Health Professions Education, Master's

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.

The MS in Health Professions Education will consist of eleven courses with a total of 32 credits. The MS-HPE is a fully online degree designed for full-time working professionals in healthcare, public health fields, and social work, as well as others who are integral to the healthcare education mission. 

Program Completion Timeline

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

See the Course Descriptions

At the conclusion of their study, students in the MS in HPE program will be able to:

1. Articulate how people learn and the strategies that achieve effective learning processes and outcomes.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in curriculum design, delivery, and evaluation.
3. Demonstrate evidence-based teaching and assessment methods at the course or program level.
4. Work effectively in interprofessional teams.
5. Demonstrate the ability to apply analytical skills to improve educational programs and institutional effectiveness.
6. Demonstrate the ability to formulate research questions and prepare a research prospectus using appropriate research methodologies. (Educational Research Concentration)
7. Demonstrate academic and executive-level administration and leadership skills needed to lead higher education programs, institutions, agencies, and organizations in the health professions. (Educational Leadership Concentration)

Admission requirements for the MS 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 bachelor’s degree or higher in the health professions or a related field
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Current CV/Resume
• 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.

Transfer Credits

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. 

In addition to the master's degree, The Graduate School offers a PhD in Health Professions Education. This is a 60 credit, 3-year intensive doctoral program of study for health professionals who hold more than 2 years of practice experience and a master's degree or terminal professional degree equivalent. The focus is education leadership, research, and teaching skills. 

Learn more about the program