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.
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 designed 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 are recommended to complete 4 credits per semester. The expectation is that the part-time MHPE degree will be completed within three academic years.
MHPE Graduation Requirements*
The MHPE degree program consists of a number of components including required and elective courses, seminar courses, a Thesis that results in a peer-reviewed publication, and a practicum experience. The required courses include educational theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, leadership, and assessment and instructional methods. MHPE program requirements summarized below:
- Required Courses: 26 credits
- Electives: 1 credit
- Practicum: 3 credits
- Thesis and Portfolio Defense: 9 credits
- TOTAL: 39 credits
MHPE Course Offerings:
Required Courses (26 credits)
- HPE 500: Leadership Roles in HPE
- HPE 502: Philosophies of Science
- HPE 504: Principles of Instruction in Clinical Education
- 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 603 Seminar: Leadership
- HPE 605 Seminar: Mixed Methods
- HPE 601 Seminar: Bootcamp Seminar, Part II
Electives (1 credit)
Available in-person:
- HPE 503 Practice of Assessment of Competence
Available online
- HPE 600 Seminar: Bootcamp Seminar, Part I
- HPE 602 Seminar: Teaching with Technology Seminar
- HPE 604 Seminar: Rhetoric and Academic Writing
- HPE 608 Seminar: Meet the Experts Seminar
- HPE 607 Seminar: Grant Writing Seminar
- HPE 800: Fundamentals of Systems Thinking
- HPE 801: Advanced Health Theories
- HPE 802: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in HPE
- HPE 803: Advanced Quantitative Research Method in HPE
- HPE 804: Advanced Instructional Methods and Curriculum Development
- HPE 805: Advanced Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation
- HPE 806: Advanced Leadership Roles in HPE
- HPE 807: Advanced Online Learning and Instruction
Practicum (3 credits)
- HPE 400: Master’s Practicum in HPE
Thesis (9 credits)
- HPE 905: Master’s Thesis in HPE
*All program requirements are subject to change. Please email CHPE@usuhs.edu for the latest information.