MS Health Professions Education at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The 30-credit MS in Health Professions Education helps academically oriented health care professionals strengthen their teaching skills and their ability to facilitate learning for students and residents in clinical teaching environments. Courses are designed around clinician schedules (1-2 months each, several online or hybrid) and the programme emphasises research and innovation in medical education.

Faculty: School of Medicine | Department: Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE) | Duration: 2 years part-time; 30 credits | Intake: Spring term (application September 1 - October 31) and Summer term (application December 15 - February 28) | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Ten required courses (17-19 credits depending on 1-3 thesis research credits): Computer Methods in Clinical Research, Clinical Research Methods, Biostatistics, Measurement in Clinical Research, Master's Thesis Research, Enhancing Teaching Skills for Clinical Educators, Fundamentals of Adult Learning in Medical Education, Professional Development, Assessment of Medical Learners, Curriculum Development, and Medical Writing and Presentation Skills; electives from medical education or clinical research reach 30 credits. A thesis project (curriculum development, survey, qualitative or other research) led by the student and intended for peer-reviewed publication is required. Summer core courses are in person.

Career pathways

Alumni hold leadership positions in medical education and training programs across the country.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Completed degree: MD, DDS, DMD, DO, ND, OD, PharmD, PhD, DNS in nursing, PhD with clinical responsibilities, or another professional degree approved by the committee. Clinical appointment within UPMC (faculty, fellow or resident) and/or academic appointment within a Pitt Health Sciences school. Minimum GPA 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Protected time: minimum 25% (ideally 50%) for a 2-year completion, verified by a letter. GRE and MCAT not accepted. Materials: one-page personal statement, CV or biosketch, official transcripts, a research mentor letter, two professional references. English proficiency for citizens of non-English-speaking countries (and Quebec): TOEFL iBT 100 (600 paper), IELTS 7.0, Duolingo 120, or USMLE plus ECFMG; exempt with a US regionally accredited bachelor's or higher. The programme cannot issue F-1/J-1 documents, so only US citizens or applicants already holding a valid US study visa can be admitted.

Domestic applicants: USD 32,284 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Medicine, Graduate (PhD, MS, and Certificate); additional fees apply, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 54,838 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Medicine, Graduate (PhD, MS, and Certificate); additional fees apply, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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