DETERMINING COSTS AND BENEFITS OF AN ONLINE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN HEALTHCARE EDUCATION: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Abstract

The Master of Health Professions Education degree offered by the University of Illinois’ College of Medicine recently added an online track to its traditional in class format. The objective is to make the course available to healthcare professionals who might not be able to attend classes at the University. An analysis of enrollments and costs of the program indicate that interest in the online format is strong, and even with large costs for faculty time to convert and develop the courses in an online format, the program is financially viable. We also discuss future inquiry into learning outcomes and other economic aspects of online instruction.

Keywords

• Development
• Student Needs
• Faculty Interest
• Economic Viability