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Online Master of Science in Health Professions Education

The online Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSHPE) is designed for healthcare professionals who plan to teach or currently teach in their respective discipline—medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health professionals - and want to become effective educators in clinical and didactic settings.

The Master of Science in Health Professions Education at UofL aims to equip healthcare educators with the essential theoretical knowledge and learning science skills required to excel as a teacher in the didactic and clinical setting. Through this program, you will acquire the tools to assess, evaluate, and apply research-based instruction effectively, enabling you to lead, influence, and educate diverse learners across cultures, departments, and systems. Upon graduation, you will have cultivated the scholarly skills to promote inclusive teaching practices and create safe learning environments, all while shaping your professional identity as an educator.

The online Health Professions Education master’s program is offered through a partnership between the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville and the Office of Professional and Educational Development.

Health Professions Education, (MS & Grad Cert) Virtual Info Session:Wednesday, October 30

6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m

Join the HPE faculty and staff for a virtual information session to learn more about the program, how to apply, and get your questions answered.
Register Now!

How Much Will I Pay?

Tuition & Aid    

Online MSHPE Highlights

  • Skip the GRE – it’s not required for admission.
  • Gain foundational knowledge on the theory, research and practice of education as it applies to health professions, and become an effective educator in the classroom and/or clinical environment.
  • Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes and 24/7 access to learning tools.
  • Explore principles and methods of teaching and learning within a healthcare context, including engaging learning techniques, instructional technology, diversity topics, learner assessment and more.
  • Learn from world-class and highly experienced faculty from UofL’s School of Medicine.
  • Start spring, summer or fall and earn your degree in about 2 years
  • Receive skills necessary for educators by focusing on teaching and learning, rather than Health Professions Education research.
  • Enjoy fully asynchronous 8-week terms with absolutely no in-person component required.
  • Benefit from the Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education; all 12 credit hours that make up this certificate are also the core courses for the MS in Health Professions Education, and roll right into the degree.
Online learning  - Online Master of Science in Health Professions Education

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100% ONLINE COURSEWORK

Complete the program on your own time through fully online classes.

11 COURSES

Many courses available in
8-week accelerated terms.

5 STARTS PER YEAR

Start when it’s right for you with Fall, Spring and Summer admits.

Online learning  - Online Master of Science in Health Professions Education

"The goal of the HPE program is to magnify the impact of the health professions educator. Not only do health professions educators improve the outcomes of their patients, but they significantly improve the educational outcomes of the practitioner learners and impact the patients that those learners ultimately care for in the future."


Staci Saner, Ed.D.
Program Director


Online MSHPE, No GRE Required

Unlike many graduate programs, our online MSHPE program at the does not require GRE test scores for admission. We believe that relevant work experience, community involvement, strong letters of recommendation, and a clear professional goal statement carry more weight than standardized test performance alone.

By taking a holistic approach to evaluating applicants based on their demonstrated passion, problem-solving skills and interpersonal abilities, we aim to build a diverse health professions education program poised to drive innovation and positive change in our students' organizations and communities. Our admission process focuses on each applicant's potential to succeed and make an impact as a health professions educator.

Why Earn a Health Professions Education degree?

Employment in the healthcare industry is booming, with expected growth of 2.6 million jobs from 2020 to 2030 (bls.gov). The need for health professions educators is greater than ever as we train the next generation of healthcare providers. The curriculum within UofL’s MSHPE program will equip you with the skills and expertise to be a highly effective health professions educator. Furthermore, many educational leadership roles in academic healthcare are requesting certificates or degrees in HPE, so this degree can assist in advancing your career long-term as well.


How can I benefit from a Master’s in Health Professions Education?

Becoming the education leader within your health system will impact not only the future of the healthcare professionals you mentor but also of the patients and organization. Earning your master’s in HPE can also increase your potential earnings.

Other occupation opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Clinical educator
  • Healthcare education researcher
  • Program director
  • Academic medical and dental faculty
  • Fellowship program director
  • Clerkship director
  • Directors of Hospital Education programs
  • Thread directors
  • Course directors
  • Education Deans
Online learning  - Online Master of Science in Health Professions Education
 

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Online MSHPE Application Deadlines


Application Deadline Term Start Date
August 1 Fall I August
September 10 Fall II October
December 10 Spring I January
February 10 Spring II March
May 1 Summer June

Note: Admissions are on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance, and enroll before the term begins. Although admissions are granted for a specific term up to the day classes start, we recommend you submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.


How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Health Professions Education

  1. Start your application for graduate admission
  2. Submit a $65 non-refundable application fee
  3. Upload required materials*
  4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
  5. Create a financial plan

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Online Master of Science in Health Professions Education Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
  • a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Required application packet materials include:

  • a personal goal statement written by the applicant that is a clear, substantive description of your goals within health professions education (approx. 1-2 pages)
  • one letter of recommendation
  • current resume, including your educational background, teaching, and research experience; masters, doctoral, and/or philosophy/doctoral (PhD) degree practice and research experience should be represented in a current curriculum vitae (CV)

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

The online MSHPE program is a 33 credit hour (11 course) program that incorporates 15 credit hours of core health professions education courses, 9 credit hours of higher education courses, 6 credit hours of electives, and a final 3 credit hour exit requirement. Courses are 100% online and asynchronous. Courses are delivered in 8-week terms, with the exception of the exit requirement HPE 697 (standard term length).

Online MSHPE Core Courses


Core Courses Hours
Health Professions Education Core 21
HPE 650 Evaluation and Assessment in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 658 Principles of Educational Leadership 3
HPE 665 Teaching and Learning in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 675 Program Development in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 676 Instructional Strategies in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 685 Evidence-Based Practice in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 694 Diversity in Health Professions Education 3
Exit Requirements 3
HPE 697 Organizational Improvement in Health Professions Education 3
Electives 9
Electives (course options listed below) 9
Total Credit Hours Required in Program 33

Online MSHPE Elective Courses


Elective List Hours
Health Professions Education Electives 9
HPE 654 Well-Being in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 660 Simulation in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 667 Advanced Leadership I 3
HPE 668 Advanced Leadership II 3
HPE 670 Effective Feedback Strategies in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 680 Interprofessional Education in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 682 Legal, Regulations and Accreditation in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 686 Applied Statistics for Health Professions Education 3
HPE 687 Survey Design for Health Professions Education 3
HPE 688 Qualitative Data Analysis for Health Professions Education 3
HPE 689 Scholarly Writing in Health Professions Education 3
HPE 690 Independent Study in Health Professions Education 3-6


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Online MSHPE Course Descriptions

Online MSHPE FAQs


  • Who is the MS in Health Professions Education program for?
    This program is designed for any faculty in the health professions that has a teaching component in their work assignment and would like to a become better educator. Examples include:
    • Physicians
    • Residents and Fellows
    • Physician Assistants
    • Nurses
    • Clinician Educators
    • Clinical Preceptors/Supervisors
    • Allied Health Professionals
    • Department Chairs and Program
    • Directors
  • Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
    No, the GRE is not required to be admitted to this program. However, if you do not have a terminal degree or a GPA of 2.5 or higher, it is recommended to submit your GRE score with your application.
  • Is there a part-time option?
    Yes, you can complete the program as a part-time student.
  • Is the program open to international students?
    Yes, this program is available to international students.
  • Do I need to have teaching experience to be accepted into the program?
    No, you are not required to have any teaching experience to be accepted into this program.
  • Do I take the courses in a particular order?
    HPE 697 must be taken after HPE 650, 665, 675, and 676. HPE 697 must be taken in the second to last or last semester before you graduate. All other courses can be taken in any order.
  • Who do I contact for more information?
    Getting in touch with your enrollment counselor is a great first step! An enrollment counselor can be reached at online@louisville.edu or 800.871.8635.
  • What can I do with an online MS in Health Professions Education?
    Graduates of the online MS in Health Professions Education program will graduate with the skills and tools they need to educate the healthcare workers of tomorrow. This program is made for practicing clinicians who are ready to transition to or serve as educators in their respective fields or disciplines. As the healthcare business continues to grow, there will be an increased need for clinicians with teaching experience, which can lead to increased job and career opportunities.
  • Is financial aid available for this program?
    Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the tuition page.

Online MSHPE Success Team



    Featured Online MSHPE Faculty