Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) define the knowledge, skills, and values that all University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) graduates are expected to develop, regardless of their program of study.

They provide a shared foundation for student learning across the Uuniversity and reflect UMB’s commitment to preparing graduates to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully in their professions and communities.

Framework Overview

UMB’s Institutional Learning Outcomes are organized into seven thematic areas that span academic, professional, and civic development. Each theme includes a definition and a broad outcome that guides program-level learning, curriculum design, and assessment.

Definition: Civic engagement is working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference.

Outcome: UMB graduates will understand historical and current inequities experienced by diverse communities to effectively engage in service learning and community-based learning experiences to improve health and social justice outcomes in partnership with the Baltimore community and beyond.

Definition: Diversity is defined as all the differences between us based on which we experience advantages or encounter barriers to opportunities. Equity is allocating resources to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities. Inclusion is defined as a sense of belonging.

Outcome: UMB graduates will be able to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in health, science, and social services by engaging in cultural humility practice and promoting organizational, cultural, and systemic change.

Definition: Ethical reasoning is reasoning about right and wrong human conduct. It requires students to be able to assess their own ethical values and the social context of problems.

Outcome: Recognize ethical issues related to professional conduct when presented in a complex, multilayered (gray) context as well as discern the impact of relationships on ethical issues.

Definition: Integrity involves consistent, habitual honesty and a coherent integration of reasonably stable, justifiable moral values.

Outcome: Demonstrate consistently honest and fair judgment and action in academic and professional affairs.

Definition: Global Engagement & Learning defines students who are committed to navigating the world and connecting with its people in a wide array of professional and social settings.

Outcome: Graduates of each UMB program will demonstrate Global Engagement & Learning outcomes at the end of their degree programs. Graduates will be assessed on long term outcomes.

Definition: Interprofessional education (IPE) occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other.

Outcome: At the completion of their program, UMB students will have had the opportunity to obtain exposure to working and interacting with other healthcare and human services professionals and professional students on the UMB campus.

Definition: Leadership is a process in which individuals are inspired to behave in a certain way, usually toward a common goal or understanding.

Outcome: Graduates of the University of Maryland, Baltimore will use critical thinking skills guided by evidence to be empathetic, inclusive, adaptable, and courageous leaders in their profession.

Assessment and Reporting

Progress toward Institutional Learning Outcomes is tracked through the Academic Program Assessment and Improvement (APAIR) system across all UMB schools and programs.

Average Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) scores by school and theme, Academic Year 2024–2025
School Theme 1 Score Theme 2 Score Theme 3 Score Theme 4 Score Theme 5 Score Theme 6 Score Theme 7 Score
Dentistry 1.0 2.8 3.0 3.0 1.3 1.0 3.0
Law 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.0 2.6 1.8 3.4
Medicine 2.4 2.6 1.8 2.2 1.8 2.0 2.6
Nursing 2.3 3.0 2.7 2.7 2.0 2.7 3.3
Pharmacy 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
School of Graduate Studies 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.4 1.6 1.4 1.6
Social Work 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0
UMB (Overall) 1.7 1.9 2.0 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.9

Scores are reported on a scale of 1-4 based on program-level assessment of Institutional Learning Outcomes.

Average Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) scores by school and theme, Academic Year 2023–2024
School Theme 1 Score Theme 2 Score Theme 3 Score Theme 4 Score Theme 5 Score Theme 6 Score Theme 7 Score
Dentistry 1.0 2.3 3.0 3.0 1.0 1.0 3.0
Law 2.4 3.2 3.0 3.0 3.6 1.0 3.8
Medicine 2.0 2.8 1.4 1.6 1.8 1.4 2.4
Nursing 2.3 3.3 2.3 2.3 3.0 3.0 3.3
Pharmacy 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
School of Graduate Studies 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.6
Social Work 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0
UMB (Overall) 1.6 1.9 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.3 2.0

Scores are reported on a scale of 1-4 based on program-level assessment of Institutional Learning Outcomes.

How Institutional Learning Outcomes Are Used

Institutional Learning Outcomes support:

  • Aligning program-level learning goals with institutional priorities
  • Guiding curriculum design and continuous improvement
  • Supporting accreditation and assessment efforts
  • Creating a shared understanding of student learning across programs

Together, the ILO framework ensures a consistent, mission-aligned approach to preparing graduates across all disciplines.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Institutional Learning Outcomes are integrated across curricula and continuously assessed to ensure that UMB graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of their professions.

This ongoing work supports both academic excellence and the university's broader mission to advance health, social justice, and community impact.