PhD in Health Professions Education

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

  • Prior Degrees 
    • Required: 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.

    • 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. See the Graduate College website for details.

    • 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.

  • Grade Point Average Above 3.00/4.00 or 3.75/5.00.
  • Tests Required The GRE is not required for this program; however, applicants may submit their scores if they wish.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL iBT 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21, OR,
    • IELTS Academic 6.5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,
    • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
  • Transcripts Registrar-issued transcripts from each college and professional school attended are required.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required. 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 Required. The statement should be a narrative that touches on the following topics:
    • Past experience in HPE and/or education (including previous experience with HPE research, including mentored research projects)
    • Future projects or interests
    • Faculty members the applicant wants to work with
    • Fit with program and why the applicant is pursuing the PhD in HPE
    • Applicant characteristics or experience likely to contribute to applicant success in the 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 professional schedules and commitments.

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) Required. (Should highlight research, teaching, and service experience, particularly in HPE.)

Degree Requirements

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required At least 96 hours from the baccalaureate or at least 64 hours from the master's degree.
  • Coursework In addition to the required coursework listed below, any remaining hours required should be distributed between Methodology coursework, Health Professions Education Area of Study coursework, and Dissertation credits according to the recommendation of the DGS and faculty advisor.​

Other Requirements

  • Examinations

    • ​Departmental Qualifying Examination: Required; written. Comprehensive exam assessing knowledge of foundational HPE content.

    • Preliminary Examination: Required; oral.

  • Dissertation 

    • ​Required; manuscript or multi-article format. MHPE 599 for a minimum of 14 semester hours