Healthcare professionals play a critical role not only in caring for patients but also in preparing the next generation of clinicians. The University of Louisville’s online Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSHPE) equips dedicated healthcare educators with the knowledge and skills to excel in both classroom and clinical teaching environments.
Designed for practitioners across medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and other related fields, this fully online graduate program blends foundational learning theory with practical application. Students explore effective instructional strategies, learner assessment, educational leadership, curriculum design and inclusive teaching practices, all through flexible, 8-week online courses. The curriculum is delivered by experienced faculty from UofL’s School of Medicine, and no GRE scores are required for admission.
One of the most powerful ways to understand the real value of this program is through the voices of those who’ve experienced it. Be sure to watch the student testimony video below to hear directly from graduates and current learners about how the online MS in Health Professions Education shaped their teaching approach, expanded their confidence and enhanced their impact in academic and clinical settings.
Whether you’re already teaching or planning to step into an educator role, UofL’s online MS in Health Professions Education offers the tools to strengthen your educator identity, broaden your expertise and make a lasting difference in health professions education.
An online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Louisville prepares graduates for meaningful, in-demand careers helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. Offered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, UofL’s accredited online MSSW program allows students to customize their degree through one of five specialized concentration paths aligned with their professional goals.
Graduates of UofL’s online Master’s in Social Work program are academically prepared to pursue Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials, depending on state requirements. Because licensure requirements vary by state, prospective students are encouraged to review the regulations for the state(s) where they intend to practice prior to enrollment.
MSSW Concentrations and Career Outcomes
Earning an MSSW with a defined concentration equips graduates with targeted skills for the diverse and evolving field of social work. Let’s dig into UofL’s five MSSW concentrations and the types of settings where graduates commonly work.
Alcohol & Drug Counseling Concentration
The Alcohol & Drug Counseling concentration prepares graduates for careers addressing substance use disorders through clinical practice, case management, and community-based intervention. As substance abuse continues to rise nationwide, trained professionals in this area are increasingly in demand. Coursework also fulfills select requirements toward Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credentials.
Potential career settings include:
Medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse hospitals
Outpatient substance abuse clinics
Inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation facilities
Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
Private practice
Physicians’ offices
Gerontology Concentration
The Gerontology concentration prepares social workers to serve older adults and their families across healthcare, residential, and community environments. With an aging population, this specialization addresses a critical workforce need. Students gain hands-on experience through gerontology-focused field placements while building professional networks in aging services.
Potential career settings include:
All-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) programs
Senior assistance and aging services agencies
Hospices
Nursing homes
Residential care facilities
Mental Health Concentration
The Mental Health concentration provides a strong clinical foundation for students pursuing careers in behavioral health and therapeutic practice. Coursework emphasizes mental health theory, diagnosis, assessment, policy, and direct practice, supported by advanced practicum experiences.
Potential career settings include:
Private practice
Hospitals
Mental health clinics
Rehabilitation and treatment facilities
Community health organizations
Residential care facilities
Military Social Work Concentration
The Military Social Work concentration prepares graduates to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Coursework explores military-specific policies, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based interventions across civilian and military systems.
Potential career settings include:
Military bases and units
Medical facilities
Military support organizations
Veterans Affairs (VA) health centers
Community service agencies
Private practice
Psychosocial Oncology Concentration
The Psychosocial Oncology concentration addresses the growing need for social workers skilled in supporting individuals and families affected by cancer. Coursework emphasizes clinical practice across the cancer continuum. Graduates earn a Certificate in Psychosocial Oncology in addition to their MSSW degree.
Potential career settings include:
Cancer treatment centers
Hospitals
Hospice care organizations
Rehabilitation facilities
Community health organizations
Private practice
Job Outlook for Social Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. UofL’s online Master of Science in Social Work program is designed for the next generation of social workers—professionals committed to advancing social good, improving access to care, and creating positive change in their communities.
Whether your goal is clinical practice, healthcare social work, aging services, military support, or substance abuse counseling, earning your MSSW online from the University of Louisville positions you for a purpose-driven and impactful career.
School counselors do more than help students succeed academically. They provide vital support in social development, career exploration and emotional well-being. The University of Louisville’s online MEd in Counseling and Personnel Services equips you to guide students in every aspect of their lives.
Key Sections
Guiding emotional growth Learn counseling strategies that foster resilience, confidence and self-advocacy.
Career and life readiness Help students set goals and explore pathways that extend far beyond high school.
Creating inclusive support systems Apply ethical and multicultural practices to ensure every student feels seen and supported.
Flexible and practical Complete 36 credit hours online with no GRE requirement and benefit from tuition savings designed to make your education affordable.
When you become a school counselor you change more than classroom outcomes — you change lives. Apply by October 1 to join the Spring 2026 cohort and begin shaping futures beyond the classroom.
If you are a healthcare professional with a passion for teaching, the University of Louisville’s online Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSHPE) is your pathway to becoming an impactful educator. With a Fall II application deadline of September 10 for the term starting in October, now is the time to apply.
Who Is This Program For Designed for clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, allied health professionals and residents or fellows who currently teach or aspire to teach in academic or clinical settings. No prior formal teaching experience required.
Why Educators Are Needed Now Healthcare is growing rapidly — adding about 2.6 million jobs by 2030 — and institutions increasingly seek professionals with formal training in health professions education to lead residency programs, curricula and scholarly teaching. The MSHPE bridges that clinician-educator gap.
Real Stories: Dr. Farmer and Jennifer McGowan In their testimonial video, Dr. Farmer and Dr. Jennifer McGowan share how the MSHPE program transformed their professional paths—strengthening their educator identities, enhancing their teaching strategies and expanding their impact across academic settings. Dr. McGowan’s work has been recognized through multiple accolades, including the Health Sciences Center Educator Bright Spot, highlighting her role in shaping exceptional learning experiences for students.
Program Highlights
No GRE required
100% online with fully asynchronous 8-week courses
Support from faculty at UofL’s School of Medicine
Transform your clinical experience into educational leadership. Apply by September 10 for the Fall II cohort starting in October and take the next step in your teaching career through UofL’s MSHPE.
