The following interactive report lists all degree programs offered at Chico State. The report contains filters to search for programs by specific features.
Chico State offers degrees (academic programs) representing a variety of professional disciplines and specialties. The section of our provides additional detail on the programs we offer.
Assessment is a process to ensure that we continue to create and maintain high-quality learning environments that promote student learning and a positive learning experience for all our students. Each academic program submits an Annual Program Assessment Report (APAR) early in the Spring semester to report on student achievement of program learning outcomes (PLOs) from the previous academic year.
The following figure illustrates the steps that take place during a typical PLO assessment cycle (one year):
APARs are written and approved by program faculty, with signatures of approval from the department/unit chair or program coordinator and the college office. After an APAR submission is received and recorded by our office, the report is evaluated using an online rubric to provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement to the program faculty and the college office.
Additional information about our program assessment process is available from the Reporting Status and Schedule section.
Chico State's Annual Program Learning Outcomes Assessment process and Annual Program Assessment Report (APAR) template address the following WSCUC 2023 Standards(opens in new window):
- CFR 2.3: The institution clearly identifies and effectively implements student learning outcomes and expectations for achievement. These outcomes and expectations are reflected in and supported by academic programs, policies, and curricula, and provide the framework for academic advising, student support programs and services, and information and technology resources.
- CFR 2.7: The faculty are responsible for creating and evaluating student learning outcomes and establishing standards of student performance.
- CFR 2.9: The institution demonstrates that graduates consistently achieve stated learning outcomes and standards of performance. Faculty evaluate student work in terms of stated learning outcomes.
Please visit our campus WSCUC website(opens in new window) for information on our WSCUC accreditation.
Periodic Program Review plays a key role in the improvement of undergraduate and graduate education at California State University, Chico. The review process provides a framework for quality management in our program offerings and related educational activities. Programs that complete this review process are reaffirmed for a period of six years.
The following figure summarizes what is typically involved in a periodic program review:
The steps identified in the figure above are:
- Self-Study Report: The program prepares a Self-Study Report that describes the program and demonstrates how it meets the established review criteria.
- External Review (if applicable): Some reviews include an External Review in which a subject-matter expert evaluates the Self-Study Report and the program. The review may occur remotely or through a campus visit. For internal reviews, the program nominates the reviewer subject to campus approval. For external accreditation reviews, the accrediting agency appoints the review team.
- Reflective Essay (if applicable): The program prepares a Reflective Essay responding to the External Review and discussing key observations, insights, and planned actions.
- Findings and Recommendations Report: A report summarizing commendations and recommendations is prepared based on the review materials. For internal reviews, this report is produced by the designated campus committee. For external reviews, the report is provided by the external review team.
- Program Written Response (optional): The program may submit a written response to the Findings and Recommendations report to clarify information, address concerns, or note areas of disagreement within the established response period.
- Final Decision Memo: The Final Memo communicates the official outcome of the review. For internal reviews, it is issued by the Provost. For external accreditation reviews, it is issued by the accrediting agency.
Overall, the Chico State review process embraces an organizational learning approach in which the program regularly and systematically assesses its own performance and uses its program learning outcomes assessment information to foster collective learning and improve the program’s capacity for educational effectiveness.
Additional information about our periodic program review process is available from the Reporting Status and Schedule section.
Our Periodic Program Review (PPR) process addresses the following WSCUC 2023 Standards(opens in new window):
- CFR 2.1: The institution’s degree programs are appropriate in content, educational objectives, and standards of performance relevant to the level of the degree. All degrees are defined in terms of entry requirements and levels of student achievement necessary for graduation.
- CFR 2.2: Degree programs engage students in an integrated course of study of sufficient breadth and depth. These programs ensure the development of core and professional competencies relevant to the level of the degree.
- CFR 2.4: The institution conducts periodic reviews of its degree programs. The program review process includes analysis of student achievement of the program’s learning outcomes.
- CFR 2.5: The institution has faculty with the capacity and scale to design and deliver the curriculum and to evaluate, improve, and promote student learning and success.
- CFR 2.6: The faculty exercise effective academic leadership and act consistently to ensure that the quality of academic programs and the institution’s educational purposes are sustained.
- CFR 2.8: The institution has clear expectations for faculty research, scholarship, and creative activity that are commensurate with the mission and degree portfolio.
- CFR 2.10: The institution demonstrates that students make reasonable progress toward and complete their degrees in a timely manner.
Please visit our campus WSCUC website(opens in new window) for information on our WSCUC accreditation.
