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Learning Outcomes, Assessment, Program Improvement

Specific Programs

The quality of the departmental programs is a function of the diversity of individuals and organizations, its success in serving students, and its encouragement of scholarly exchange among faculty, students, and professionals. Emphasizing applied learning, the Department supports high professional standards in the practice of environmental education, environmental economics, environmental journalism, environmental policy and planning, and geography. Experiential learning is emphasized in many of our programs, taking students into the field where they can apply their skills and knowledge of current problems. We note in the 2002 Survey of Graduates (2003,  Huxley College), that “personal helpfulness and support of faculty” was one of the key variables (explaining 49% of the variation in a path analysis exercise) in Huxley graduate satisfaction with their degree. In particular, “professors’ practical experience and real-world knowledge” played a key role. To address this, future faculty hires should have some “real-world hands-on training,” as well as show a commitment to providing the scholarly tools needed for graduate study since close to 20% of all graduates seek advanced degrees.

 

Nevertheless, gaps remain in the programs; goals to improve the quality and productivity of the programs appear below, click on the program title to see the goals.