skip page navigationOregon State University
OSU Home » Office of Academic Planning and Assessment » Curriculum » Curricular Procedures and Policies » Student Learning Outcomes.

Outcomes - Student Learning Outcomes for Courses and Degree Programs

Student learning outcomes are learner-focused statements reflecting what a student will be able to do as a result of an instructional activity. Each outcome statement should start with a measurable action verb that indicates the level of learning, followed by a precise description of the learned behavior, knowledge, or attitude. Bloom's Taxonomy is a useful tool for choosing action verbs that accurately describe a desired level of student learning.

For example, an OSU faculty member will be able to:

  • Identify an appropriate action verb from Bloom's Taxonomy that describes a particular level of learning.
  • Describe the desired behavior a student will be able to exhibit upon successful completion of a course.
  • Assess students' performance for evidence of desired learning.

Slash (4xx/5xx) courses must have differentiated learning outcomes for graduate and undergraduate students (i.e. two separate sets of learning outcomes listed on the syllabus). See Slash (4xx/5xx) courses-Differentiation of Learning Expectations.

All degree and certificate programs should publish student learning outcomes on their website or other program material.

Approval & Revisions:

Additional Information: Slash (4xx/5xx) courses-Differentiation of Learning Expectations

[Return to Currricular Procedures and Policies Index] [PDF Version of All Procedures and Policies]

Please also see these related links for policies and guidelines: OSU Online Catalog, Faculty Handbook, General University Policies, Office of the Registrar, Graduate School