Overview
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 to further enhance their leadership, research, and educator skills. Our approach provides students 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 includes advanced education in teaching, leadership, and research, with an emphasis on practical application.
The MHPE is primarily designed for individuals planning leadership and/or scholarship careers in HPE (medicine, nursing, dental 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 for core clinical and basic science teachers, and directors of courses, clerkships, residencies, and fellowships, as well as vice chairs, chairs, deans, and other administrative leaders in HPE (e.g., research directors). Matriculates may include, but are not limited to, physicians and other academically qualified health professionals, such as dentists, nurses, pharmacists, veterinarians, physical therapists, optometrists, or those who 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 education or experience in a health-related discipline are given admissions priority.
The goal of the MHPE is to provide each learner with the necessary academic background to serve as an academician and leader in the uniformed services. Graduates are expected to use their acquired skills in educational theory, scholarship, and leadership to positively impact DoD educational programs at the undergraduate (e.g., medical, nursing, or dentistry school), graduate (residency training), and continuing HPE levels. MHPE graduates will have the capability to apply educational theory for research, teaching, and leadership related to HPE. In addition, graduates will have the skills to plan, analyze, manage, and improve professional education programs for the DoD, PHS, and VA.
The MHPE is sequenced to be completed within 24 months of full-time study or 36 months of part-time study. The MHPE degree program consists of a number of required components including formal courses, a written portfolio, a thesis that results in a peer-reviewed publication, and a practicum experience.
*Note: All three degrees in HPE can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. To be eligible for admission into any of the HPE programs, an individual must be an employee of the federal government (either civilian or uniformed) unless otherwise specified through an agreement (e.g., Memorandum of Understanding) between USU and the relevant institution.
Degree Requirements
Complete the following:
| HPE 500 | Leadership Theories in Practice | 2 |
| HPE 502 | Philosophies of Science | 2 |
| HPE 504 | Principles of Instruction in Clinical Settings | 2 |
| HPE 505 | Quantitative Research Methods in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 506 | Principles of Online Instruction | 2 |
| HPE 507 | Qualitative Research Methods in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 550 | Learning Theories | 2 |
| HPE 555 | Teaching Methods | 2 |
| HPE 560 | Measurement, Assessment and Evaluation | 2 |
| HPE 565 | Curriculum Development | 2 |
| HPE 601 | Research Bootcamp II | 2 |
| HPE 603 | Reflections on Leadership | 2 |
| HPE 605 | Mixed Methods | 2 |
| HPE 400 | Master’s Practicum in HPE | 1 - 9 |
| HPE 905 | Master’s Thesis in HPE | 1 - 9 |
| HPE 912 | Independent Study in HPE | 1 - 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29-53 |
Degree Electives
| HPE 503 | Practice of Assessment of Competence | 1 |
| HPE 600 | Research Bootcamp I | 2 |
| HPE 602 | Teaching with Technology | 2 |
| HPE 604 | Rhetoric and Academic Writing | 2 |
| HPE 607 | Grant Writing | 2 |
| HPE 608 | Meet the Experts | 1 |
| HPE 610 | Leadership and Followership in Teams: A Social Psychology Perspective | 1 |
| HPE 611 | Accept, Reject, or Revise? Becoming a Reviewer and Author in Health Professions Education | 2 |
| HPE 614 | Principles of Simulation-Based Learning in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 615 | AI in Health Professions Education: Implications for Educators and Leaders | 2 |
| HPE 616 | Leading with Imagination | 2 |
| HPE 800 | Fundamentals of Systems Thinking | 2 |
| HPE 801 | Advanced Theories in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 802 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 803 | Advanced Quantitative Research Method in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 804 | Advanced Instruction and Curriculum Development in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 805 | Advanced Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 806 | Advanced Principles of Leadership in HPE | 2 |
| HPE 807 | Advanced Online Learning and Instruction within HPE | 2 |
Students must complete a minimum of 39 credit hours which includes required elective and research courses not shown above.
One (1) credit of elective is required.