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.