Ohio University

What you'll study

This master’s programme combines theory and practice from health professions education, bioethics and medical humanities. Core topics typically include curriculum design and assessment in clinical settings, educational theory and instructional methods, interprofessional education, qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches, and applied medical ethics. You will study modules on narrative medicine and the role of literature and arts in clinical practice, issues in professional identity formation, patient-centred communication, and ethical decision-making in complex clinical contexts.

Programme structure usually comprises a set of core courses, elective seminars that allow specialisation (for example, in simulation-based education, narrative approaches, or institutional ethics), and a culminating scholarly project. The capstone may take the form of a practice-based portfolio, an original research thesis, or an applied curriculum-design project assessed by faculty. Coursework emphasises active learning, case-based discussion, reflective practice, and opportunities to work with learners across health professions.

• Curriculum design and assessment for health professions
• Foundations of bioethics and applied clinical ethics
• Medical humanities: narrative, arts and patient experience
• Research methods for education and ethics (qualitative and mixed methods)
• Interprofessional education and collaborative practice
• Capstone project or thesis in education, ethics or humanities

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. The programme is designed for a mix of applicants: practising health professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health), educators, and graduates from humanities or social science disciplines. Relevant professional experience and a clear statement of purpose outlining educational or ethical interests strengthen an application.

Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a CV, a personal statement describing your goals and relevant experience, and academic or professional references. Some applicants may be interviewed. Specific requirements such as minimum GPA standards, prerequisite courses or English language scores (for international applicants) are set by the university and should be checked on Ohio University’s official programme pages.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles that bridge clinical practice, education and ethics. Common pathways include clinical educator or faculty positions in universities and teaching hospitals, roles in curriculum development and assessment offices, simulation and skills centre leadership, and positions on ethics committees or in clinical ethics consultation services. Graduates also work in continuing professional development, patient experience and narrative-based care initiatives, programme evaluation, and health professions education research.

The degree also provides a foundation for those who wish to pursue doctoral study in health professions education, bioethics, medical humanities or related fields, and is useful for clinicians seeking leadership roles in education or institutional policy development.

Why study at Ohio University

Ohio University offers a multidisciplinary environment where health sciences, humanities and education intersect. The university has active collaborations across health-related programmes, providing access to clinical teaching sites, interprofessional learning opportunities and faculty with expertise in medical education, ethics and the arts in health care. Small-course cohorts encourage mentorship and applied projects with direct relevance to clinical and educational practice.

Students benefit from a mix of pedagogical approaches, including seminar discussion, practicum experiences, and supervised project work that can be tailored to individual career aims. The programme emphasises translating scholarship into practice, preparing graduates to lead curricular innovation, ethical deliberation and humanistic approaches to patient care in diverse health-care settings.