manage in public governance - Manage projects.
PLO 1B Lead and manage in public governance - Understand the relationships between public policy, whether proposed or enacted, and leadership and management in implementation.

PLO 2A Participate in and contribute to the public policy process - Apply techniques for program evaluation and policy analysis.
PLO 2B Participate in and contribute to the public policy process - Describe and execute the policy making process, including defining the problem, setting the agenda, formulate policy, implement policy and evaluate policy.
PLO 2C Participate in and contribute to the public policy process - Prepare a budget reflecting policy priorities.

PLO 3A Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions - Employ analytical tools for collecting, analyzing, presenting and interpreting data, including appropriate statistical concepts and techniques.
PLO 3B Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions - Identify and employ alternative sources of funding, including grants, taxes and fees.
PLO 3C Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions - Understand and apply the legal context of public affairs, administration and policy.

PLO 4A Articulate and apply a public service perspective - Behave ethically and with integrity: tell the truth, keep confidences, admit mistakes.
PLO 4B Articulate and apply a public service perspective - Understand and apply criteria appropriate to public affairs, administration and policy.
PLO 4C Articulate and apply a public service perspective Maintain privacy and security of documents and understand Big Data challenges.

PLO 5A Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry - Communicate effectively in writing: prepares clear, concise and well-organized written materials tailored to the audience’s level of expertise and needs.
PLO 5B Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry - Communicate effectively in speech: presents oral information accurately, clearly, concisely persuasively tailored level of expertise and needs.
PLO 5C Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry - Work productively in teams.

Urban Planning, MUP

PLO 1 Conceptualize planning problems from complex, real-world situations so that the problems are meaningful to clients, and are research-worthy.
PLO 2 Communicate effectively.
PLO 3 Work effectively as team members and leaders of planning teams, and to apply an understanding of interpersonal and group dynamics to assure effective group action.
PLO 4 Analyze and synthesize planning knowledge and apply it to address actual planning problems.
PLO 5 Develop planning strategies to advance community priorities through collaborative engagement with stakeholders, and do so in a manner that deliberately incorporates multicultural and historical perspectives.