Animal Sciences & Industry Student Learning Outcomes

KSU Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes

1. Communication
   Demonstrate effective communication skills that clearly convey thought to an audience verbally and in writing.

2. Critical Thinking
   Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems and address issues by gathering, discerning and synthesizing information.

3. Knowledge
   Demonstrate a broad foundation of fundamental knowledge of the science and management aspects of food and companion animal production systems including the disciplines of nutrition, physiology, genetics, animal products and animal behavior.

4. Integrity
   Awareness of the roles ethics and professional integrity play in animal production systems.

5. Diversity
   Demonstrate a recognition of and appreciation for diverse cultures, backgrounds and perspectives in the global animal industry.

Graduate Program Student Learning Outcomes

M.S. Program, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry

1. Advanced knowledge and understanding in an area of emphasis offered by the Graduate Faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry.
2. Competency in the collection, analyses and interpretation of data as it relates to the scholarship of their area of emphasis.
3. Competency in oral communication and scholarly writing in the form of a master’s thesis or report.

Ph.D. Program, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry

1. A thorough command of knowledge in an area of emphasis offered by the Graduate Faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry.
2. An ability to apply critical scientific thought in the application of hypothesis formation, and the design and execution of experiments.
3. Competency in the collection, analyses and interpretation of data as it relates to the scholarship of their area of emphasis.
4. Competency in oral communication and scholarly writing in the form of a doctoral dissertation.

A direct assessment of students enrolled in Animal Sciences & Industry courses in the academic year 2020-2021 resulted in 71% of students being considered proficient in their written communication skills, while 82% of students were considered either emerging or proficient in oral communication skills. Fifty-seven percent of students achieved either the emerging or proficient level for critical thinking. In terms of content knowledge in the core competency areas of nutrition, physiology, genetics, and animal behavior, 52% of students were considered either emerging or proficient. Internship supervisors ranked 83% of students as proficient in areas related to integrity. Eighty-four percent of students felt that their experiences in ASI helped them develop an appreciation for diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the animal industry.