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Core Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR MASTER'S DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Advanced Communication Skills

  • Advanced oral communication and presentation/public speaking skills 
  • Clear, concise, and highly effective writing skills
  • Ability to perceive the intent and emotions of others in order to engage in effective and meaningful interaction
  • Ability to effectively communicate research findings
  • Ability to convey complex information to a variety of audience

Highly Developed Critical Thinking, Information Literacy and Scholarly Inquiry 

  • Ability to synthesize pedagogical knowledge through critical, strategic, creative thinking and complex problem solving
  • Competencies in inquiry and analytical skills
  • Competencies in quantitative and qualitative research and responsible conduct of research 
  • Statistical knowledge and ability to analyze and interpret data 
  • Ability to integrate research with theory and practice and disseminate findings 
  • Use of multiple perspectives to view and resolve challenges 
  • Advanced information literacy 
  • Knowledge of and ability to use information systems technology 
  • Mastery of knowledge related to the student’s chosen path of study 

Social Responsibility and Ethical Leadership  

  • Highly ethical conduct, integrity, and professional responsibility
  • Ability to make ethical decisions in personal and professional contexts
  • Adherence to standards and principles of academic integrity
  • Commitment to social justice and basic human rights
  • Belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals and appreciation of diversity

Effective Leadership in Professional, Community, and Personal Spheres  

Ability to demonstrate: 

  • Leadership and professionalism 
  • Career development, mentoring, and supervisory skills 
  • Advocacy skills and ability to influence public policy in the field 
  • Effective collaboration among diverse groups 
  • Application of knowledge and theoretical perspectives in community and professional settings 
  • Living out the University’s core values in the community and workplace 
  • Reflective practice 
  • Inter-professional collaboration 
  • Organizational skills 
  • Civic knowledge and engagement 
  • Intercultural knowledge and competence 

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

In addition to the Core Competencies for Master's Degree Programs mentioned above, Core Competencies for Doctoral Programs involve the Expansion of Communication, Critical Thinking, Ethical Leadership and Effective Professional and Community Leadership which include the following:

Ability to demonstrate:

  • Skills in expanding all levels of inquiry toward developing a base of knowledge and finding evidence for the discipline 
  • Application of systematic approaches and analytical processes to build on evidence 
  • Effective communication in speaking and writing to disseminate information and knowledge to larger audiences 
  • Application of evidence in guiding professional services to solve authentic problems 
  • Understanding regarding how policy is enacted for local to global communities to best influence and advocate ethically for the public 
  • Proficiency in the use of information systems and technology to improve quality of services delivered in the discipline and to support decision-making 
  • Influence with regard to policy to advance best practices in the field at the local, state, regional, and national levels 
  • Integrity in disciplinary practice, scholarship, and leadership