Practices Employed for Program Improvement in Nutrition Science Graduate Program

Brenda Bertrand, PhD, RD; Tara Harman, BS; Melani W. Duffrin, PhD, RD; William Forsythe, PhD; Elizabeth Wall-Bassett, PhD, RD; & Kimberly Heidal, PhD, MHS, RD

AbstractDriven by the desire to expand research expectations in the MS in Nutrition program, the graduate faculty re-structured 3 courses of study in the curriculum. The faculty subsequently realized that directing student research using a distance education format, while mainly serving part-time students, required further programmatic changes to support faculty expectations and student success. Using program assessment data collected annually since Fall 2009, we have implemented strategic program changes to address priority issues that we have identified. More recently, assessment data has illustrated our effectiveness at achieving our benchmarks.

AbstractDriven by the desire to expand research expectations in the MS in Nutrition program, the graduate faculty re-structured 3 courses of study in the curriculum. The faculty subsequently realized that directing student research using a distance education format, while mainly serving part-time students, required further programmatic changes to support faculty expectations and student success. Using program assessment data collected annually since Fall 2009, we have implemented strategic program changes to address priority issues that we have identified. More recently, assessment data has illustrated our effectiveness at achieving our benchmarks.

Our Program, Students, & Employment Projections Course delivery by distance education

Non-thesis & thesis options

19 admissions/year, 73% MS/DI, 26% MS, 16% non-degree1

90% live in Southeastern region of US2

50% are 20-25 years of age, 32% 26-30 years of age2

96% female2

35-55% are Registered Dietitians3

Faster than average (20%) projected job growth (2010 to 2020)4

Driving Forces Faculty growth in Department of Nutrition Science

2005: 2 tenured (includes department chair), 4 tenure track, 2 fixed term faculty

2012: 6 tenured, 4.25 tenure track, 3.5 fixed term faculty

2005-2007: Student application knowledge (planning a research project) non-thesis comprehensive exam below benchmark

Faculty-driven program changes:

Flexibility to design non-thesis research project (NUTR6900) & disseminate findings (NUTR6950)

Multi-instructor feedback throughout research project development (NUTR6200)

Non-thesis Thesis

Core courses NUTR6105 Human Nutrition in Physiology & MetabolismBiOS7021 Biostats NUTR6200 Methods in Nutrition Research

NUTR6105 Human Nutrition in Physiology & MetabolismBiOS7021 Biostats NUTR6200 Methods in Nutrition Research

Research/Professional Practice

NUTR6600 Management in DieteticsNUTR6900 Review of Current LiteratureNUTR6950 Seminar in Nutrition

NUTR7000 ThesisBIOS7022 BiostatsNUTR6950 Seminar in Nutrition

Concentration 18 hours approved by advisor 14 hours approved by advisor

References1Enrollment data (summer-fall2012); 2NUTR6200/6950 survey data fall2011-spring2012; 3fall2010-spring2012; 4US Dept. of Labor statistics

MS in Nutrition Curriculum

TermGraduates

Semesters to complete degree

M±SD (range)% continuous

enrollment

F2011/Sp2012 9 6±2 (5-12) 71%

F2010/Sp2011 9 7±2 (5-10) 89%

F2009/Sp2010 6 7±3 (3-10) 67%

Issue 1. Time to Complete Degree

Use of results. Continuous enrollment contract (F2010)Observed outcomes. Students have clearly defined enrollment expectations Improved communication between student, advisor, Program

Coordinator Students plan more realistic research timeline within course of study

Issue 2. Research & Writing Skills (NUTR6200, Spring2011, Team-taught)

Use of results Identified strengths. Investigating problem, identifying

key words & topics, locating supporting research, defining need, justifying research design, some students sought research advisor input throughout revisions.

Greatest areas of improvement. Following directions, clearer organization, thematic flow, and expression of ideas.

Plans for the future. Require research advisor input throughout revisions, emphasize requirement for revisions.

Intended Outcome. Research Productivity

2012. 1 thesis defense, 2 thesis proposal defenses, 3 research presentations, 11 publications in progress

2011. 17 research presentations, 7 works in progress

Maddie Greaves, RDHometown: San Diego, CAExpected Graduation: May 2013Graduate Research: Caffeine intake among rotating day and night shift workers.The MS-Nutrition program at East Carolina University allows me to increase my nutrition knowledge and professional aptitude while providing avenues to share these skills. When I graduate… I would like to continue my work in clinical nutrition, specifically working with cardiac rehab patients towards prevention.

Stacey BalaHometown: Poughkeepsie, NYExpected Graduation: May 2014Graduate Research: Factors influencing elementary school children’s dietary behaviorsThe MS-Nutrition program at East Carolina University enhances my knowledge and understanding of nutrition through a hands-on approach of learning.When I graduate… I would like to work as a community dietitian. Specifically counseling individuals or groups about ways to change dietary behaviors.

Tara HarmanHometown: Baltimore, MDExpected Graduation: May 2014Graduate Research: Student perspectives of case-based learningThe MS-Nutrition program at East Carolina University teaches me invaluable skills in areas such as self-discipline, leadership, and research while enhancing my aptitude for learning.When I graduate… I aspire to begin my professional career in community nutrition as a dietitian. Some of my specific interests include education and health advocacy.

Caroline KnaussHometown: Laurinburg, NCExpected Graduation: May 2014Graduate Research: Cost analysis of regular and organic foods.The MS-Nutrition program at East Carolina University challenges me to broaden my professional skill set through integration of diverse curricula, self-directed learning, and networking.When I graduate… I would like to become a clinical dietitian. My additional interests include education and corporate wellness.