University of South Carolina Columbia
Act 629 - Summary Reports on Institutional Effectiveness
Fiscal Year 2001 - 2002

Biomedical Sciences, M.B.S., Ph.D.

Because of a recent assessment, the program faculty completed curricular planning and design for the Master's program. An interdisciplinary Biomedical Science curriculum was developed to complement the Ph.D. program and to address unique needs of master's degree students. The School of Medicine Office of Graduate Studies has initiated a current applicant/student/graduate database for the Master's program, including information regarding student satisfaction with the program, time to employment following degree receipt, and employer satisfaction. Because of data collected from the alumni survey that was distributed during the spring and summer of 2000, the program implemented a professionally designed web template for Graduate Studies; improved the program curriculum description on the website, including a Master's Program Student Manual; and published a printed brochure for the Master's program (designed in conjunction with University Publications).

As the result of a recent survey of students and alumni, graduate student stipends increased during 2000-01 from $13,000 to $15,000 (15% increase). Plans have been developed to ensure stable student funding in years three through five of the Ph.D. Because of data collected from the alumni survey that was distributed during the spring and summer of 2000, program recruitment materials have been enhanced, including written recruiting materials and computer web site information. The recruitment team completed more visits to targeted undergraduate colleges.. The program has recently completed implementation of plans for "right-sizing" of the program and of the U.S./international enrolled student balance in accord with the number and nature of positions available nationally for doctorally educated science graduates. For 2000-2001, eight new Ph.D. students (six U.S. and two international) enrolled.