Case Study: Evaluating Ashford University Institutional and Program Outcomes

Prior to completing this assignment, read the Ashford University Institutional Outcomes located on the Syllabus page for this course. Additionally, read the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program Outcomes (pg. 248) located within the Online Undergraduate Programs section of the Ashford University 2013-2014 Academic Catalog.

Undergraduate Institutional Outcomes Ashford University Bachelor Program Graduates:
1. Synthesize theories and approaches from the subject areas of the general education curriculum to address complex problems.
a. Utilize interdisciplinary approaches and informed decision-making when solving problems.
b. Frame problems and construct solutions through reasoned analysis, including consideration of diverse views.
c. Analyze and present a reasoned response to problems within a wider societal and systems context.
d. Articulate commonalities and differences across varying cultural, economic, and geographic populations as part of global citizenship.
e. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills using adaptable, flexible, creative, and innovative approaches.
2. Integrate skills from the general education competencies when interpreting ideas and arguments in order to respond to civic, societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
a. Apply the principles of critical thinking to contemporary issues.
b. Exhibit clear, sustained, and coherent arguments and narratives in written and oral communication.
c. Utilize information, media, and technology literacy skills appropriate for an associates or bachelor degree level, by recognizing when information is needed and effectively locating, evaluating, and using the information.
d. Construct solutions to problems through qualitative or quantitative analysis and/or computational skills and practices.
e. Display leadership and interdisciplinary teamwork skills.
f. Employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry.
3. Synthesize proficiencies appropriate to the degree level and discipline or major.
a. Explain field specific concepts, theories, and practices.
b. Evaluate complex problems or challenges related to the field by applying field specific concepts, theories, and practices.
4. Construct ethical responses to contemporary issues.
a. Identify and address key ethical issues, including the application of academic knowledge to the concerns of society.
b. Articulate the constraints that ethical theories and principles place on responses to specific challenges
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Psychology major focuses on the study of human behavior and mental processes. This major explores psychology both as an area of scientific investigation and as a health or human services profession. Students majoring in psychology may also seek employment opportunities in business, law, government, health care, and other careers that involve understanding human behavior and providing competent leadership. This program leads to a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts. It is eligible for federal financial aid, but not subject to the gainful employment requirements.
Special Terms and Conditions: Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.
Program Outcomes
Psychology major graduates will be able to:
1. Demonstrate breadth of psychological knowledge;
2. Analyze information and data with scientific thinking;
3. Defend ethics, social justice, and diversity;
4. Illustrate professional communication skills and;
5. Apply professional skills to career planning and success.
Program Requirements
Total number of credits required: 120 credits
Introductory Course Requirements: 3 credits
General Education Requirements: *52 credits
Major Course Requirements: *36 credits
Electives: 32 credits
Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits.
*In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.
Introductory Course Requirement (3 credits)
• EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education (3 credits)
Major Course Requirements (36 credits)
• *PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 104 Child & Adolescent Development (3 credits)
• PSY 331 Psychology of Learning (3 credits) Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
• PSY 301 Social Psychology (3 credits) Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
• PSY 302 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 304 Lifespan Development (3 credits)
• PSY 330 Theories of Personality (3 credits) Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
• PSY 350 Physiological Psychology (3 credits) Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
• ^PSY 325 Statistics for the Behavioral & Social Sciences (3 credits)
• PSY 326 Research Methods (3 credits)
• PSY 303 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits) Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
• PSY 496 Applied Project (3 credits) Prerequisite: GEN 499
* Satisfies General Education requirements.
^ Math competency requirement must be met before taking this course.

After reviewing the information provided above, you will create a two page case study focusing on professional and personal scenarios (they can be real or hypothetical) in which you evaluate your learning as it contributes to the overall attainment of Ashford University’s institutional outcomes and the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program outcomes.

In the body of your paper:

1. Discuss the Ashford University institutional outcomes and the program outcomes by identifying their relevance to a profession in psychology.
2. Create one personal life example and one career example in which you (or a fictitious person) struggle with personal challenges and an ethical dilemma (e.g., a client or research subject reveals compromising information about a friend or family member who also happens to be someone you know in a personal/social context).
3. After identifying the problem, include a section wherein you address each of the following prior to making a decision about a course of action:
o From your point of view, what is the problem?
o From the point of view of other individuals, what is the problem?
o What are the options? What are potential consequences of the options?
o What are the risks of each potential solution?
o What are the risks of not resolving the challenges effectively?
o What evidence/data do you have to assist you in decision making?
4. Apply the competencies gained at Ashford University (from the institutional and program outcomes) to identify the preferred resolutions to the situations you identified in #2 above. Select at least three competencies that are most relevant to your scenarios. Be specific in your discussion of the scenarios and provide details demonstrating professional problem solving in your case study.
5. Conclude the case study with how you resolved the problem (the outcome) and what you learned while at Ashford University that assisted you in deciding on an effective resolution. You may also identify additional competencies used to resolve the problem that are not included in the institutional and program outcomes.
6. Utilize at least one scholarly source as a basis for the evidence you will use to rationalize the decision-making process. All sources must be documented in APA style.

Writing the Case Study
The Assignment:

1. Must be two double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style.
2. Must include a title
page with the following:
o Title of paper
o Student’s name
o Course name and number
o Instructor’s name
o Date submitted
3. Must document all sources in APA style.
4. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style.