Frostburg State University’s Institutional Learning Goals reflect the mission of the University through a focus on five specific areas of student learning. Individual departments, programs, and services will provide opportunities, where appropriate, for you to attain the skills and dispositions identified by the University as essential to education.

1. Liberal knowledge and skills of inquiry, critical thinking, and synthesis
You will acquire knowledge in the humanities, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the arts, which collectively embody the human cultural heritage. You will develop your abilities to practice higher-level critical thinking.

You will

• apply different methods of inquiry from various perspectives and disciplines to gather information;
• comprehend and apply various research methods to evaluate information critically;
• analyze complex issues and construct logical conclusions;
• use problem-defining and problem-solving skills by synthesizing ideas within and across disciplines;
• demonstrate sustained intellectual curiosity.

2. Core skills
You will become proficient in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will also develop quantitative literacy and technological fluency.

You will

• comprehend and critically interpret information in written and oral forms;
• communicate information and ideas effectively;
• understand and apply mathematical reasoning to solve quantitative problems and to evaluate quantitative information and arguments;
• use technological resources to access and communicate relevant information.

3. Acquisition and application of specialized knowledge
You will gain knowledge and skills appropriate both for your field of study and to enter into the professional sector and/or graduate school.

You will

• demonstrate technical and analytic skills that are appropriate to your field of study and applicable to future careers;
• acquire research skills and specialized vocabulary for critical discourse;
• demonstrate competencies and achievements appropriate to your field of study;
• apply classroom learning in a combination of reflective practice and experiential education.

4. Values & social responsibility
You will critically explore, evaluate, and define your values and become a responsible citizen in a complex and changing society.

You will

• demonstrate respect and tolerance for other cultures and societies;
• make professional and personal judgments based on ethical considerations and societal values;
• exhibit civic responsibility and leadership;
• understand the purpose and value of community service in advancing society;
• demonstrate an awareness of and appreciation for the natural environment.

5. Appreciation of cultural identities
You will gain insight into the ways cultural identities and experiences shape individual perspectives of the world and influence interactions with people from different backgrounds.

You will

• demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for communicating and cooperating effectively with people of diverse backgrounds;
• understand the cultural and social exercise of power;
• recognize and appreciate arguments supporting perspectives different from your own.