10 Essential Skills

According to extensive research, these learning experiences contribute to college graduates' preparation by developing the essential skills all graduates need for a meaningful career and personal success. 

The following learning outcomes are considered essential to the success of students in higher education. 

1. Communicate Effectively.

Graduates will develop their ability to communicate effectively by listening, weighing influencing factors, and responding accurately and professionally. They will learn to express their thoughts coherently in writing, orally, and in formal presentations.

2. Think critically in order to solve problems and create new ideas and solutions.

Graduates will develop their ability to think critically by evaluating assumptions and assessing information to make informed conclusions. They will also learn to think creatively by combining ideas in original ways or developing new ways of addressing issues.

3. Apply quantitative reasoning skills to analyze and solve numerical problems.

Graduates will hone their ability to provide solutions guided by data and choosing the best methodologies for arriving at informed conclusions.

4. Interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Graduates will reflect on their own cultural identities, appreciate cultural and intellectual differences, and effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds. They will have multiple opportunities to collaborate, communicate and work respectfully with people with different perspectives, ideas and cultural beliefs.

5. Adapt to changing circumstances while leading and supporting others.

Graduates will have learned how to accept change and find effective ways to work and thrive in different settings. They will learn to motivate others in the pursuit of a common goal and to coach others in the pursuit of this goal.

6. Perform professionally within their chosen field of study or occupation.

Graduates will have learned the importance of adhering to the code of ethics in their chosen profession and acting with honesty and fairness. They will have many opportunities to prioritize their tasks, manage their time, take initiative, and demonstrate accountability and reliability.

7. Engage in civic life to improve society.

Graduates will, throughout their college careers, learn from opportunities to engage in political, social and other activities to address issues that benefit society.

8. Collaborate and work in teams.

Graduates will have had numerous opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, become effective team members, and manage conflict.

9. Apply academic knowledge, skills, and abilities to their chosen career.

Graduates will be able to articulate and apply the theoretical content of their academic preparation with relevant knowledge and abilities essential to their chosen career.

10. Use information for decision making.

Graduates will be able to identify, evaluate, and responsibly use information needed for decision making.