Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Program learning outcomes (PLO) are the skills, competencies, and “big ideas” students should be able to articulate, put into action, or utilize after earning their degree or credential from the institaution.

Read the PLO booklet HERE.

Biology AS

PLO 1:
Apply biological vocabulary and key concepts to interpret new information and situations.
PLO 2:
Communicate biological information to a scientific audience.

PLO 3:

Manipulate data in mathematical form to formulate scientific predictions and conclusions.

Business – General Cert

PLO 1:
Construct effective oral communications that will convey information appropriate to a professional business audience.

PLO 2:
Demonstrate numerical literacy that supports effective business decisions.

PLO 3:
Explain the impact of economic theory on today’s business environment.

PLO 4:
Discuss the importance of the legal framework of today’s business environment.

Business – Human Resource Management Cert

PLO 1:
Construct an employee life cycle presentation.

PLO 2:
Analyze an organizations performance management system.

PLO 3:
Articulate the legal implications of an organizational scenario.

PLO 4:
Discuss how employee benefits increase organizational sustainability.

Business – Real Estate Cert

PLO 1:
Demonstrate a broad understanding of Colorado real estate laws and regulations in order to effectively perform the duties associated with a real estate salesperson position

PLO 2:
Describe the various ways of acquiring title of real property and interpret the laws governing contracts in general, including agency.

PLO 3:
Evaluate various types of ownership and financing techniques common to residential real estate.

Business AA

PLO 1:
Construct effective oral communications that will convey information appropriate to a professional business audience.

PLO 2:
Demonstrate numerical literacy that supports effective business decisions.

PLO 3:
Explain the impact of economic theory on today’s business environment.

PLO 4:
Discuss the importance of the legal framework of today’s business environment.

Chemistry AS

PLO 1:
Communicate scientific knowledge clearly and logically.

PLO 2:
Apply key chemistry concepts to interpret new information and situations, and to formulate and defend scientific predictions and conclusions.

PLO 3:
Use mathematical techniques in solving quantitative chemistry problems.

PLO 4:
Demonstrate the ability to perform multi-step synthetic and analytical techniques in the chemistry laboratory.

Communication AA

PLO 1: 
Construct well-reasoned messages.

PLO 2:
Create a sense of connectedness while engaging with others.

PLO 3:
Disseminate clear messages responsibly.

PLO 4:
Demonstrate appropriate behavior(s) in a given context.

Computer Information System AAS

PLO 1:
Communicate across both user and developers.

PLO 2:
Ability to analyze systems and create business requirements documentation.

PLO 3:
Assist customers in the design, implementation, and support of moderately complex technology solutions.

PLO 4:
Ability to accurately diagnose common business problems and recommend appropriate technology-based solutions.

Computer Science AAS

PLO 1:
Identify problems and formulated solutions to meet the needs of organizations

PLO 2:
Analyze, design, implement, and evaluate computer-based systems, their processes and components, and use this information to develop computer applications to meet the needs of users.

PLO 3:
Apply computing theory and programming principles to implement practical software design

PLO 4:
Implement software systems that meet specified design and performance requirements

PLO 5:
Design, correctly implement, and document solutions to computational problems

Computer Science AS

PLO 1:
Identify problems and formulated solutions to meet the needs of organizations.

PLO 2:
Analyze, design, implement, and evaluate computer-based systems, their processes and components, and use this information to develop computer applications to meet the needs of users.

PLO 3:
Apply computing theory and programming principles to implement practical software design.

PLO 4:
Implement software systems that meet specified design and performance requirements.

PLO 5:
Design, correctly implement, and document solutions to computational problems.

Construction Estimating Cert

PLO 1:
Prepare estimates for materials.

PLO 2:
Appraise and track the necessary materials and process as they relate to the type of job being managed.

PLO 3:
Prepare realistic estimates for materials, equipment, and labor.

PLO 4:
Communicate with internal stakeholders both in writing and verbally in the construction process.

 

Construction Superintendent Cert

PLO 1:
Understand the rules, regulations, and codes for building.

PLO 2:
Understand the necessary materials and process as they relate to the type of job being managed.

PLO 3:
Understand the rules, regulations, and codes for building.

PLO 4:
Manage the construction process from a scheduling and human resources management perspective.

Criminal Justice AA

PLO 1:
Describe the historic origins to present day structure, and operation of our American Criminal Justice, Courts and Corrections system at both the local and federal levels.

PLO 2:
Explain how an ethical criminal justice system and participatory citizenship protect constitutional freedoms.

PLO 3:
Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, Constitutional requirements, and legally defined procedures that criminal justice professionals have to adhere to when working within the field of criminal justice.

PLO 4:
Articulate ethical implications of decision making in a professional capacity.

PLO 5:
Show sufficient critical self-awareness to identify and ameliorate the influence of personal biases and values when interacting with diverse groups in criminal-related issues.

Criminal Justice AAS

PLO 1:
Describe the historic origins to present day structure, and operation of our American Criminal Justice, Courts and Corrections system at both the local and federal levels.

PLO 2:
Explain how an ethical criminal justice system and participatory citizenship protect constitutional freedoms

PLO 3:
Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, Constitutional requirements, and legally defined procedures that criminal justice professionals have to adhere to when working within the field of criminal justice.

PLO 4:
Show sufficient critical self-awareness to identify and ameliorate the influence of personal biases and values when interacting with diverse groups in criminal-related issues.

PLO 5:
Demonstrate specialized and holistic knowledge of the Criminal Justice system and the law enforcement profession required for entry level law enforcement and criminal justice professionals.

Cyber Security AAS

PLO 1:
Identify commonly-used networking tools/devices/protocols, including Ethernet, switches, routers, LAN, VPN, and WAN.

PLO 2:
Apply proficiency with the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of network devices, including hardware, software, and operating systems.

PLO 3:
Understand information security concepts to ensure data’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability while at rest, in transit, or in use.

PLO 4:
Ability to identify, analyze, and mitigate security risks and threats.

PLO 5:
Ability to utilize security solutions (access control, intrusion detection, etc.) to defend, monitor, and remediate security risks and threats.

Diesel Power Mechanics AAS

PLO 1:
Serve as an entry level diesel technician with the ability to work safely in a shop environment.

PLO 2:
Serve as diesel technician with the ability to repair heavy diesel equipment.

PLO 3:
Communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and customers to facilitate the needed repairs of vehicles and equipment.

 

Early Childhood AA

PLO 1:
Upon completion of the program, students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child development, pedagogical teaching practices and strategies.

PLO 2:
Students demonstrate the ability to provide a responsive classroom setting where student-centered, social and emotional learning approaches and supports to teaching and discipline are used.

PLO 3:
Design, implement, and critically analyze meaningful curriculum through use of academic disciplinary knowledge, to enhance learning outcomes for all children.

PLO 4:
Conduct themselves as knowledgeable professionals focused upon providing and advocating for quality care and education in a variety of settings, across the early childhood age span (i.e., birth through age 8y).

 

 

Early Childhood Education: Director Cert

PLO 1:
Students will apply the National Association for the Education of Young Children Principles and practices in interactions with young children, families, and other professionals. (NAEYC Standard 2)

PLO 2:
Students enrolled in the program will observe and practice in at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth – age 3, 3-5, 5-8) (NAEYC Standard 7)

PLO 3:
Students will establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with families, respect family choices and goals for children, communicate effectively and meaningfully with families and use families as a primary source of information in designing, implementing and evaluating a meaningful and developmentally appropriate curriculum that demonstrates a wide array of teaching practices that meet the needs of the individual child. (NAEYC Standard 4)

PLO 4:
Students enrolled in the Education Department program will identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession. (NAEYC Standard 6)

Early Childhood: Entry Level Cert

PLO 1:
Students will apply the National Association for the Education of Young Children Principles and practices in interactions with young children, families, and other professionals. (NAEYC Standard 2)

PLO 2:
Students will establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with families, respect family choices and goals for children, communicate effectively and meaningfully with families and use families as a primary source of information in designing, implementing and evaluating a meaningful and developmentally appropriate curriculum that demonstrates a wide array of teaching practices that meet the needs of the individual child. (NAEYC Standard 4)

Early Childhood: Teacher Cert

PLO 1:
Students will use evidence-based knowledge of child development and learning to understand that each child’s learning and development is unique to create safe, healthy, respectful and inclusive learning environments that provide responsive, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. (NAEYC Standard 1)

PLO 2:
Students enrolled in the program will observe and practice in at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth – age 3, 3-5, 5-8) (NAEYC Standard 7)

PLO 3:
Students will establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with families, respect family choices and goals for children, communicate effectively and meaningfully with families and use families as a primary source of information in designing, implementing and evaluating a meaningful and developmentally appropriate curriculum that demonstrates a wide array of teaching practices that meet the needs of the individual child. (NAEYC Standard 4)

PLO 4:
Students will use evidence based knowledge of child development and learning to understand that each child’s learning and development is unique to create safe, healthy, respectful, and inclusive learning environments that provide responsive, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities (NAEYC standard 1)

Economics AA

PLO 1:
Demonstrate a knowledge of supply and demand, as well as microeconomic theory.

PLO 2:
Demonstrate a knowledge of supply and demand, as well as macroeconomic theory.

PLO 3:
Understand economic institutions.

Emergency Medical Technician: Basic Cert

PLO 1:
Apply appropriate noninvasive airway management techniques to patients experiencing an airway condition

PLO 2:
Provide appropriate noninvasive care to patients experiencing a medical emergency.

PLO 3:
Provide appropriate noninvasive care to patients experiencing a medical emergency.

PLO 4:
Provide appropriate noninvasive care to patients experiencing a cardiac emergency.

PLO 5:
Respond safely to risks encountered in rescue situations.

Emergency Medical Technician: Paramedic Cert

PLO 1:
Apply airway management techniques to patients with breathing problems.

PLO 2:
Treat patients experiencing a medical emergency.

PLO 3:
Treat patients with traumatic injuries.

PLO 4:
Identify a cardiac problem and the appropriate treatment.

PLO 5:
Mitigate risks encountered in rescue situations.

English AA

PLO 1:
Demonstrate an ability to establish a conclusion that is tied to a range of information.

PLO 2:
Synthesize evidence and/or sources to support a claim.

PLO 3:
Demonstrate proficiency with conventions appropriate to the composing task.

PLO 4:
Exhibit a thorough understanding of audience, purpose, genre, and context.

PLO 5:
Demonstrate an ability to evaluate texts to develop an analysis.

 

Film: Acting/ Directing AAS

PLO 1:
Direct actors in terms of casting, blocking and character believability.

PLO 2:
Realize and create effective performances for camera.

PLO 3:
Analyze characters in film video scripts.

Film: Acting/ Directing Cert

PLO 1:
Direct actors in terms of casting, blocking and character believability

PLO 2:
Realize and create effective performances for camera

PLO 3:
Analyze characters in film video scripts

Film: Post Production AAS

PLO1 :
Complete and deliver a polished, well edited film/video project.

PLO 2:
Record effective production sound, correct as necessary, and create compelling, appropriate sound design, mixed correctly for delivery.

PLO 3:
Correct color to professional standards, enhance color grading for aesthetic effect, add effective credits and create visual effects in support of narrative needs and overall production value.

Film: Post Production Cert

PLO 1:
Complete and deliver a polished, well edited film/video project.

PLO 2:
Record effective production sound, correct as necessary, and create compelling, appropriate sound design, mixed correctly for delivery.

PLO 3:
Correct color to professional standards, enhance color grading for aesthetic effect, add effective credits and create visual effects in support of narrative needs and overall production value.

Film: Screenwriting AAS

PLO 1:
Demonstrate working knowledge of cinematic storytelling

PLO 2:
Exhibit unique, authentic voice in crafting original scripted material

PLO 3:
Illustrate ability to create effective characters for the screen

Film: Screenwriting Cert

PLO 1:
Demonstrate working knowledge of cinematic storytelling

PLO 2:
Exhibit unique, authentic voice in crafting original scripted material

PLO 3:
Illustrate ability to create effective characters for the screen

Film: Writing/Directing AAS

PLO 1:
Direct actors in terms of casting, blocking and character believability

PLO 2:
Exhibit a unique voice and sense of authenticity in the manner of storytelling and choices made in the formulation and shaping of delivered content.

PLO 3:
Demonstrate working knowledge of visual storytelling through filmmaking.

Film: Writing/Directing Cert

PLO 1:
Direct actors in terms of casting, blocking and character believability

PLO 2:
Exhibit a unique voice and sense of authenticity in the manner of storytelling and choices made in the formulation and shaping of delivered content.

PLO 3:
Demonstrate working knowledge of visual storytelling through filmmaking.

Film: Writing/Producing AAS

PLO 1:
Demonstrate commitment to industry safety standards and personify best practices of professionalism in regards to set etiquette and equity

PLO 2:
Demonstrate ability to organize, schedule and lead creative teams to form cohesive projects

PLO 3:
Maximize production value by effectively coordinating resources including locations, casting, production design, and overall production quality

Film: Writing/Producing Cert

PLO 1:
Demonstrate commitment to industry safety standards and personify best practices of professionalism in regards to set etiquette and equity.

PLO 2:
Demonstrate ability to organize, schedule and lead creative teams to form cohesive projects

PLO 3:
Maximize production value by effectively coordinating resources including locations, casting, production design, and overall production quality

Fire Science Technology AAS

PLO 1:
Identify advanced methods of preserving personal safety.

PLO 2:
Identify advanced methods to prevent, control, and extinguish fire.

PLO 3:
Communicate at an advanced level in alignment with firefighting standards.

PLO 4:
Respond to, gain access to, and control emergency scenes.

Fundamentals of Fire Science Cert

PLO1 :
Demonstrate methods of preserving personal safety

PLO 2:
Demonstrate use of tools

PLO 3:
Demonstrate methods to prevent, control, and extinguish fires

PLO 4:
Control and contain hazardous materials

PLO 5:
Communicate in alignment with firefighting industry standards

Graphic & Web design AAS

PLO 1:
Understand at the relationship of graphic design communication to human behavior and perceptions.

PLO 2:
Demonstrate the ability to use design-thinking strategies in an interactive design process.

PLO 3:
Acquire and demonstrate competency in technical skills applicable to graphic design.

PLO 4:
Communicate concepts, design solutions and arguments clearly and concisely through visual communications.

PLO 5:
Access information through traditional and new technologies, and synthesis this information for problem-solving activities.

Graphic & Web design AAS

PLO 1:
Understand at the relationship of graphic design communication to human behavior and perceptions.

PLO 2:
Demonstrate the ability to use design-thinking strategies in an interactive design process.

PLO 3:
Acquire and demonstrate competency in technical skills applicable to graphic design.

PLO 4:
Communicate concepts, design solutions and arguments clearly and concisely through visual communications.

PLO 5:
Access information through traditional and new technologies, and synthesis this information for problem-solving activities.

History AA

PLO 1:
Produce one well-researched historical project.

PLO 2:
Evaluate and analyze historical evidence in the form of primary documents and secondary sources.

PLO 3:
Recognize the role of various identities, which can include race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, and sexual identity, in shaping historical perspective or the historical record.

Integrated Nursing Program AGS

PLO 1:
Describe the roles and responsibilities of the professional nurse.

PLO 2:
Explain the quality improvement process as it relates to patient safety.

PLO 3:
Explain the effects of culture on the healthcare system.

IT Tech & Support AAS

PLO 1:
Ability to diagnose customer problems and provide troubleshooting and support.

PLO 2:
Ability to assemble, configure, install, maintain, and repair computer hardware, software, and applications.

PLO 3:
Understand commonly-used computer hardware, software, and applications.

PLO 4:
Ability to install, maintain, use, and troubleshoot multiple operating systems (Apple, Microsoft, Linux/Unix) for computer and mobile devices.

PLO 5:
Identify commonly-used networking tools/devices/protocols, including Ethernet, switches, routers, LAN, VPN, and WAN.

IT Tech & Support Cert

PLO 1:
Ability to diagnose customer problems and provide troubleshooting and support.

PLO 2:
Ability to assemble, configure, install, maintain, and repair computer hardware, software, and applications.

PLO 3:
Understand commonly-used computer hardware, software, and applications.

PLO 4:
Ability to install, maintain, use, and troubleshoot multiple operating systems (Apple, Microsoft, Linux/Unix) for computer and mobile devices.

Identify commonly-used networking tools/devices/protocols, including Ethernet, switches, routers, LAN, VPN, and WAN.

Mathematics AS

PLO 1:
Demonstrate good problem-solving habits: A. Estimating solutions and recognizing unreasonable results and B. Considering a variety of approaches to a given problem, and selecting one that is appropriate

PLO 2:
Interpret the evidence with precision from a variety of mediums in order to justify conclusions

PLO 3:
Communicate mathematical ideas in written, oral, and/or electronic form using the appropriate mathematical language, notation, and style.

Metro State CIS Transfer AAS

PLO 1: 
Communicate across both user and developers.

PLO 2:
Ability to analyze systems and create business requirements documentation.

PLO 3:
Assist customers in the design, implementation, and support of moderately complex technology solutions.

PLO 4:
Ability to accurately diagnose common business problems and recommend appropriate technology-based solutions.

Networking AAS

PLO 1:
Identify commonly-used networking tools/devices/protocols, including Ethernet, switches, routers, LAN, VPN, and WAN

PLO 2:
Apply proficiency with the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of network devices, including hardware, software and operating systems

PLO 3:
Demonstrate installation, operation, configuration, and verification a basic IPv4 and IPv6 network

PLO 4:
Demonstrate ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise network

Nurse Aide Cert

PLO 1:
Demonstrate appropriate basic patient care.

PLO 2:
Understand and apply relevant HIPAA regulations.

PLO 3:
Demonstrate appropriate basic patient care.

Paralegal AAS

PLO 1:
Demonstrate accurate and strong written communication skills in the preparation of memorandum and legal documents.

PLO 2:
Demonstrate strong organizational and collaboration skills in a job setting.

PLO 3:
Identify and explain ethical obligations in the profession.

Paramedicine AAS

PLO
Apply airway management techniques to patients with breathing problems.

Treat patients experiencing a medical emergency.

Treat patients with traumatic injuries.

Identify a cardiac problem and the appropriate treatment.

Patient Care Technician Cert

PLO 1:
Demonstrate appropriate basic patient care.

PLO 2:
Understand and apply relevant HIPAA regulations.

PLO 3:
Demonstrate appropriate basic patient care.

PLO 4:
Mitigate risks encountered in rescue situations.

Phlebotomy Cert

PLO 1:
Demonstrate patient care within the scope of a phlebotomist.

PLO 2:
Apply relevant OSHA and HIPPA regulations.

PLO 3:
Apply relevant OSHA and HIPPA regulations.

PLO 4:
Apply relevant OSHA and HIPPA regulations.

Physics AS

PLO 1:
Comprehend presented physical scenarios and identify relevant physical principles.

PLO 2:
Apply a combination of calculus and relevant mathematical methods to effectively solve problems based on multiple physical concepts.

PLO 3:
Acquire experimental data in order to explore physical principles and critically evaluate findings.

PLO 4:
Present and communicate findings effectively from experimental investigations.

Political Science AA

PLO 1:
Conduct and present scholarly research in political science.

PLO 2:
Apply knowledge of political processes and methodology in an analysis of the behavior of actors.

PLO 3:
Ability to reason through, contextualize and critique political claims and assertions made by political actors.

PLO 4:
Explain the basic themes and concepts that cut across traditional subfield boundaries.

Programming AAS

PLO 1:
Take an idea from concept to reality.

PLO 2:
Develop applications for desktop and laptop computers.

PLO 3:
Create engaging user interfaces for their applications.

PLO 4:
Develop applications using a variety of development tools and programming languages.

PLO 5:
Develop reliable applications.

Psychology AA

PLO 1:
Demonstrate effective communication skills for conveying psychological concepts through discipline specific standards of writing, speaking, and/or interpersonal interactions.

PLO 2:
Apply psychological reasoning by employing content knowledge, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking skills

PLO 3:
Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world as it applies to the discipline of psychology.

Psychology AS

PLO 1:
Demonstrate effective communication skills for conveying psychological concepts through discipline specific standards of writing, speaking, and/or interpersonal interactions.

PLO 2:
Apply psychological reasoning by employing content knowledge, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking skills

PLO 3:
Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world as it applies to the discipline of psychology.

Sociology AA

PLO 1:
Demonstrate effective communication skills for conveying sociological concepts through discipline-specific standards of writing, speaking, and/or interpersonal interactions.

PLO 2:
Apply sociological reasoning by employing content knowledge, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking skills.

PLO 3:
Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world as it applies to the discipline of sociology.

Spanish AA

PLO 1:
Engage in a conversation about familiar and unfamiliar topics in a variety of time frames and with complex sentence structures.

PLO 2:
Infer information from a variety of authentic Spanish texts about personal and social topics.

PLO 3:
Deliver an organized and purposeful oral presentation.

PLO 4:
Evaluate cultural stereotypes and generalizations in their own and target cultures by comparing and contrasting cultural perspectives, practices, and products.

Translation & Interpretation AAS

PLO 1:
Produce quality simultaneous interpretation while maintaining the integrity of the message.

PLO 2:
Produce quality 4-5 minute consecutive interpretation using interpreter’s notes as an aid.

PLO 3:
Produce accurate and coherent output text with appropriate vocabulary choices and sentence construction.

PLO 4:
Demonstrate knowledge of medical vocabulary relevant to interpreting in community settings.

PLO 5:
Demonstrate knowledge of legal vocabulary relevant to interpreting in community settings.

 

Translation & Interpretation General Certificate

PLO 1: 
Produce quality simultaneous interpretation while maintaining the integrity of the message.

PLO 2:
Produce quality 4-5 minute consecutive interpretation using interpreter’s notes as an aid.

PLO 3:
Produce accurate and coherent output text with appropriate vocabulary choices and sentence construction.

Translation & Interpretation Medical Certificate

PLO 1:
Produce quality simultaneous interpretation while maintaining the integrity of the message.

PLO 2:
Produce quality 4-5 minute consecutive interpretation using interpreter’s notes as an aid.

Translation & Interpretation Legal Certificate

PLO 1:
Produce quality simultaneous interpretation while maintaining the integrity of the message.

PLO 2:
Produce quality 4-5 minute consecutive interpretation using interpreter’s notes as an aid.