A program’s goals are not identical to the department’s mission statement. Rather, program goals are the skills/knowledge that you want your students to have upon completion of the program. Remember as you do this that you are going to have to link measurable Student Learning Outcomes to these goals. Effective goals are broadly stated, meaningful, achievable, and assessable. Goals should provide a framework for determining the more specific Student Learning Outcomes of a program and should be consistent with your department mission and the UCA mission.
Here is an example from Cal Poly Pomona:
The program of _______________ will produce graduates who:
- Understand and can apply fundamental concepts of the discipline.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Conduct sound research.
- Address issues critically and reflectively.
- Create solutions to problems.
- Work well with others.
- Respect persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Are committed to open-minded inquiry and lifelong learning.
Here is the part of the UCA CI process form that you will complete when you have decided on your program’s purpose and goals:
CI Process Basics: Program Goals