Health Professions Education, Doctoral/PhD

As the demand for health professionals and health education programs continues to grow nationwide, so does the need for well-prepared health professions faculty who have advanced training in educational theory, instructional strategies in the health professions, and related assessment methods. The Health Professions Education curriculum is intentionally designed to formally prepare learners with the foundations needed to engage in educational scholarship, curricular design, assessment, program evaluation, and institutional leadership. 

Admission requirements for the PhD in Health Professions Education are listed below: 

• An official application
• 75.00 application fee
• No GRE Required
• Submit proof of current professional licenses for applicants who are clinically practicing (Applicants may upload a pdf/copy of the license directly to the admissions portal) 
• Submit official transcripts from all former institutions
• You must possess a master’s degree or higher in the health professions or related field
• Statement of proposed research topics and how the degree will support your career plans and trajectory (no longer than 2 pages)
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Current CV/Resume
• Practice-based experience, working a minimum of 2 years in one’s clinical field or profession
• English Language proficiency assessment (TOEFL or IELTS), as applicable

The professional licenses requirement may be waived for individuals whose profession does not require a license to practice, and they will still be considered for admission.

Partial Fulfillment Credit

For applicants who may have taken courses at other accredited graduate schools that appear to be similar to HPE required coursework, requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis. After a review of the syllabus, grade received, and discussion with the Program Director, one of the following could be an outcome:

• Acceptance of the course credits towards the transfer credit allowance (up to 6 credits);
• Examination for competence, with a plan for independent study;
• Independent study for gap areas; or,
• Requirement for enrollment in UMB's HPE course

Please feel out the transfer credit to initiate the process. 

The PhD in health professions education consists of a total of 60 credits. The instruction will occur predominantly online utilizing distance learning technologies in addition to a mandatory on-site residency to be taken in tandem with the beginning of the program and conclusion. The mandatory In person (residency) will require students to attend four consecutive days of face-to-face lectures, training, discussions, and presentations at UMB’s campus in Baltimore, MD.

Program Completion Timeline

• The degree is designed for completion within three academic years, and its online format increases its accessibility to students.
• Participants can start the program in the fall term only.

Graduates of the PhD in HPE program will be prepared to apply the skills that they have acquired to higher education employment in their profession, the private sector, as well as local, state and government positions in healthcare and education.

Graduates of the PhD in HPE will:

1. Advance theory through the generation and dissemination of rigorous educational research and scholarship.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in curriculum design, delivery, and evaluation.
3. Work effectively in interprofessional research
4. Demonstrate academic and executive-level administration and leadership skills needed to lead higher education programs, institutions, agencies, and organizations in the health professions.
5. Demonstrate evidence-based teaching and assessment methods at the course or program level.
6. Demonstrate the ability to apply analytical skills to improve educational programs and institutional effectiveness.
7. Participate in the broader national and global health professions community to improve health professions education.