Program Outcomes Create the Ideal Graduate

Do you have a vision of your ‘ideal’ program graduate – the perfectly prepared employee who employers praise you for sending their way?

You can likely list many of the graduate’s attributes—but brainstorming a list alone will not produce the ideal graduate.  

Writing solid program outcomes will.

Program outcomes are clearly defined statements detailing what students are expected to know and be able to do upon completing an educational program.

Create the ideal graduate

Step 1: Conduct research

Define your ideal graduate by determining the skills they need for their occupation. Consider industry or national standards, DACUMS or other occupational analyses.  

Step 2: Draft outcomes 

With your department or teaching team, define the broad categories identified in the occupation research.  For example, Farm Managers might address planting, harvesting, and equipment.  Draft outcomes for each category.

Step 3: Validate outcomes with industry

Share your outcomes with an advisory committee at a meeting or via survey. Ask your industry stakeholders, “Do these outcomes represent your expectations for an entry-level employee?”

Step 4: Use the outcomes for teaching, program improvement, and marketing

Use your outcomes to teach and produce ideal graduates.  Plan program improvement by mapping outcomes to courses where they are taught or assessed. Or use them to market your program.  

Learn how WIDS can help you imagine your ideal graduate and write your program outcomes accordingly.  Contact us for more information or a free webinar.

WIDS (Worldwide Instructional Design System) is a nonprofit organization that provides curriculum design software, consulting, and training services.