College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences

Dr. Marcel Satsky Kerr shares insights for “meeting students where they are” in ASPBP article

March 7, 2024 • BSBMSC, faculty, SBS

Dr. Marcel Satsky KerrDr. Marcel Satsky Kerr, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the HSC College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, outlined the the development and implementation of CBTS’ online bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences in an article published by the Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs.

In the article, “Redefining the Value of a College Degree: Meeting Students Where They Are,” Kerr also provides insightful tips for developing new or revamping existing programs to meet the needs and expectations of today’s adult learners for better educational outcomes.

Here’s an excerpt from the article, which is published in the January 2024 issue of ASPBP’s PBP Wire:

A social trend that has accelerated since the pandemic is what college students want and expect from their post-secondary education. The current one-size-fits-all model continues to lose its appeal among prospective students, their parents, employers, and society (Carlson, 2021 and Laliberte, et al., 2022). Exiting the pandemic, prospective students, more than ever are expecting and seeking cost-effective, flexible, personalized, and meaningful learning experiences (Bray et al., 2020, Bresnick, 2021, Dickler, 2022, and HanoverResearch.com, 2022). Importantly, social media and the internet are making it easier for students to find them. In response to the evolved market, this article describes the development and implementation of an online bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences that intentionally recruits, retains, and prepares adult learners for healthcare careers and admissions to graduate and professional programs in health science. These adult learners come from historically excluded groups, must work part-time or full-time, and have other familial responsibilities competing for their time. Practical and feasible tips are provided that can be replicated and implemented in part or whole to create new or refine existing programs.

You can read the full article here: PBP Wire January 2024.

Lear more about HSC’s bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences.