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.
Julia Parsons (pictured above) wanted to go back to school for her family, in addition to realizing her dream of becoming a mentor and guiding force for college students. “I work full-time, I’m a mom and I’m a wife,” Julia says. Returning to school for her master’s degree was about “supporting my family and showing my daughter that I’m going to do what I set out to do.”
When Camille Jones graduated with her associate’s degree, she was pregnant with her daughter. “I worked for 15 years or so and I wanted to go back to school, but really didn’t have the time because I was a wife and mother of two kids.” She never gave up on her dream of going back to school, though, and she knew it was time when she kept hearing potential employers tell her the same thing. “I had interview after interview,” Camille explains, continuing that each time they would say, “We want to give you this job but you need a bachelor’s degree.”
For Troy Marables, the first in his family to go to college, it was about realizing his full potential. Troy received a promotion at work after 20 years of service, but felt he hadn’t gone as far as he wanted to go. “I needed to go back to school and get my degree in order to move to the next level of management.”
You may have dreamt about earning a college degree or going back to school, too. And each time you thought about it, you came up with reasons it wasn’t possible.
Like Camille, Troy and Julia, it’s time to turn your “why” into “how.”
Whether you want to earn your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or obtain a specialized certificate, you can make your dreams come true through an online degree or certificate from University of Louisville (UofL) Online. UofL Online provides the support, expertise and student-driven focus needed to help you reach your goals.
It’s about you
Camille Jones
Everyone has a reason for wanting to go back to school. They have their own unique set of circumstances that may have kept them from taking the first step. UofL Online has a team of trained counselors, faculty and support staff to help you throughout the discovery and decision process.
This is your dedicated team. They’re available to listen to your concerns, answer questions and guide you to the resources you need. They are truly dedicated to your success and will work with you every step of the way on your journey.
It’s about excellence
The faculty teaching at UofL Online are thought leaders and researchers actively contributing to the advancement of their fields through their work—and the same world-class instructors as the traditional, on-campus programs. For online students, this means exposure to new research, an environment of innovation, a culture of excellence and forward-thinking ideas. Because UofL is a tier 1 research institution, you have the opportunity to learn from the best and the ability to be directly involved in making a difference, even before earning your degree.
UofL faculty are preparing students today for the challenges of tomorrow, empowering them to be leaders and influencers in their chosen professions and their communities.
It’s about time—and your time is now.
Troy Marables at work
UofL students come from all walks of life, all stages of career, with various backgrounds and from diverse cultures. Chances are you already know someone who has a degree from one of their programs. Now it’s your time to join UofL’s learners’ community.
With most of the online programs available at UofL, you won’t need to attend classes at set times. Choose the time that’s right for you to get your work done and meet course deadlines. You’ll also be able to work on your assignments and collaborate with classmates from any location.
Take the first step. Visit UofL Online to see what programs are available and start your journey. UofL currently has 32 online degree and certificate programs, with even more coming during the 2018-2019 academic year.
Turn your “why” into “how”. Gain the knowledge and confidence you need to knock down the barriers holding you back professionally. Become an inspiration to your family and friends. Most importantly, earn a sense of pride and accomplishment as you move past your hesitations, and embrace a future of possibilities.
“You can do it,” says Julia. “If it’s something that you want, that you have a passion for, and it’s where you see yourself in the future, then go for it.”
Maggie Cunningham earned more than a degree at UofL
By earning her Bachelor of Science in Communication with University of Louisville, Maggie gained a newfound confidence in herself, all thanks to a 100% online education that allowed her to play on her strengths and advance her future.
When Maggie decided to go back to school, a traditional classroom setting didn’t seem like the right fit for her. Previously attended and then withdrawn from an on-campus program at another university, she decided to explore online learning options with the University of Louisville–which turned out to be perfect for her and her situation.
With UofL’s online bachelor’s in Communication program, Maggie received the same education as any traditional student while maintaining the full-time job she was working to pay for classes. More notably, she found herself empowered by the online learning environment to overcome her social anxiety and more successfully interact with classmates and teachers.
“I felt like I needed [a degree] to be who I was.”
Through her education with UofL, Maggie embarked down not only an educational path but also a road to self-discovery. She learned more about herself, and emphasizes that earning her degree online with UofL helped her become the person she is today.
Since graduating, Maggie has gone on to land jobs in marketing and social media copywriting.
The Bachelor of Science in Communication degree at UofL is designed to build expertise around various communication strategies, cultures, channels and media types. Ultimately, the degree prepares students for careers in various fields including communications, marketing, advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations.
Covering many different industries and careers, UofL Online offers a wide variety of 100% online degree and certificate programs–all of which deliver quality online education to non-traditional students who are not able to come to a physical campus and want to earn a college degree or certificate to start or advance their career.
Maggie went back to school to fill a void and feel more confident about herself.
What’s YOUR why?
Check out our YouTube page to hear testimonials from other UofL Online programs and students or read more of real student stories here.
