Program Curriculum Mapping
A curriculum map shows how a program’s required courses and experiences fulfill program learning objectives (PLOs). PLOs generally include knowledge and skills that are introduced and developed as students progress through the program; curriculum maps provide a view of that progression. Programs also use PLOs as the basis for assessing student learning outcomes, by using direct measures (e.g., student assignments, internship supervisor evaluation) and indirect measures (e.g., student exit interviews, alumni surveys).
Accreditation Degree Curriculum Mapping Platforms
As part of the accreditation process by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), we are required to show how each academic program provides meaningful learning experiences for their students. Curriculum maps are an effective tool to show this. Platforms have been developed for each degree level to complete this process.
Undergraduate Degree Program Curriculum Mapping Platform
Deadline: Friday, February 16, 2024
For departments/units with multiple majors and/or concentrations, please provide a curriculum map for each by completing the survey on this platform multiple times.
To access the Graduate Degree Program Curriculum Mapping and Learning Outcome Platform please contact [email protected] to be sent a link.
Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024
If your School or unit has multiple degree programs, please provide program information for each by completing this form multiple times. For degrees that are part of a dual-degree program, you only need to complete the form for your School’s degree (not the entire dual-degree program).
To access the Certificate Program Curriculum Mapping Platform please contact [email protected] to be sent a link.
Deadline: Friday, April 5, 2024
If your department or unit has multiple certificate programs, please provide program information for each by completing this form multiple times. Each submission requires its own link. Please note, this is for certificate programs only. We are not requesting program information for Certificates of Professional Achievement (CPA) or their equivalent.
Quick Guide to Building an Effective Curriculum Map
Here is a guide to assist in building your curriculum map.
Program Learning Objectives
Learning objectives should be student-focused, describing what students will be able to accomplish by the completion of their studies. PLOs are not course descriptions or topic lists. Effective PLOs have a hierarchy, beginning with basic knowledge/skills and building in complexity. Also, keep in mind that all objectives should be measurable for the purpose of learning outcomes assessment.
- Example PLO 1 (knowledge based): Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law.
- Example PLO 2 (skill based): Design and carry out a research study to test a hypothesis.
- Example PLO 3 (value based): Exercise of proper professional and ethical responsibilities to patients.
Program Curriculum Map Example
- Required Courses and/or Distributions
- UN1001
- PLO 1
- PLO 2
- PLO 3
- I
- PLO 4
- I
- PLO 5
- I
- PLO 6
- Required Courses and/or Distributions
- UN1000
- PLO 1
- I
- PLO 2
- I
- PLO 3
- R
- PLO 4
- PLO 5
- PLO 6
- I
- Required Courses and/or Distributions
- UN2000
- PLO 1
- R
- PLO 2
- R
- PLO 3
- PLO 4
- PLO 5
- PLO 6
- R
- Required Courses and/or Distributions
- UN2001
- PLO 1
- R
- PLO 2
- PLO 3
- PLO 4
- IR
- PLO 5
- PLO 6
- A
- Required Courses and/or Distributions
- UN3000
- PLO 1
- PLO 2
- R
- PLO 3
- A
- PLO 4
- PLO 5
- R
- PLO 6
- Required Courses and/or Distributions
- UN3001
- PLO 1
- A
- PLO 2
- A
- PLO 3
- PLO 4
- A
- PLO 5
- A
- PLO 6
- Required Courses and/or Distributions
- Perception and Cognition: courses in 2200s, 3200s, or 4200s
- PLO 1
- R,A
- PLO 2
- PLO 3
- A
- PLO 4
- PLO 5
- I,R
- PLO 6
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
Student learning outcomes assessment is the process of collecting and analyzing information to demonstrate that, upon completion of an academic program, students have the knowledge, skills, and abilities consistent with the program’s PLOs. The results of SLOA can then be used to inform future curricula and/or program change. A program should define how it measures the students’ level of success in achieving them for each PLO. In general, there are two ways of measuring learning outcomes and direct measures are more effective than indirect measures:
- Direct Measures: Direct measures provide evidence of students’ attainment of knowledge, skills, and abilities and the program faculty assess learning outcomes based on such evidence (usually by using detailed rubrics on levels of competency, instead of relying on course grades).
- Indirect Measures: Indirect measures ask students or alums to reflect on student learning outcomes.
- Examples of Direct Measures
- Course assignments
- Tests such as qualifying examinations and comprehensive examinations
- Theses or capstone projects
- Portfolios of student work
- Student publications
- Presentations at real or mock conferences
- Preparation of proposals for external funding
- Student effectiveness in field assignments or internships as assessed by direct supervisors using standardized criteria
- Feedback from computer simulated tasks designed to measure learning
- Performance on licensure or certification exams
- Examples of Indirect Measures
- Student surveys that ask about the quality of their education and the knowledge and skills they have acquired
- Student course evaluations
- Student exit surveys or interviews
- Student focus groups
- Alumni surveys
- Student participation rates in faculty research and conferences
- Student honors and awards
- Career placement rates after graduation
- Admission rates to graduate or professional programs and quality of the institutions to which the students are admitted
Best Practices and Additional Resources
Additional Documents and Websites
- Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE)
- National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) Searchable publications list
- Georgetown University: Gathering Evidence of Student Learning. Helpful guide for collecting direct evidence.
- Association of American Colleges & Universities VALUE Rubrics: A set of 16 rubrics to assess undergraduate student work with respect to specific learning outcomes, such as creative or critical thinking, global learning, and problem solving.
Columbia Programs of Note
If you have any questions please contact [email protected].