Learning Outcomes

University Learning Goals (ULGs)

University Goals Power Lifelong Learning

The student learning experience at SJSU is centered on helping students achieve five important goals. These goals represent the skills and knowledge that power lifelong learning and career success. San José State University graduates will have developed:

1.  Social and Global Responsibilities 

  • An ability to consider the purpose and function of one’s degree program training within various local and/or global social contexts and to act intentionally, conscientiously, and ethically with attention to diversity and inclusion.

2. Specialized Knowledge

  • Depth of knowledge required for a degree, as appropriate to the discipline.

3. Intellectual Skills

  • Fluency with specific theories, assumptions, foundational knowledge, analytical and interpretive protocols, tools, and technologies appropriate to the discipline or field of study. 
  • Skills necessary for mastery of a discipline at a level appropriate to the degree and leading to lifelong learning, including critical and creative thinking and practice, effective communication, thorough and ethical information gathering and processing, competence with quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, and productive engagement in collaborative activities. 
  • For undergraduate students in a baccalaureate program: an understanding of critical components of broad academic areas, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, quantitative reasoning, and sciences. 

4. Integrative Knowledge and Skills

  • Mastery in each step of an investigative, creative, or practical project (e.g., brainstorming, planning, formulating hypotheses or complex questions, designing, creating, completing, and communicating) with integration within and/or across disciplines. 
  • An ability to articulate the potential impacts of results or findings from a particular work or field in a societal context.

5. Applied Knowledge 

  • An ability to apply theory, practice, and problem solving to new materials, settings, and problems.  

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

As a result of their interaction with the Office of the Student Ombudsperson, SJSU students will improve the following skills and demonstrate the related competencies:

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

  • Interpret information, make connections, and draw conclusions based on analysis. (Broad Integrative Knowledge, Intellectual Skills, Applied Knowledge, Social & Global Responsibilities)
  • Identify issues and ask questions that clarify positions and interests. (Social & Global Responsibilities)

Communication and Collaboration 

  • Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using verbal and written communication. (Intellectual Skills)
  • Communicate and work effectively in diverse environments and unfamiliar situations. (Intellectual Skills, Applied Knowledge, Social & Global Responsibilities)

Information Literacy 

  • Locate information efficiently and effectively. (Intellectual Skills)
  • Evaluate information critically and proficiently. (Broad Integrative Knowledge, Intellectual Skills)

  • Apply information accurately to the issue or problem at hand. (Intellectual Skills, Applied Knowledge)