Excelsior Program Learning Outcomes
Each academic discipline of study/degree program has its own set of Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) which spell out the core elements of what students should know, think, or be able to do at the conclusion of their studies. Courses in the program have alignment between their course learning outcomes and signature assignments to the PLOs, enabling course-embedded measures to inform on student learning throughout the program.
Annually, PLOs are reviewed, assessed, reported, and discussed by faculty and academic leadership. The results and implications for actions are documented within program review reports, alongside other program health metrics. For transparency purposes, this page contains the PLO statements for each program and links to the assessment of student learning results for the PLOs.
Note: The PLO language listed and data linked at the bottom of the page reflect 2024 fiscal year. PLO Data will be updated in Fall 2025.
School of Business
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Associate in Applied Science in Administrative/Management Studies program, students will be able to:
- Recognize key management concepts, theories, and practices within the field of business.
- Apply good judgment and business ethical reasoning to problems and scenarios that commonly arise in business organizations.
- Apply business theories and concepts to selected business problems.
- Communicate clearly, appropriately, and persuasively to a business audience.
- Utilize business computer applications and information technologies to organize and interpret business data and information.
- Apply scientific reasoning and college-level mathematics to real-world business problems.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management program, students will be able to:
- Apply basic accounting concepts and principles to the analysis and interpretation of corporate financial statements.
- Explain how modern marketing concepts and theories support and influence business strategies.
- Utilize financial management concepts and tools in order to make informed business decisions.
- Apply the major concepts and theories of management to develop business strategies in a real-world context.
- Analyze the opportunities and risks associated with doing business in a global environment.
- Employ organizational theories and concepts to explain the impact of the organizational environment on management practices and employee relations.
- Analyze various leadership approaches and their application to different organizational contexts.
- Apply project management tools and techniques in a business environment.
- Effectively communicate strategic management concepts orally and in writing to multiple audiences.
- Apply various information technologies to support business strategies.
- Justify decisions by evaluating the social, ethical, and legal implications for business organizations.
- Apply knowledge of business concepts and functions in an integrated manner.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Business program, students will be able to:
- Economics: Apply micro and macroeconomic concepts and theories to explain the relationship between legal, social, and economic interests of individuals and society.
- Accounting: Apply basic accounting concepts and principles to the analysis and interpretation of corporate financial statements.
- Marketing: Explain how modern marketing concepts and theories support and influence business strategies.
- Finance: Utilize financial management concepts and tools to make informed business decisions.
- Management: Apply the major concepts and theories of management and leadership to develop business strategies in a real-world context.
- Quantitative Analysis: Utilize quantitative research, statistics, and data analysis to analyze business data, support business decisions, and solve problems.
- Global Business: Analyze the opportunities and risks associated with doing business in a global environment.
- Ethics: Justify decisions by evaluating the social, ethical, and legal implications for business organizations.
- Communication: Effectively communicate business concepts orally and in writing to multiple audiences.
- Computer Skills: Utilize business computer applications and information technologies to organize and interpret business data and information.
- Teamwork & Cultural Diversity: Work effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams to complete projects based on real-world scenarios.
- Critical Thinking: Employ critical thinking skills to interpret and analyze competing arguments and perspectives in a business environment.
- Leadership: Organize tasks and understand how to delegate responsibility in order to complete collaborative projects in a timely manner.
- Lifelong Learning: Evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses with the desire to update skills and continually improve.
- Business Strategy: Apply knowledge of business concepts and functions in an integrated manner to make strategic decisions in a real-world context.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master in Business Administration program, students will be able to:
- Leadership & Ethics: Apply interdisciplinary leadership practices based on evidence that promotes ethical and collaborative sustainable change in business. (IACBE KLO: Management & Leadership)
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and opportunities to lead a diverse, global workforce. (IACBE KLO: Critical Thinking/Problem Solving)
- Communication: Communicate professionally to diverse audiences and within team environments. (IACBE KLO: Communication)
- Business Analysis & Technology: Apply business analysis techniques, technologies, and tools to solve problems and support decision-making. (IACBE KLO: Analysis & Technology Utilization)
- Strategic Thinking: Formulate business strategies and solutions based on business knowledge and assess their ethical, legal, economic, and global impact. (IACBE KLOs: Business Knowledge & Business Environment)
- Teamwork & Innovation: Apply strategic management techniques to build an inclusive team environment that supports members in accomplishing strategic goals and innovation. (IACBE KLO: Teamwork)
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Executive Master of Business Administration program, students will be able to:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop innovative strategies for leading resilient, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking business practices in organizations.
- Technology & Efficiency: Implement technology-driven solutions for organizational efficiency, competitiveness, and success.
- Business Acumen: Evaluate the impact of strategic decisions using business acumen.
- Team Inclusivity & Performance: Implement initiatives to enhance team inclusivity and performance in diverse contexts.
- Communication & Vision Alignment: Develop effective communication strategies using multiple channels to align organizational vision with diverse stakeholders.
- Sustainability & Future Planning: Develop long-term sustainability plans for organizations in dynamic environments with a forward-looking approach.
- Collaboration & Networking: Initiate collaborative projects to generate new ideas and enhance business networks.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Human Resource Management with an Emphasis in Diversity and Technology program, students will be able to:
- Ethical Leadership & Collaboration: Apply interdisciplinary leadership practices based on evidence that promotes ethical and collaborative change within a distributed workforce.
- Diversity & Global Workforce Management: Evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and opportunities to lead a diverse/global workforce.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Interpret complex data to support strategic HR decision-making.
- Strategic HR Planning: Develop strategic human resource planning processes for the key functional areas of a global business organization.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Evaluate human resource policies and practices to manage risk and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
- Technology & Communication: Utilize the latest technologies and best practices in communication to develop interdepartmental teams and relationships.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Technology and Data Analytics program, students will be able to:
- Apply interdisciplinary leadership practices that promote ethical and collaborative change within the workforce.
- Evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving and opportunities to lead a diverse/global workforce.
- Analyze organizational behavior, culture, and human resources management information to generate strategic decision-making and initiate sustainable change.
- Implement project and process management techniques to manage teams and innovative projects.
- Utilize data analytics, big data, and visualizations to communicate effectively with stakeholders throughout the organization.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Management program, students will be able to:
- Apply interdisciplinary leadership practices based on evidence that promotes ethical, and collaborative sustainable change in business.
- Evaluate different methods and strategies used to develop individuals and manage teams in multiple settings.
- Analyze how different functional areas within a global business organization affect its strategic direction.
- Apply project management tools and techniques in a business environment.
- Create sustained and coherent arguments to summarize work for both internal (e.g., management, peers, subordinates) and external audiences.
- Generate solutions to business problems through the use of information technologies.
- Integrate theory and practice for the purpose of strategic analysis.
- Evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses with the desire to update skills and continuously improve.
Public Service
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Associate in Science in Criminal Justice program, students will be able to:
- Describe the various components of the criminal justice system: legislation, law enforcement, judicial, and correctional.
- Describe how decision-making influences policy and procedure.
- Explain how ethics is used in the decision-making process of the criminal justice system.
- Analyze the various forms of diversity throughout the criminal justice system.
- Describe the various criminal justice career opportunities.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, students will be able to:
- Assess the components of the criminal justice system.
- Evaluate issues in criminal justice from a theoretical framework.
- Create policy or recommendations that demonstrate ethical considerations.
- Analyze various criminal justice career opportunities.
- Assess how diversity affects outcomes in the criminal justice system.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in National Security program, students will be able to:
- Describe the interdisciplinary character of national security, including economics, history, political science, and sociology.
- Examine the use and components of national power, including economic and military influences.
- Evaluate U.S. and global national security strategies and policies.
- Analyze ethical considerations in national security decision-making.
- Develop career-oriented planning strategies in the field of national security.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, students will be able to:
- Analyze criminal justice policies using theoretical frameworks.
- Apply best practices from national and international justice systems to promote societal order.
- Develop data-driven recommendations for improving justice system outcomes.
- Evaluate ethical and legal challenges facing criminal justice professionals.
- Demonstrate leadership in criminal justice organizations.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master of Public Administration program, students will be able to:
- Interpret and analyze data to guide decision-making in public sector management.
- Evaluate budgetary policies to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Apply technology to enhance public sector operations.
- Develop leadership strategies for diverse government and nonprofit organizations.
- Assess ethical and legal considerations in public administration.
Liberal Arts
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Associate in Science in Liberal Arts program, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in writing and oral presentations.
- Analyze cultural diversity and its impact on societies.
- Apply interdisciplinary problem-solving skills.
- Examine ethical dilemmas from multiple perspectives.
- Develop strategies for continued professional growth.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts program, students will be able to:
- Articulate complex concepts to a targeted audience in written and oral form.
- Analyze the influence of cultural diversity when addressing global issues.
- Collaborate within a team to solve problems or achieve a common goal.
- Evaluate multiple perspectives on a dilemma and present an evidence-based argument.
- Apply academic and professional knowledge, skills, and experiences to career goals.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, students will be able to:
- Explain key concepts and theories in psychology.
- Apply scientific reasoning to analyze psychological phenomena.
- Evaluate ethical considerations in psychological research and practice.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in diverse professional contexts.
- Utilize psychological knowledge in various career settings.
School of Technology
Engineering Technology
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective technical oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrate introductory college-level proficiency in one or more of the subject areas in mathematics and/or natural sciences.
- Demonstrate introductory college-level proficiency in one of more of the social sciences.
- Critically examine relationships between technology and society through cultural diversity and human behavior.
- Apply technology and problem-solving skills in the concentration area.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the electrical engineering technology discipline.
- Demonstrate an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the electrical engineering technology discipline.
- Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and be able to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
- Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and be able to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
- Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams, and apply project management techniques in team project activities.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the nuclear engineering technology discipline.
- Demonstrate an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the nuclear engineering technology discipline.
- Apply written, oral, and graphical communications in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and be able to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
- Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments, and be able to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
- Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams, and apply project management techniques in team project activities.
- Demonstrate comprehension of currently applicable rules and regulations in the areas of: radiation protection, operations, maintenance, quality control, quality assurance, and safety.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to professional, ethical, and social responsibilities, including the impacts of culture, diversity, and interpersonal relations.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Professional Studies in Technology Management program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences to problem-solving in technology management contexts.
- Develop cohesive written and oral arguments in your technical concentration using appropriate supporting evidence.
- Critically evaluate and propose solutions for technology management problems.
- Critically evaluate the ethical, legal, and social implications associated with the management of technology in your concentration field.
- Participate effectively in diverse teams to address technical issues in your technology concentration.
- Apply project management tools and techniques to plan, manage, and close a project in the applicable technology field.
- Apply computer applications or computer software packages to solve technical problems in your technical concentration.
- Apply technological and management concepts in an integrated manner using both local and global perspective.
- Employ critical thinking skills to interpret and analyze competing arguments and multiple perspectives in a technology environment.
- Evaluate your individual strengths and weaknesses with the desire to update skills and continuously improve.
IT Cybersecurity and Computer Science
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program, students will be able to:
- Describe defensive network architecture that use multiple layers of protection.
- Analyze technologies and processes that monitor, maintain, and protect the data of an institution.
- Evaluate and apply industry tools to respond to cyber incidents.
- Create and disseminate cybersecurity reports to stakeholders.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program, students will be able to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgements in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to information technology.
- Identify and analyze user needs and to take them into account in the selection, creation, integration, evaluation, and administration of computing-based systems.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, students will be able to:
- Execute approaches to develop or deploy computer systems and processes that address societal and industry challenges using both current and future leaning technologies.
- Employ a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective in developing and implementing computer solutions.
- Demonstrate leadership through a combination of technical skills, interpersonal skills, and industry models to implement solutions that address societal and industry needs.
- Engage in collaborative projects to implement teamwork and communication skills while considering individuals’ perspective and life experience in a global community.
- Apply learned skills to real-world projects, integrating critical thinking and ethical reasoning to ensure a positive impact on the business, industry, and society.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, students will be able to:
- Continuously monitor, maintain, and enhance the protection of enterprise-wide information assets through effective industry accepted information management and risk management techniques.
- Detect, analyze, and respond to cyberattacks on networks and computer systems.
- Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of existing and proposed information systems.
- Utilize the best sources of information available related to cybersecurity issues, threats, and recovery.
- Apply interdisciplinary leadership practices based on evidence that promote ethical and collaborative sustainable change in cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate proficiency in communicating technical information in formal reports, documentation, and oral presentations to users and information technology professionals.
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and to continue to engage in lifelong learning.
- Evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving and opportunities to lead a diverse/global workforce.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
School of Nursing
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program, students will be able to:
- Use a caring holistic approach to provide and advocate for safe quality care for patients and families in an environment that values the uniqueness, dignity, and diversity of patients.
- Apply the nursing process to make nursing judgments, substantiated with evidence to provide safe, quality patient care across the lifespan.
- Use principles of management and delegation to implement plans of care with members of the intra-professional team to achieve safe, quality, patient outcomes.
- Demonstrate the standards of professional nursing practice and core values within an ethical and legal framework.
- Apply principles of leadership and interprofessional collaboration to improve patient outcomes.
- Use evidence-based findings and information technology to improve the quality of care for patients.
- Apply effective written communication methods applicable to the nursing profession.
For more information about the assessment data of the program, please click here.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, students will be able to:
- Apply principles of nursing scholarship to optimize health care outcomes.
- Integrate equitable, person-centered care standards to improve care across diverse settings.
- Employ ethical, fiscally sound strategies in the management of population health.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize healthcare outcomes.
- Assess strategies that create a culture of quality and safety.
- Apply information and healthcare technologies to manage the delivery of care.
- Apply the role of the professional nurse leader in the empowerment of others to deliver quality care.
- Apply effective written communication methods for diverse audiences to support decision-making.
For more information about the assessment data of the program, please click here.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Nursing Education program, students will be able to:
- Function as a leader and change agent to promote holistic patient-centered care and population health.
- Translate evidence to develop health care practices in a culturally and ethnically diverse global society.
- Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and other disciplines that are essential for nursing judgment and practice.
- Integrate specialty practice knowledge to enhance inter-professional collaboration, inform decisions, and improve outcomes.
- Exemplify professional values and standards, best practices, and the commitment to lifelong learning in the role of the master’s-prepared nurse.
- Implement the role of master’s-prepared nurse as part of the inter-professional team.
- Integrate scholarship, a spirit of inquiry, and innovation to support nursing excellence.
- Apply effective written communication methods to resolve complex problems and organizational issues.
For more information about the assessment data of the program, please click here.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program, students will be able to:
- Function as a leader and change agent to promote holistic patient-centered care and population health.
- Translate evidence to develop health care practices in a culturally and ethnically diverse global society.
- Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and other disciplines that are essential for nursing judgment and practice.
- Integrate specialty practice knowledge to enhance interprofessional collaboration, inform decisions, and improve outcomes.
- Exemplify professional values and standards, best practices, and the commitment to lifelong learning in the role of the master’s-prepared nurse.
- Implement the role of master’s-prepared nurse as part of the interprofessional team.
- Integrate scholarship, a spirit of inquiry, and innovation to support nursing excellence.
- Apply effective written communication methods to resolve complex problems and organizational issues.
For more information about the assessment data of the program, please click here.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems program, students will be able to:
- Function as a leader and change agent to promote holistic patient-centered care and population health.
- Translate evidence to develop health care practices in a culturally and ethnically diverse global society.
- Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and other disciplines that are essential for nursing judgment and practice.
- Integrate specialty practice knowledge to enhance interprofessional collaboration, inform decisions, and improve outcomes.
- Exemplify professional values and standards, best practices, and the commitment to lifelong learning in the role of the master’s-prepared nurse.
- Implement the role of master’s-prepared nurse as part of the interprofessional team.
- Integrate scholarship, a spirit of inquiry, and innovation to support nursing excellence.
- Apply effective written communication methods to resolve complex problems and organizational issues.
For more information about the assessment data of the program, please click here.
Health Sciences and Allied Health
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Associate in Science in Health Sciences program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills for guiding decision-making in various health care scenarios.
- Describe the structure and function of the health care delivery system in the United States.
- Explain the various roles and responsibilities of health professionals.
- Critique current trends and opportunities that improve the provision of health care.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management program, students will be able to:
- Implement management practices in health care settings that reflect leadership and organizational theories.
- Apply resource management principles within diverse health care organizations.
- Explain the role of the manager in maintaining a legal and ethical environment.
- Determine effective communication strategies when interacting with stakeholders.
- Use evidence-based practice to guide decision making and promote quality in health care settings.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program, students will be able to:
- Use evidence-based practice to guide decision making that promotes quality in health care settings.
- Explain the implications of health ethics and governmental policy on the delivery of health services.
- Recognize the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion when delivering health services.
- Utilize current and evolving technology when planning, implementing, and evaluating health services.
- Use effective communication strategies to engage with stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams.
Upon successful completion of the Excelsior University Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, students will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate different types of evidence used in public health research and practice and apply evidence-based approaches to develop and implement public health interventions.
- Analyze the impact of health care policies and regulations on public health outcomes and how the organizations of public health and health care systems respond at the local, national, and global levels.
- Show the ability to apply program planning and management principles to design, implement, and evaluate effective public health interventions, and develop strategies for engaging stakeholders and communities.
- Analyze the development and implementation of public health policies at different levels and devise effective strategies for advocating for policies that promote public health and reduce health inequities.
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills in public health practice, including strategic planning, decision-making, and team building by developing a personal leadership plan to advance their careers in public health.
- Develop and implement communication strategies to effectively communicate public health information to diverse audiences using various media and technologies to promote public health and prevent disease.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different professions in public health practice to address complex public health problems.
- Apply systems thinking approaches to analyze complex public health problems and develop and implement interventions to address public health problems.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Health Care Administration program, students will be able to:
- Execute effective communication strategies within the health care environment and with external stakeholders.
- Apply interdisciplinary leadership practices based on evidence that promotes ethical, and collaborative sustainable change in the healthcare sector.
- Apply principles of risk management and quality improvement to achieve desired outcomes.
- Implement financial management strategies commonly used by healthcare leaders.
- Analyze contemporary issues impacting the health care environment.
- Evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving and opportunities to lead a diverse workforce.
Upon completion of the Excelsior University Master of Science in Health Sciences program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in using multiple strategies of communication to convey complex thoughts and ideas.
- Use research findings to explain and direct the resolution of practice-related issues and challenges.
- Apply interdisciplinary leadership practices based on evidence that promotes ethical, collaborative, and sustainable change in the healthcare sector.
- Evaluate healthcare policies and delivery systems to advance professional practice.
- Analyze new and emerging trends within the health care industry.
- Evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving and opportunities to lead a diverse workforce.
Please visit the link below to access our PLO achievement data. The dashboard reflects PLO and sub-PLO attainment.