Program Outcomes and Assessment APS Department

Program Outcomes and Assessment APS Department
June 2013
BS in AGRONOMY, CROP, AND SOIL SCIENCE
Law of the Harvest
The student will live the law of the harvest and apply it in a personal and professional life. University
Outcomes: Creative and Critical Thinkers, Lifelong Learners, Skilled Professionals)
Producing Food and Fiber
The student will demonstrate the principles of Agronomic Science in producing food and fiber for the
global community. University Outcomes: Creative and Critical Thinkers, Lifelong Learners, Skilled
Professionals, engaged citizens)
Agricultural Practice
The student will become a lifelong learner and practitioner of traditional and non-traditional
agriculture. University Outcomes: Creative and Critical Thinkers, Lifelong Learners, Effective Communicators,
Skilled Professionals, Engaged Citizens)
Plant Fundamentals
The student will describe the agronomic fundamentals of cropping systems, soil fertility and management,
water management, precision agriculture, soil and water conservation, and integrated pest management.
University Outcomes: Creative and Critical Thinkers, Lifelong Learners, Effective Communicators, Skilled
Professionals)
Courses in this program consist of a core of Agronomy (AGRON) plus Chemistry and an internship. Additional
courses are selected from Agronomy (AGRON), Agriculture Technology (AGTEC), and Applied Plant Science
(APS).
Assessment Plan:
• Research Portfolio. Students submit a portfolio of the mentored research they have completed. They must
successfully complete at least one research practicum while in the program, and include it in their portfolio
• Survey of Graduates
Assessment Data:
Distinguished Research portfolio Graduate survey 10% 60% Proficient 80% 10% Developing 10% 30% Unsatisfactory Sum 100% 100% • Data collected indicate that since 2005, over 80% of graduates who applied for graduate school were
accepted; approximately 70% of the graduates are gainfully employed within a related field.
Improvement Plan:
We changed the Ag Practicum class to Ag Research Practicum; previously the students completed a variety of
practicum experiences. Now they will all be focused on a mentored research experience. The portfolio class is
being adjusted to assist students in all APS programs in developing their personal portfolio.
We are evaluating curriculum and courses, minding the information we have received from the students. We are
combining some courses to increase efficiency, creating new courses to address weaknesses, and discontinuing or
changing some courses that appear to miss the suggestions of graduates.
Program Outcomes and Assessment APS Department
nd Assessment
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We are expanding our advisory board to include all areas of study in the department. This will provide better
industry feedback for adjustments in the programs.