Now accepting applications for the 2027 cohort!

The application deadline for Fall 2027 is December 15, 2026.

The MHPE program is designed for individuals who have a deep interest in HPE and desire the additional leadership and scholarship skills that will advance their education, research, and career. Students are health professionals from a diversity of fields and a range of career stages, from in-training to late career.

Our students are health professionals serving in or preparing for educational leadership roles in academia, healthcare organizations, professional societies, and international health agencies. Students acquire the knowledge and skills to develop and implement evidence-based educational programs, inspire and manage change in their institutions and organizations, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in HPE.

Program Outcomes

MHPE students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders and scholars in HPE, developing proficiency in:

  • Key Education Concepts

    including curriculum design and implementation; instruction and learning; assessment of performance; and program evaluation

  • HPE Leadership

    including organizational analysis and the use of tools for assessing, leading, and managing individual and organizational change in the HPE context

  • HPE Scholarship

    including the use of scholarship and evidence to inform education leadership and practice; formulation of research questions and identification of appropriate methods to investigate them; and literacy in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches

  • Communication

    including oral and written communication; teamwork; giving and receiving feedback; and providing and seeking mentorship

Program Structure

Click each tab to learn more about this program’s format, courses, and completion timeline.

MHPE Format: Online and On-Campus

The program is offered in two format options: an on-campus, intensive option or a primarily online, longitudinal option. The onsite option includes 2 weeks onsite for each core course and 1 week for elective. The primarily online options includes 8- to 15-week semester-long courses.

A hybrid accelerated option may be available to a limited number of students who have protected time to devote to the program. For example, this may be considered for students who are on sabbatical or have funding/significant release time to complete the program within two years. In this format, it is possible to complete all or most core courses within one year, although students will need the second year to complete the required thesis. Students interested in pursuing the accelerated course of study should reach out to the Assistant Director (sucho@uic.edu) for more information about how to apply.

MHPE Courses: 32 Credit Hours

Students must complete 32 credit hours, including one orientation course (2 credits), 4 core courses (16 credits), 3 or 4 electives (6-8 credits), and a thesis (6-8 credits).

Orientation
All students will participate in a 1-week on-campus orientation course (HPE 505), in which they are introduced to core course content and faculty and begin to develop the peer relationships that will form the basis of a lasting community of practice. This is typically held the last week of July.

Core courses
The core courses, HPE 501, 502, 503, and 504, are offered in on-campus and online formats in alternate years, and can be taken in any sequence.

  • HPE 501 Scholarship in Health Professions Education
  • HPE 502 Instruction and Assessment in Health Professions Education
  • HPE 503 Curriculum and Program Evaluation in Health Professions Education
  • HPE 504 Leadership in Health Professions Education

Elective Courses
There are a number of rotating elective courses available. You may find course descriptions here.

MHPE Master's Thesis

The culmination and hallmark of the MHPE journey is the mentored thesis. Working closely with a DME faculty thesis chair and supervisory committee, students embark on an intensive research project that applies lessons from the MHPE program to address a local educational need or question or fills a broader gap in the scholarly literature.

How long does it take to complete the MHPE?

The program is designed for professionals working full-time and completing the program on a part-time basis. Part-time students should anticipate completing the program within 3 years. Generally, courses are completed within the first 2 years and the required thesis is completed by the 3rd year.

Students who wish to pursue the program on an accelerated basis may indicate this when applying for the program. For example, this may be considered for students who are on sabbatical or have funding/significant release time to complete the program within two years. In this format, it is possible to complete all or most courses within one year, although students will need the second year to complete the required thesis.

Students are required to follow the Graduate College’s requirements for continuous enrollment. More information about continuous enrollment can be found here.

International Students

International students residing outside of the US can apply for either online or on-campus formats; however, their visas will only be granted for the duration of each on-campus course and not the entirety of their program. For more information, please visit the Office of International Services.

MHPE Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for the MHPE program can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s website here: https://registrar.uic.edu/financial-matters/tuition-and-fees/

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