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 accrediting bodies are moving towards requesting background knowledge in teaching and learning for health professions educators, so this degree can assist in advancing your career long-term as well.

What ways 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. Many graduates become postsecondary health specialties instructors, which have an average annual salary of $124,890 (bls.gov).

Other occupation opportunities include, but not limited to:

• Clinical educator
• Healthcare education researcher
• Program director
• Academic medical and dental faculty
• Fellowship program director
• Clerkship director

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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.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete the graduate application
2. Submit a $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions
   • Only official degree-bearing transcripts must be submitted by the applicant using appropriate methods (e.g., Parchment or National Clearinghouse) or be on file in the Office of Faculty Affairs (for applicants internal to UofL). Applicants should submit their most senior degree earned or that they are in the progress of earning.
4. Check for Scholarships

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Admission Requirements

• Unconditional admission requires a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 for all coursework taken at the undergraduate and/or graduate degree-granting institution; or a terminal professional degree (e.g., MD, DO, DMD, DNP, PhD, EdD).
  • Applicants with a GPA less than 2.5 at the undergraduate/graduate level may inquire about conditional admission
  • A graduate degree recommended, or proof of working toward a graduate degree required
  • Applicants with a bachelor’s degree and additional credentials may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Current Resume/CV
• One letter of recommendation from a person(s) familiar with your academic or professional work
• Personal goal statement written by the applicant that is a clear, substantive description of your goals within health professions education (approx. 1-2 pages)
• English language proficiency - Students for whom English is not their primary language must show English language proficiency by successfully completing the international admission requirements.
• GRE test scores are not required

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 1 exit requirement.

Core Courses

Elective Courses

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Course Descriptions

• Who is the M.S. 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.
• Is financial aid available for this program?
  Yes, for more information and how to apply visit https://louisville.edu/online/tuition?tab=aid. Tuition remission is also available to all full-time and most part-time University of Louisville employees. Books and/or other course materials must be purchased by participants.
• Do I take the courses in a particular order?
  LEAD 685 must be taken after LEAD 665, 675, and 676. LEAD 697 must be the last course as the exit requirement course. 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! Erin can be reached at online@louisville.edu or 800.871.8635.

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