Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS)

Program Learning Outcome (PLO) #1 Assessment - Core Knowledge

Author

Sam Csik & Jamie Montgomery

Published

June 9, 2023

Modified

August 13, 2024

Background

Who is this survey for?

All students enrolled in the Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) program during the 2023 - 2025 academic years will receive this survey to complete just before beginning the program and just after completing the program.

What is a PLO and where can I find the MEDS PLO?

Each degree-granting program at UCSB has its own list of educational aims: the conceptual knowledge, practical skills, experiences, perspective-awareness, and/or values that students will be familiar with by the time they complete the program. These Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are defined by department faculty and approved by the Council on Assessment and the Academic Senate’s Graduate Council. Find the approved PLO for the Master of Environmental Data Science program.

How are PLOs assessed?

Departments self-assess their PLO performance on a three-year cycle. A single educational aim is assessed in a cycle.

What does that mean for the MEDS program?

Bren has entered its assessment cycle, which will last from 2023 - 2025. During this 3-year span, MEDS PLO 1 (Core Knowledge) will be assessed by delivering a pre- and post-program survey to MEDS students in the form of a Qualtrics survey. This survey is not a test of individual students, but rather an assessment of the MEDS program.

Where can I find the raw data?

Anyone who has “collaborator” access to the Qualtrics surveys can download the raw data results from a given PLO assessment. These raw data are then saved to Google Drive – reach out to Sam Csik for access.

PLO Assessments by Class