Ensuring Quality in Online Graduate Education Using the Quality Matters Rubric

Abstract

Objectives: To ensure quality online graduate education at the University of Maryland Baltimore(UMB). Method: The Masters of Science(MS) in Regulatory Science at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy adopted the Quality Matters(QM) self-review and official QM Course Design Review process to ensure consistent course quality throughout the program’s curriculum. The Regulatory Science program worked with the UMSOP Office of Academic Affairs and QM Coordinator(s) at the University of Maryland School of Nursing to complete QM training and course design/redesign consultations to meet the rubric’s quality standards and achieve certification. The subsequent creation of the UMB Office of Academic Innovation and Distance Education provided an opportunity to adopt QM as a common quality metric. Results: Incorporating QM into the program’s course design process and committing to certify all graduate courses (60% certified by 2016), the Regulatory Science has ensured consistent course quality. Coupled with the UMB adoption of QM as a consistent quality measure for all new online graduate courses a common language and expectation for online education and faculty development. This has ensured UMB is positioned to meet emerging University System of Maryland(USM) guidelines on online accessibility based in part on QM standards. Implications: Programmatic use of the QM rubric provides a method to align courses with current practices in educational theory, assessment, instructional materials/ technology, student-centered learning, and accessibility/usability. As national emphasis focuses on online education’s ability to meet the needs of diverse populations, the QM standards provide a mechanism to situate educational statutes in a practical framework.