Apply to the PhD in Health Professions Education (PhD in HPE) Program
Application Deadline
The application deadline for Fall 2027 is December 15th, 2026. Though we strongly encourage applicants to submit applications early. The department anticipates accepting only two applicants each year.
All applicants submit materials via Online Application.
Please review the admission and application requirements before applying.
Admissions
A successful application will make a strong case for the applicant’s capacity to thrive in the PhD in HPE program, which includes demonstrating either credentials or experience in health professions education. Additionally, applicants must be actively engaged in, or preparing for, health professions education scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate this engagement through their application materials.
Prior Degrees
Required
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree or equivalent.
Preferred
A combination of a master’s degree in education, social science, or related fields and significant experience in a health professions setting or A master’s degree in health professions education and/or an advanced professional
degree in a health professions discipline.
Applying as a graduate of the Department of Medical Education MHPE program
Graduates of DME’s MHPE are eligible to apply to this program. However, since many of the courses are shared between the two programs, students in this group will need to take a larger proportion of their coursework outside of DME. If you have additional questions about how this works, please contact us for more information.
Transfer credits
Advanced standing credit determinations will be considered for applicants with master’s degrees in health professions education; master’s degrees in education, social science, or related fields; and advanced professional degrees in a health professions discipline. Admitted students may be eligible to receive 32 hours of advanced standing credit for a previously earned relevant master’s degree (or its equivalent; or an advanced clinical degree) toward the minimum 96 semester hours of credit requirement for the doctoral degree.
Transfer of graduate credits from other institutions will be handled on a case-by-case and course-by-course basis, pursuant to the transfer process described on the Graduate College website.
Read more on the policies around transfer of credit on the Graduate College website.
Grade Point Average
Applicant’s previous grade point average must be above 3.75 on a 5-point scale or 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
Upload Materials
The GRE is not required for this program; however, applicants may submit their scores if they wish.
Applicants whose native language is not English must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the exam of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson’s PTE Academic. The test score cannot be more than two years old. For English proficiency test score minimums, reporting requirements, and exemptions, see the UIC Admissions International Requirements page for more details.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
- UIC online graduate application (All application materials must be submitted through the UIC online graduate application.)
- Registrar-issued transcripts from each college and professional school attended
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Recommendation letters should address the applicant’s academic qualifications, research ability/experience, and ability to carry out advanced degree studies (including institutional/financial support, if available)
- Personal Statement—this 2-3 page statement should touch on the following topics:
- Your background and/or experiences (past or present) that are relevant to the field of health professions education (these may include research, teaching, curricular development, administration, etc.).
- Future potential research agenda – please include at least one future project idea.
- Fit with the program and why the applicant is pursuing a PhD in HPE.
- Applicant characteristics or experience likely to contribute to applicant success in a part-time PhD program, including experience with online/virtual learning, prior graduate programs, institutional support, local mentorship, etc.
- How the doctoral program of study will fit in with the applicant’s professional schedule and commitments.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting research, teaching, and service experience, particularly in HPE.
Requirements for International Applicants
International applicants must follow all UIC Admissions International Requirements for graduate admission. Please visit the UIC Admissions website for more details.