The University System uses three levels of student learning outcomes to describe the knowledge, skills, and values expected of students who complete its academic programs: 1) institutional, 2) degree program, and 3) classroom level. In this catalog, the institutional student learning outcomes are provided below. The degree program level student learning outcomes are identified on the AMU/APU websites in the description of each respective degree program. Classroom level student learning outcomes are identified in syllabi for respective undergraduate and graduate courses.

Institutional Level Student Learning Outcomes
The institutional outcomes are the broad and overarching student learning outcomes that are represented within every degree program and include all program levels and all academic disciplines. The five institutional learning outcomes below reflect the University System’s published mission document, vision, and core values.

Academic Skill
Graduates of APUS will possess academic skill related to their specific discipline. The graduate will master the generally accepted theories, concepts, principles, and/or practices associated with their discipline enabling them to live and work productively in a global, diverse, and technological society.

Communication
Graduates of APUS will be able to clearly communicate ideas in written form.

Critical Thinking 
Graduates of APUS will be able to analytically identify issues with the ability to evaluate problems, formulate solutions, and evaluate the consequences. Graduates will be able to express a variety of other viewpoints and methods of inquiry.

Information Literacy
Graduates of APUS will be technologically proficient in accessing and using information. The graduate will be able to gather information from a variety of sources, use information in an appropriate manner to address issues, and take action.
 
Lifelong Learning
Graduates of APUS will have the ability to identify, pursue and acquire specific and new knowledge after the end of formal schooling. They will be able to apply this knowledge in real world settings.

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
APUS is committed to student learning assessment and its impact on the quality of teaching and learning. The learning outcomes assessment program at APUS:

• provides students with useful information about their current skills, values, and knowledge
• enables the University System to evaluate the effectiveness of its academic programs in terms of achieving the desired learning outcomes for its students
• is used for continuous improvement at all levels of the institution

The University System uses a variety of direct and indirect assessment measures to document student learning at the undergraduate and graduate level. Periodic surveys, standardized national testing, comprehensive examinations, capstone courses, and other assessment measures are used to improve the quality of teaching and learning at APUS. The assessment of student learning at APUS is guided by the student learning outcomes posted in the catalog, AMU/APU websites, and course syllabi.

Learning outcomes assessment for students is conducted at the institutional, degree program, and classroom level. Each level is designed to complement each other, providing a comprehensive view of the effectiveness of the University System’s academic programs.

At the institutional level, student learning is assessed on the broad and overarching objectives that students are expected to accomplish upon completion of an academic program, regardless of discipline. Student participation in periodic surveys and interviews are required to evaluate the effectiveness of students achieving desired learning outcomes at the university level.

At the degree program level, student learning is assessed on the skills, values, and knowledge that students are expected to have upon graduation from a particular degree program. Student participation in senior seminar and comprehensive examination courses ensures that the student has proficient knowledge of the substantive content expected of a professional in the respective field. Subject-specific standardized national testing is used to measure student learning at the degree program level. The tests’ results are used only to inform the University System and the student of the student’s performance in a given subject area; their results are not calculated in the student’s grade point average or considered as part of the student’s academic performance. Students will be informed in advance if they are required to participate in these tests. Writing rubrics are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of students achieving desired learning outcomes at the degree program level.

At the classroom level, student learning is assessed on the skills, values, and knowledge that students are expected to have upon completion of a course. At this level, faculty members summarize the assessment results for the entire class, rather than for individual students, and these results are used to continually improve courses and teaching effectiveness. Course-developed tests, student participation in discussion boards, student research projects/papers, and writing assignments are some of the requirements used to evaluate the effectiveness of APUS students achieving desired learning outcomes at classroom level. Student satisfaction results are also used to monitor and develop teaching effectiveness as well as to maintain and improve the overall quality and soundness of programs and courses.

The American Public University System uses a variety of assessment activities designed to document student learning. Students are required to participate in learning outcomes assessment activities at APUS and will be given adequate notice of course and non-course related assessment activities they are responsible for completing. APUS is committed to protecting the privacy of its students including ensuring the confidentiality of student work submitted for assessment as well as the feedback resulting from assessment activities. For more information, the APUS Learning Outcomes Assessment website establishes the framework for the conduct of student assessment across the institution.