Degree Requirements
The University requires the successful fulfillment of a minimum of 30 credits for awarding a Master of Science in Medical Education. The degree is granted upon the completion of a tightly integrated curriculum with three components: (1) coursework plus observed teaching activities focusing on adult learning, classroom and clinical teaching skills, curriculum development, innovation in medical education, professional development, and medical administration; (2) additional courses to provide trainees with fundamental research skills; and (3) a project on curriculum development or a mentored research project.
Core Curriculum
Required courses include 19 credits of coursework, including:
MEDEDU 2080 - MASTERS RESEARCH
MEDEDU 2100 - ENHANCING TEACHING SKILLS
MEDEDU 2111 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ADULT LEARNING IN MEDICAL EDUCATION
MEDEDU 2120 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEDEDU 2130 - CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & EVALTN
MEDEDU 2140 - MEDICAL WRITING & PRESENTATION SKILLS
MEDEDU 2150 - MEDEDU:CUR PRACTICE & FUTR DRCTN
MEDEDU 2005 - COMPUTER METHODS FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH
MEDEDU 2010 - CLINICAL RESEARCH METHODS
MEDEDU 2020 - BIOSTATISTICS , and
MEDEDU 2040 - MEASUREMENT IN CLINICAL RESEARCH
A minimum “B” grade is mandatory for all required coursework and a minimum of a “B-” grade is required to receive credit for any elective courses. To remain in good academic standing, students must also maintain a 3.0 or better QPA.
Research Project, Project in Curriculum Development, or Thesis
Individuals pursuing the Master of Science in Medical Education are required to complete a formal thesis or substantive research project that applies towards the 30-credit requirement for the degree. Three (3) credits will be awarded for successful completion of this component of the curriculum. The project must meet the following requirements: (1) be primarily independent work by the trainee, (2) be reported to the respective sponsoring faculty in written form, and (3) form the basis for a comprehensive review of competence by a committee of at least three training faculty recommended by the major advisor and approved by the Program Director. The four standard mechanisms for the project are:
- Curriculum development project
- Peer-reviewed publication
- A major grant application (R01, K award, or equilvalent award)
- A standard University thesis
Students must successfully defend their research project to a review committee as required by the University’s Committee on Graduate Studies.