1. 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 Abstract Driven 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. Abstract Driven 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-degree 1  90% live in Southeastern region of US 2  50% are 20-25 years of age, 32% 26-30 years of age 2  96% female 2  35-55% are Registered Dietitians 3  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 coursesNUTR6105 Human Nutrition in Physiology & Metabolism BiOS7021 Biostats NUTR6200 Methods in Nutrition Research NUTR6105 Human Nutrition in Physiology & Metabolism BiOS7021 Biostats NUTR6200 Methods in Nutrition Research Research/Profes sional Practice NUTR6600 Management in Dietetics NUTR6900 Review of Current Literature NUTR6950 Seminar in Nutrition NUTR7000 Thesis BIOS7022 Biostats NUTR6950 Seminar in Nutrition Concentration18 hours approved by advisor14 hours approved by advisor References 1 Enrollment data (summer-fall2012); 2 NUTR6200/6950 survey data fall2011-spring2012; 3 fall2010- spring2012; 4 US Dept. of Labor statistics MS in Nutrition Curriculum Term Graduates Semesters to complete degree M±SD (range) % continuous enrollment F2011/Sp201296±2 (5-12)71% F2010/Sp201197±2 (5-10)89% F2009/Sp201067±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, RD Hometown: San Diego, CA Expected Graduation: May 2013 Graduate 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 Bala Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY Expected Graduation: May 2014 Graduate Research: Factors influencing elementary school children’s dietary behaviors The 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 Harman Hometown: Baltimore, MD Expected Graduation: May 2014 Graduate Research: Student perspectives of case-based learning The 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 Knauss Hometown: Laurinburg, NC Expected Graduation: May 2014 Graduate 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.