Learning Outcomes
The Master in Medical Education program gives faculty members in health professions education the opportunity to specialize in the theory and practice of curriculum design, effective teaching, assessment, and other aspects of health professions education. Graduates of the program will be able to:
- design evidence-based education programs and materials with appropriate scope, sequence, and focus for intended learners;
- deliver effective instruction to individuals and small or large groups in classroom, laboratory, or clinical settings;
- evaluate the effectiveness of educational instruction, using both formative and summative methods;
- understand basic principles of educational measurement and apply these principles to health professions education;
- evaluate and choose different assessment methods to promote learning and assess learning progress and outcomes;
- understand basic principles of educational research and be able to interpret and use educational research;
- apply fundamental theories, designs, and methods of program evaluation to health professions education;
- identify current issues in health professions education and resources available for monitoring developments in the field;
- develop skills in reflection on past experience, including skills of self-awareness, self-analysis, and self-evaluation, that results in the ability to generate a new perspective or plan of action; and
- identify the evolving role of technology in health professions education and research.
The Master in Medical Education (MME) requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit. The program is designed to prepare health professions faculty to educate health professionals. It is intended for Carver College of Medicine faculty members and professional staff as well as for University of Iowa resident physicians and fellows.
The MME may be completed in as few as two years or as many as five. Students may begin the program in fall semester, spring semester, or summer session. Some of the required courses are offered online, and required on-campus courses have evening meeting times.
The curriculum includes 24 s.h. of required courses and 6–9 s.h. of electives. Students must register for at least one course each academic year in order to maintain satisfactory progress toward the degree. The program's faculty provides substantial student advising and consultation.
During their first semester, students file a plan of study. Each student's plan must include a description of the student's goals, intended graduation date, and a list of courses the student plans to take each semester. The study plan must incorporate all of the courses required for the degree and must include any requests for transfer credit. The plan must be approved by the director of the MME program and by the student's advisor. Subsequent revisions of the plan must have the advisor's approval.
The Master in Medical Education requires the following coursework.
Course List
| Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| MED:9701 | Instructional Design and Technology | 3 |
| MED:9702 | Clinical Teaching in Medical Education | 3 |
| MED:9703 | Educational Research and Evaluation | 3 |
| MED:9711 | Teaching Methods in Medical Education | 3 |
| MED:9712 | Introduction to Educational Measurement in Medical Education | 3 |
| MED:9713 | Assessment in Medical Education | 3 |
| MED:9714 | Current Issues in Medical Education | 3 |
| MED:9720 | Portfolio Project | 3 |
| 6-9 |
| Total Hours | 30-33 |
Students who are not involved with clinical teaching may substitute another course for MED:9702 Clinical Teaching in Medical Education.
Students must have completed at least 18 s.h. before enrolling in MED:9720 Portfolio Project. In the portfolio, students integrate the materials they have developed over the course of the program into a document. Three faculty members review the project and evaluate the student's participation in the program.
Electives require approval of the student's advisor. They may include courses in the MME program as well as those offered by relevant departments and programs (e.g., College of Education, Tippie College of Business). Students should check with their advisors to determine which courses are at a graduate level.
Applicants should hold an MD degree and must have performed satisfactorily on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Basic sciences applicants without an MD must hold an equivalent degree and must have performed satisfactorily on an admission test equivalent to the MCAT.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official test scores to verify English proficiency. Applicants can verify English proficiency by submitting official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET).
Application materials must include an official transcript showing medical coursework and medical degree, or equivalent for basic sciences applicants (current and former University of Iowa students do not need to request a UI transcript or transcripts previously submitted to the university); a letter of reference from the applicant's department chair and one additional letter of reference; and a 300–500 word essay describing the applicant's interest in medical education and in the Master in Medical Education program.
To apply to the MME program, see Applications and Admissions on the Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education (OCRME) website. Application materials should be submitted to the University of Iowa Office of Admissions.
Application deadlines are:
- July 15 for fall semester entry;
- Nov. 15 for spring semester entry; and
- April 15 for summer session entry.
