Online Master's in HPE

Program Description

The master's degree in Human Resource Education with an emphasis in Health Profession Education (HPE) is designed for individuals interested in Human Resource Development (HRD) within clinical healthcare settings. The program is delivered through highly interactive synchronous and asynchronous technologies that provide live interactions between students and and instructors, and rich environment for in-depth discussions.The program emphasizes:

  • Training and Development
  • Curriculum Design
  • Organization Development
  • Leadership Development

The program serves education/training personnel, nurses, administrators, medical residents, and other healthcare professionals with an interest in continuing education, leadership, and organization development. Courses are highly interactive and provide participants with a specialized focus on HRD within clinical healthcare settings.

This innovative program is offered in collaboration with the Department of Medical Education atSouthern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.

The University of Illinois will award a Master of Education (Ed.M.) degree (concentration in Human Resource Development, emphasis in Health Profession Education) after the completion of 36 credit hours (eight 4-hour courses and two 2-hour courses). The requirements may be completed in two or more years.

Become a more effective practitioner by learning about cutting-edge educational concepts within the context of the healthcare sector!

Here's what others have been saying about the program:

  • Ranked "Top Ten" nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Won "Outstanding HRD Program of the Year" from the Academy of Human Resource Development.
  • Named a "Top 10 Best Buy" among HR-related online programs by GetEducated.com.

Admision Requirements

Applicants with at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the United States or a comparable degree from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.

Applicants enrolled in the final year of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the United States or a or comparable degree program from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad, and who meet the GPA requirements stated above.

International applicants must meet minimum requirements based on their country of origin. Please note that proposed programs of study may require a higher GPA than the Graduate College's minimum standard.

For International Applicants: TOEFL scores are required. The minimum score for the Department of EPOL is 590.

Core Courses - 32 Total Hours

All of the courses below:
      HRE 590 HPE: Leadership in Health Profession Education
      HRE 411F HPE: Curriculum in Medical Education
      HRE 490 HPE: Clinical Performance Assessment
      EPS 500: History of Work and Educational Policy
      EPSY 407: Adult Learning and Development
      HRE 530: Organization Development
      HRE 585: Program Evaluation
      HRE 532: Strategic Human Resource Development

Capstone Courses - 4 Total Hours

In addition to your core courses, you will complete a two-part capstone project taken in conjunction with your Term 4 course in each year of your program. HRD 495I is a prerequisite for HRE 495II:
      HRE 495I: Research in Organizations and Institutions (2hrs)     
      HRE 495II: Individual Capstone Project in Organizations (2hrs)

For complete information on courses, registration, application and more, please visit

Education Online's website and look under "Online Program Options"

Example Program Plan

To be added

Application Information

  1. Download Step-by-Step Application Instructions (PDF)
  2. Apply Online apply

Student Forms and Policies for Current Students

  • Ed.M. Requirements & Advising Worksheet (HRD on-campus program)
    For students entering Fall 2010 or after 
    (PDF) (Word)

    For students entering Spring 2006 or after 
    (PDF) (Word)

For complete information about online Master's program in HRD, please visit

Education Online's website and look under "Online Program Options"