The Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE) at the University of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the launch of a new PhD in Health Professions Education (HPE), designed to prepare educators, scholars and leaders from across the health sciences.
This doctoral program brings together scholars from a wide variety of disciplines to advance excellence in teaching, curriculum design and assessment, academic leadership and educational research. The program welcomes clinicians, educators and administrators working across the health sciences who are ready to deepen their scholarly expertise and leadership impact.
“Health sciences faculty have long needed more than clinical excellence to lead,” said Paul M. Wallach, vice chancellor for health sciences education. “They've needed a doctoral pathway that elevates them into educational leaders across the health sciences. Our PhD in Health Professions Education does exactly that. It is built for practicing clinicians who work with a cohort of peers from across the health sciences.”
Designed for working professionals, the PhD in HPE offers flexible full-time and part-time pathways, with an emphasis on applied learning, mentorship and multidisciplinary scholarship.
Graduates will be prepared to lead educational initiatives, shape health professions curricula, and contribute original research to the field in academic health centers, health systems, professional schools and beyond.
The program creates new opportunities for career development, cross-institutional collaboration, and health sciences education scholarship, reflecting a broad commitment to educational excellence. While the degree resides within the School of Medicine, it is designed for candidates from across all of the health sciences.
“This PhD equips faculty to strengthen educational programs at every level, so that the providers they train are better prepared to serve our patients and communities,” Wallach said.
Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort beginning in fall 2026. Learn more at https://icre.pitt.edu/PhD_HPEdu/index.html.