Master in Health Professions Education (MHPE)

The MHPE curriculum provides a broad scholarly and practical experience in the theory, research, and practice of health professions education (HPE) by providing learners with the opportunity to participate in a series of formal courses, conduct original research, and obtain practical experiences in leadership, research, and teaching. Our approach provides learners with the chance for in-depth study with guidance and mentoring by HPE faculty. The MHPE curriculum is a rigorous degree to include a variety of courses and the requirement for a peer-reviewed publication with a focus on both the theory and practice of HPE.

The MHPE is primarily designed for individuals planning careers in HPE (medicine, dentistry, nursing, and other health professions) within the uniformed services, although the content is relevant to all individuals engaged in the education of health professionals. The MHPE is targeted toward core clinical and basic science teachers and directors of courses, clerkships, residencies, and fellowships, as well as vice chairs, chairs, and other administrative leaders in HPE. The MHPE emphasizes research competencies during the second and third years, resulting in a peer-reviewed publication. Matriculates may include, but are not limited to, physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, optometrists, or those that are committed to working with health professionals as a career (e.g. executive administrators) and who wish to apply the core disciplines of education, cutting-edge research, and leadership to their career field. Uniformed personnel with experience as a health professional are given priority for admission.

MHPE Expected Completion Timeline

The MHPE is sequenced to be completed within 24 months for full-time students or 36 months for part-time students. The minimum credit load per semester required for a full-time learner is 9. Part-time learners aspiring to obtain an MHPE degree are expected to complete 4 credits per each 12-week term. 

MHPE Graduation Requirements*

The MHPE degree program consists of a number of components including required and elective courses, seminar courses, a portfolio, practicum experience, and a thesis that results in a peer-reviewed publication. The required courses include educational theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, leadership, and assessment and instructional methods.  MHPE program requirements summarized below:

• Required Courses: 22 credits
• Electives: 6 credits
• Practicum: 4 credits
• Thesis: 8 credits
• Portfolio Defense Presentation
• TOTAL 40 credits

MHPE Course Offerings:

Required Courses (22 credits)

• HPE 500: Leadership Theories in Practice
• HPE 502: Philosophies of Science
• HPE 505: Quantitative Research Methods in HPE
• HPE 506: Principles of Online Instruction
• HPE 507: Qualitative Research Methods in HPE
• HPE 550: Learning Theories
• HPE 555: Teaching Methods
• HPE 560: Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation
• HPE 565: Curriculum Development
• HPE 600: Research Bootcamp Part I
• HPE 601: Research Bootcamp Part II
• HPE 603: Reflections on Leadership
   

Electives (6 credits)

• HPE 503: Practice of Assessment of Competence
• HPE 504: Offered as Principles of Instruction in Clinical Settings (highly recommended for clinicians) 
• HPE 506: Principles of Online Instruction
• HPE 602: Teaching with Technology
• HPE 604: Rhetoric and Academic Writing
• HPE 605: Mixed Methods
• HPE 609: Survey Design
• HPE 614: Principles of Simulation-Based Learning in HPE
• HPE 615: AI in Health Professions Education: Implications for Educators and Leaders
• HPE 617: AI for Research and Scholarship in Health Professions Education
• HPE 800: Fundamentals of Systems Thinking
• HPE 801: Adv. Theories in HPE
• HPE 802: Adv. Qualitative Research Methods in HPE
• HPE 803: Adv. Quantitative Research Methods in HPE
• HPE 804: Adv. Instructional Methods & Curriculum Development.
• HPE 805: Adv. Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation
• HPE 806: Adv. Principles of Leadership in HPE
• HPE 807: Adv. Online Learning and Instruction
• HPE 808: Grant Writing
• HPE 912: Independent Study
   

Practicum (4 credits)  
HPE 400: Master’s Practicum in HPE

             
Thesis (8 credits)
HPE 905: Master’s Thesis in HPE

*All program requirements are subject to change. Please contact HPE@usuhs.edu for the latest information.