Context Matters: Outcome Assessments for Associate’s Degree Psychology Programs

Abstract

The article highlights the importance and challenges of identifying program-level outcome assessment strategies for associate’s degree psychology programs. We discuss the value of such program outcomes for quality assurance, improved teaching and learning, and efficient transfer. However, as we document, there is little uniformity in the psychology courses offered in associate’s degree programs, which are tailored to the unique context of the institution. As a result, the foundational outcomes offered in the American Psychological Association Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major 2.0 may not apply to all institutional contexts. The Associate’s Integration subcommittee of the Summit on National Assessment in Psychology developed new outcomes aligned to the foundational ones in Guidelines 2.0 to address the need for assessments across all institutional contexts. We conclude with suggestions for future discussion, research, and policy regarding program assessment for associate’s degree students.