Monet M. Loquias
Objective. To assess the relevance, usefulness, applicability, responsiveness, acceptability, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacy program using the context, input, process and product (CIPP) framework.
Methods. The study utilized a descriptive study design using review of records, interview, focus group and round table discussions as methods of data collection. Sources of information included students, graduates of the program, faculty, administrators and pharmacists from different fields of practice. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.
Results. The evaluation identified several areas for improvement. The input evaluation revealed lack of resources/ facilities especially dedicated to graduate students, faculty items, faculty with relevant expertise to teach courses and professional development activities for its students. Both input and process evaluation showed obvious lack of clear and written guidelines on selection, graduation, thesis and other administrative matters leading to confusion of both faculty and students. The implementation of the different courses presented several challenges to the faculty such as absence of syllabi, diversity of students and lack of resources. The program suffered from low enrollment rates, with only an average of 8 new students per year. Similarly, it also suffered from low graduation rates. These raise some questions on the marketability, sustainability and efficiency of resources allotted or consumed for the program. The students and graduates of the program however provided very good feedback in terms of the effects of the program on their knowledge, skills and professional development.
