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Course descriptions, course-level learning objectives (CLOs), and program-level learning outcomes (PLOs) are tools that can be used to select a specific course, a program (degree and certificate), or even a career path.
Course Descriptions give you a brief overview of the content and purpose of a college course.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs) represent the main knowledge and skill areas that you will demonstrate and be graded on when you complete a course. Although the course might include other content beyond the CLOs, they represent a common set of learning areas addressed and assessed in all sections of a given course.
Program-level Learning Outcomes (PLOs) represent the core knowledge and skill areas that you will develop throughout your courses in a program (i.e., a degree or certificate).
You will be able to demonstrate the CLOs and PLOs through various means, including tests, papers, projects, portfolios, internships, and externships.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When choosing courses, why should I look at CLOs and PLOs instead of how many credits I need to graduate? |
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Both are important, but since you’ll be learning knowledge and skills, not credits, it’s helpful to see what the CLOs reflect about the course and how it relates to your program’s requirements and PLOs. In the future, when you have the opportunity or need to demonstrate your learning, you will probably not refer to the number of credits you have earned. Instead, you are going to focus on the concepts, big ideas, and skills that you can bring to the table. The CLOs and PLOs can serve as a handy reminder of some of the core concepts and skills you have learned in your certificate or degree. |
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Where can I find information about the courses in my program? |
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In the online academic catalog, you can see not only the course descriptions listed, but also the related CLOs. Having this information will help you choose the course that best suits your interests and your program’s requirements. |
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Why do some courses count toward my major while others do not? |
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Courses are carefully chosen for each certificate and degree to help students learn not only the skills in their majors, but also additional skills and abilities that are necessary for educational and professional success. The required courses’ CLOs are reviewed to ensure that they align with or map to PLOs for the related major or program specialty. |
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My course just got canceled. What do I do? |
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Refer to your program requirement sheet and determine what requirements the canceled course satisfies. Are there other courses listed in that learning area that you could take this quarter? If yes, then take one of the other listed courses in place of the canceled course. If not, then take the canceled course in another quarter. In any event, you should always consult with an advisor for your program of study to evaluate your options. |
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Why don’t some courses transfer from other colleges to Edmonds College? |
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In order for a course to transfer to Edmonds College, it must have essentially the same learning objectives as the course that is taught here. Although course titles might be similar, the instructional content might be very different. If you think that the learning in both courses is similar, please see your advisor to discuss your concerns. |
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Will my courses transfer to another college or university? |
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Individual institutions determine which courses they will accept. However, Common Course Number (CCN) courses, indicated by an “&” after the course prefix, automatically transfer to all Washington state public colleges and universities. In addition, many colleges and universities have a Direct Transfer Agreement with Edmonds College that lists the courses that will automatically transfer.
If you have additional questions about transfer courses, you can:
- see the institution-specific program requirement sheets available in the advising center or online (at the institution’s website),
- contact the transfer institutions directly or go to their websites for transfer information, and
- make an appointment with an Edmonds College advisor for your program.
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How can I use Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs) and/or Program-level Learning Outcomes (PLOs) in my job searches? |
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The PLOs describe the skills and competencies that prepare you to enter the workforce or to advance in your current position. Edmonds College faculty work directly with the business community to develop CLOs and PLOs.
When looking at job openings, you can use the CLOs and PLOs to match your skills with the job description and requirements.
In your resumes and interviews, you can refer to the CLOs’ and PLOs’ key concepts to emphasize that you have the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for in job applicants. If a prospective employer asks you to document your skills, the CLOs and PLOs can help you frame examples of coursework and/or cumulative, program-level projects tied to specific competencies.
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How can the CLOs and/or PLOs help when I am preparing to transfer to another college/university? |
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The CLOs and PLOs can help you see how the college’s programs align with transfer institution programs. If a transfer institution asks you to document your skills, the CLOs and PLOs can help you frame examples of your coursework and/or cumulative, program-level projects. |
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What questions should I ask about CLOs and/or PLOs during my advising sessions with faculty or advisors? |
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You can make the best use of advising appointments by reviewing your program requirement sheets in advance and highlighting any questions you might have about how courses or programs support learning outcomes, certification or transfer requirements, and/or employment requirements. |
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