Two nontraditional formats allow busy professionals to pursue the degree while keeping full-time jobs. A variety of instructional methods, including both individual and group projects, are used in courses in both formats. An introductory on-campus course required for students in both formats provides opportunities for orientation to program mission, content, and instructional methods and for meeting faculty and other students.
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On-campus Intensive Format: Students come to Chicago to participate in all-day face-to-face class sessions during the first two (for a core course) to three (for a core course plus a concentration elective) weeks in May and/or August, then return home to complete each course's final paper or project.
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Online Format: Students participate in web-based asynchronous, semester-long courses, typically organized in weekly modules. They come to Chicago for one week each summer to participate in face-to-face synthesis activities.
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MHPE On-campus Intensive Format
Most courses offered on campus are done in an intensive format. You attend class from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the week(s) of the course. Core courses last two weeks and electives one week in this intensive format. During this time, you are engaged in group research, debates, individual and group presentations, and other active learning activities, with little time given to formal lectures. After the end of the course week(s), you complete a final paper. You are encouraged to use your own institution as a laboratory in which to test theories and develop programs to be reported in your final paper.
The program's core courses are offered on campus each year during the first two weeks of May and the first two weeks of August. A selection of elective courses is offered on campus in the week following the core courses and throughout the summer months (June through August). If you come to both of the summer intensive sessions, taking one core course and one elective each year during May and August, you can complete your coursework in two summers. If you take only one course per session you may require three or more years to complete the coursework. It typically requires an additional six to twelve months to complete your project or thesis.
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MHPE Online Format
The MHPE Online option allows students to participate in the MHPE program using a computer and an Internet connection. Course schedules, assignments and readings are published on the web. Students carry out individual and group activities, and present their ideas in online discussions.
All core courses and a wide selection of electives will be offered over the Web allowing students to complete all of their coursework online. Students participate in a regular schedule of weekly activities and discussions throughout their courses, which take 15 weeks to complete. A group or individual project is usually required to complete each course.
In July of each year during which a student has taken a course, he or she is required to attend the annual five-day conference held on campus. This event provides an opportunity for face-to-face contact with faculty and fellow students. Students share research, experiences and ideas in poster sessions, symposia, and informal receptions.
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Upon admission, students are asked to choose either on-campus or online as their preferred participation option. Once selected, students will be given registration preference in courses of their preferred option. Nonetheless, students may register for courses in either option as long as room is available.