Online Master of Science in Health Professions Education
Preparing the next generation of health care providers
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Master of science in health professions education, online
The online health professions education master's (MSHPE) is designed for health care professionals who plan to teach or currently teach in their respective discipline (medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health professions) and want to become effective educators in clinical and didactic settings.
The master of science in health professions education at UofL aims to equip health care educators with the essential theoretical knowledge and learning science skills required to excel as a teacher in the didactic and clinical setting.
Through this program, you will acquire the tools to assess, evaluate and apply research-based instruction effectively, enabling you to lead, influence and educate diverse learners across cultures, departments and systems.
Upon graduation, you will have cultivated the scholarly skills to promote inclusive teaching practices and create safe learning environments, all while shaping your professional identity as an educator.
The online health professions education master’s program is offered through a partnership between the School of Medicine – a leader in medical research and patient care, reaching new frontiers in medical training and innovation – and the Office of Professional and Educational Development at the University of Louisville.
Health Professions Education, MS
Tuesday, May 5 2026: 4:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m
Join the MSHPE faculty and staff for a virtual information session to learn more about the program, how to apply, and get your questions answered.
UofL's Online MSHPE Program
100% online, no GRE required. Apply today and set yourself a degree apart from the rest!
Master of science in health professions education, 100% online
The big picture
The online MS in health professions education program is designed to give health care educators the skills and knowledge they need to lead and educate the next generation of health care professionals. This program will allow you to utilize the lessons you have learned and the experience gained over the course of your health care career to help the next generation provide the best possible care for their future patients.
Want to ease your way in? You can get the graduate certificate in health professions education first and move into the master’s after. All 12 credit hours in the certificate program also translate to core courses for the MS in health professions education, rolling right into the graduate degree.
Online MS in health professions education degree highlights
- Gain foundational knowledge on the theory, research and practice of education as it applies to health professions teaching in the classroom and/or clinical environment.
- Explore principles and methods of teaching and learning within a health care context, including engaging learning techniques, instructional technology, learner assessment and more.
- Learn from world-class and highly experienced faculty from UofL’s School of Medicine.
- Start spring, summer or fall and earn your degree in about 2 years
- Receive skills necessary for educators by focusing on teaching and learning, rather than health professions education research.
- Enjoy fully asynchronous 8-week terms with absolutely no in-person component required.
Online MSHPE, no GRE required
Unlike many graduate programs, our online MSHPE program does not require GRE test scores for admission. We believe that relevant work experience, community involvement, strong letters of recommendation and a clear professional goal statement carry more weight than standardized test performance alone.
By taking a holistic approach to evaluating applicants based on their demonstrated passion, problem-solving skills and interpersonal abilities, we aim to build a strong health professions education program poised to drive innovation and positive change in our students' organizations and communities. Our admission process focuses on each applicant's potential to succeed and make an impact as a health professions educator.
What our students say...
"There are various career pathways that our MS HPE online program can enhance and facilitate. If your passion is to help others grow their knowledge and become more effective educators, you are in the right place, here at UofL Online!"
But don’t just take our word for it - Hear from two former MSHPE students, Dr. McGowan and Dr. Farmer (watch video)
Inspire and educate the next generation of health care teachers and heroes!
How to apply to UofL’s online MSHPE degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the MS in health professions education online program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall I | August |
| September 10 | Fall II | October |
| December 10 | Spring I | January |
| February 10 | Spring II | March |
| May 1 | Summer | June |
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 for the online master of science in health professions education
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
What are admissions requirements for the online master of science in health professions education
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- A personal goal statement written by the applicant that is a clear, substantive description of your goals within health professions education (approx. 1-2 pages).
- One letter of recommendation.
- Current resume, including your educational background, teaching and research experience; master's, doctoral and/or philosophy/doctoral (PhD) degree practice and research experience should be represented in a current curriculum vitae (CV).
*Your application portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
MSHPE online degree for international students
The master of science in health professions education online program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional admission requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
All courses in the program are taught 100% online, allowing you to attain the entire degree from the comfort of your home and at any time convenient for you, regardless of your current location, anywhere in the world.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our online learning enrollment counselor through an information request.
How much it costs to earn an online MSHPE degree at UofL
Academic year tuition
$850 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What you learn in the online master of science in health professions education
Online courses
The purpose of this course is to explore the relationships among different populations and education in the health professions. Specifically, students will consider how different populations have shaped and continue to impact various health care domains (e.g., health care practice, training and student education, faculty practice, organization and structure) and how leaders across health professions education can be positive-change agents.
Each week is laid out for you in a curriculum plan within the learning management system (Blackboard), including the specific learning objectives, to-dos or activities to be completed, readings required and engagement opportunities, as well as assignments and deliverables varying every week for a better opportunity to diversify the learning sources, modalities and outcomes.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Take the next step toward your career advancement as an educator.
Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What can I do with a master's in health professions education?
Becoming an education leader dedicated to improving learning and development within your health system will impact not only the future of the health care professionals you mentor but also the patients and organizations providing care. The need for health professions educators is greater than ever as we train the next generation of health care providers. The MSHPE curriculum at UofL can equip you with the skills and expertise to be a highly effective health professions educator.
Furthermore, many educational leadership roles in academic health care are requesting certificates or degrees in HPE, so this degree can assist in advancing your career long-term as well.
Employment demand in the health care industry is booming, with expected growth of 2.6 million jobs through 2030. Earning your master’s in HPE can increase your potential earnings. Median annual salaries can range from $84,000 to up to $200,000 depending on a variety of factors including but not limited to actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. (bls.gov)
These figures are overall industry trends – individual scenarios vary widely.
Occupation opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Clinical educator
- Health care education researcher
- Education program director
- Academic medical and dental faculty
- Fellowship program director
- Clerkship director
- Directors of hospital education programs
- Thread director
- Learning and technology integration
- Simulation program specialist
- Curriculum development director
- Education dean
"The goal of the HPE program is to magnify the impact of the health professions educator.
Not only do health professions educators improve the outcomes of their patients, but they significantly improve the educational outcomes of the practitioner learners and impact the patients that those learners ultimately care for in the future."
Staci Saner, EdD
Online Program Director, MSHPE
Your health care career hasn’t peaked yet. Lead the next generation and request more information today!
Meet the team that will support your educational journey from application to graduation and beyond!
Success in an online graduate program, especially one preparing you to educate health care professionals, requires more than just strong coursework. It requires meaningful, responsive support. From application through graduation, our students are supported by a dedicated team that understands the realities of working professionals and educators.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cassie Thompson | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Staci Saner | HPE Program Director, School of Medicine Asst. Professor and Director for HSC Office of Professional and Educational Development | Staci.saner@louisville.edu |
502.852.1942
|
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Jamice Harris | Admissions Specialist II | jamice.harris@louisville.edu | 502.852.9647 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What else should you know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
Who is the MS in health professions education program for?
This program is designed for any health professions faculty or those passionate about teaching in health care settings who have a teaching component in their work assignment and would like to become a better educator. Examples include:
- Physicians
- Residents and fellows
- Physician assistants
- Nurses and nurse leaders
- Clinician educators
- Clinical preceptors/supervisors
- Allied health professionals
- Department chairs
- Heath program directors
...and more
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 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. Please review these additional admission requirements for international students for details
Do I take the courses in a particular order?
HPE 697 must be taken after HPE 650, 665, 675 and 676. HPE 697 must be taken in the second to last or last semester before you graduate. 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! An enrollment counselor can be reached at online@louisville.edu or 800-871-8635.
What can I do with an online MS in health professions education?
Graduates of the online MS in health professions education program will graduate with the skills and tools they need to educate the health care workers of tomorrow. This program is made for practicing clinicians who are ready to transition to or serve as educators in their respective fields or disciplines. As the health care business continues to grow, there will be an increased need for clinicians with teaching experience, which can lead to increased job and career opportunities.
Is financial aid available for this program?
Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the tuition page.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
