Implementation science is the scientific study of methods to promote the use of evidence-based practices in real-world settings to improve healthcare quality, patient outcomes, and population health. Through a combination of virtual didactics, experiential learning, and mentorship, the Penn Implementation Science Certificate Program will equip the next generation of implementation scientists with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct rigorous, contextualized, and meaningful implementation research.
This program is ideal for scholars interested in developing competencies in implementation science for application to future research endeavors, including early career researchers seeking NIH K award or equivalent funding and established researchers seeking to add implementation science to their skill set. The program is also expected to be of interest to implementation practitioners, including people engaged in improvement science.
Competencies to be Achieved by the End of Certificate
To describe the fundamentals of IS, including common frameworks, theories, and models.
To communicate research methods and findings in plain language to diverse audiences.
To interpret how issues of context, justice, and equity influence study design considerations.
To distinguish between multilevel factors which affect implementation at multiple ecological levels (individual, organizational, community, and policy).
To select appropriate frameworks and models, outcomes, and strategies, and research methods for new implementation research.
To defend importance of inter-disciplinary teams and community partnerships in IS research.
To design rigorous mixed methods IS research which minimizes validity threats.
(Optionally) To author research proposals which are competitive for grant funding.
Based on capstone course choices, students may also be able to author research proposals which are competitive for grant funding.
The 2025 Fall Application is openuntil July 5th 2025.
Applicants are required to submit the following:
Personal Statement
Resume or CV
Writing Sample
Minimum 1 letter of recommendation
The Implementation Science Certificate Program is composed of 4 CUs.
4 Core Courses (3.5 CUs):
IMP 6000: Foundations in Implementation Science (1 CU)*
* There are two alternate completion pathways for IMP 6000; IMP 6050: Summer Implementation Science Institute withHPR 6210: Advanced Topics in Implementation Science in Health for a total of 1CU. OR HPR 6200: Implementation Science in Health and Healthcare (1CU).
IMP 6100: Ethics and Equity in Implementation Sciences (1 CU)
IMP 6200: Mixed Methods in Implementation Science (1 CU)
Required Capstone (0.5CUs)
IMP 6300 OR IMP 6400: Capstone Class (0.5 CU)
1 Elective Requirement (0.5-1CU)
A list of pre-approved electives is offered after the descriptions of the required coursework can be found under the “Electives Heading”below.
IMP 6000: Foundations in Implementation Science
The purpose of this course is to introduce participants to the Foundations in Implementation Science (i.e., terminology, conceptual models and frameworks, study design). Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of implementation science, preparing them to describe the positionality of their research within the broader field. Relevant theories and frameworks will be addressed in the context of multiple disciplines, such as healthcare, social work, education, and criminal justice. Significant group work will prepare participants to evaluate the appropriate usage of frameworks, theories, and models in the design and execution of IS research.
* There are two alternate completion pathways for introductory material; IMP 6050: Summer Implementation Science Institute withHPR 6210: Advanced Topics in Implementation Science in Health for a total of 1CU OR HPR 6200: Implementation Science in Health and Healthcare (1CU).
IMP 6050: The Implementation Science Institute (ISI)
This course aims to provide participants with the tools to design and execute rigorous implementation science research. The Institute will give an introduction to the foundations of implementation science (i.e., terminology, conceptual models and frameworks, study design). Participants will also receive an overview of advanced topics including implementation strategies and sustainability and a reading list of seminal papers in implementation science. The course directors will cover tips for grant writing, skill development and time will be spent writing specific aims for Implementation Science grants. We will also explicitly describe how principles of implementation science can be applied to practical implementation efforts.
HPR 6210 - Advanced Topics in Implementation Science in Health*
This seminar course offers an opportunity for students to advance their understanding of the thorniest methodological challenges in implementation science. Broadly, topics include study design, study execution, and tensions in the field. The intention will be for attendees to directly apply their learnings to their ongoing or proposed implementation research. *This course can count towards as an elective if taken separately from IMP 6050*
* HPR 6200: Implementation Science in Health and Healthcare
The purpose of this course is to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the tools to design and execute rigorous implementation science research. This semester-long course will give an introduction to the foundations of implementation science (i.e., terminology, conceptual models and frameworks, study design). Students will also receive an overview of advanced topics including implementation strategies and sustainability. The second half of the course will place a strong emphasis on how implementation science principles and methods can be applied across diverse healthcare settings. The course will cover tips for grant writing and skills development, and time will be spent writing specific aims for implementation science grants. We will also explicitly describe how principles of implementation science can be applied to practical implementation efforts.
IMP 6100: Ethics and Equity in Implementation Science
This course will leverage students' existing knowledge of implementation science and healthcare systems to explore ethical and equity considerations in research. Throughout the course, students will analyze how core concepts related to health equity apply to implementation research, and role of social, historical, and political contextual factors in shaping implementation processes. Students will gain familiarity with equity-entered implementation frameworks, models, and outcomes, as well as the design of implementation strategies. Students will also learn about different participatory approaches for implementation research in community and healthcare system settings. Beyond methods, course content will explore ethical issues relevant to implementation research, particularly in relation to pragmatic trials, informed consent, learning health systems, and nudges. Students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world case studies and their own scholarship. Prerequisites: IMP 6000 or IMP 6050/ HPR 6210 or HPR 6200. Prior coursework or training in qualitative research is strongly suggested, but not required
IMP 6200: Mixed Methods in Implementation Science
The focus of this course is applying and integrating mixed methods in implementation research/science, with a particular emphasis on incorporating qualitative and mixed methods to design and evaluate implementation trials equitably and sustainably. This course will provide an overview of different ways in which mixed methods can be used across implementation and dissemination research using readings, lectures, activities, and group discussions. Trainees will gain basic skills in collecting and analyzing qualitative and mixed methods data, ways in which mixed methods can be integrated into different study designs (e.g., pragmatic trials) and introduction to advanced methods. The course will also cover philosophical and theoretical foundations and tensions in the field of mixed methods research. At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:
Design and plan a mixed methods implementation research project.
Identify different forms of mixed methods analysis and how to integrate into study designs.
Critically evaluate the use of methodological paradigms and theoretical models to ensure alignment with implementation targets and strategies.
Identify different ways mixed methods can incorporated across the implementation process from contextual inquiry to implementation trials to policy change.
Prerequisites: IMP 6000 or IMP 6050/ HPR 6210 or HPR 6200. Prior coursework or training in qualitative research is strongly suggested, but not required
IMP 6300: Project Development in Implementation Science
This course fulfills the Capstone requirement and is managed by staff and the student’s formal Implementation Science Certificate mentor.
This course offers an opportunity for students to apply competencies acquired through the certificate program to develop an individual proposal in their topical area of interest. The mentor and student mentee meet regularly (typically weekly). A staff member holds a monthly call with all current capstone students to ensure adequate progress and provide support. In this course, the student will receive guidance and hands-on experience in developing a grant proposal in implementation science in their topical area of interest. At the conclusion of the course, students will have workshopped a proposal suitable for submission, so preference for enrollment will be given to students who plan to submit grants within the next year. Credit for this course is awarded upon completion of the student’s proposal, which must be approved by the student’s mentor and the certificate program director.
Prerequisite: IMP 6000 or IMP 6050/ HPR 6210 or HPR 6200. IMP 6100 and IMP 6200. Prior coursework or training in qualitative research is strongly suggested but not required
IMP 6400 - Practicum in Implementation Science
This course fulfills the Capstone requirement and is managed by staff and the student’s formal Implementation Science Certificate mentor.
This course offers an opportunity for students to apply competencies acquired through the certificate program to address questions related to implementation research and practice. Student mentees will receive guidance from their mentor as they execute an individual project related to implementation science requiring approximately 50 hours of effort (from ideation to completion). A staff member holds a monthly call with all current capstone students to ensure adequate progress and provide support. Students may consider conducting a scoping review, writing a viewpoint, or developing a research-practice partnership and reporting on the process through a presentation. Students must have a deliverable at the end of the practicum (typically a paper or presentation) which they will pass off with their mentor and the certificate program director.
Prerequisite: IMP 6000 or IMP 6050/ HPR 6210 or HPR 6200. IMP 6100 and IMP 6200. Prior coursework or training in qualitative research is strongly suggested but not required
The requirement for elective coursework can be satisfied by the courses listed below:
SUMMER 2025
EPID 5500: Clinical Economics and Decision Making (1 CU)
EPID 5340: Qualitative Methods in the Study of Health, Disease and Medical Systems (1 CU)
EPID 5600: Issues in Research Protocol Development (0.25 CU)
EPID 5840: Health Disparities Research (1 CU)
EPID 7140: Grant Writing (0.5 CU)
HPR 5010: Economics of Health Care Delivery (1 CU)
HPR 5030: Qualitative Methods in Health Research (1 CU)
HPR 5500: Clinical Economics and Clinical Decision Making (1 CU)
HPR 6000: Health Services Research and Innovation Science (1 CU)
HPR 6210: Advanced Topics in Implementation Science (0.5CU) *if taken separate from IMP 6050
HPR 6250: Pragmatic Clinical Trials in Health Care (0.5 CU)
HPR 7140: Grant Writing/Review (0.5 CU)
MTR 6020: Proposal Development (1 CU)
MTR 6040: Scientific and Ethical Conduct (1 CU)
MTR 6230: Writing an NIH Grant (1 CU)
PUBH 6080: Behavioral Economics and Health (1 CU)
FALL 2025
EPID 5500: Clinical Economics and Decision Making (1 CU)
EPID 5340: Qualitative Methods in the Study of Health, Disease and Medical Systems (1 CU)
EPID 5600: Issues in Research Protocol Development (0.25 CU)
EPID 5840: Health Disparities Research (1 CU)
EPID 7140: Grant Writing (0.5 CU)
HPR 5010: Economics of Health Care Delivery (1 CU)
HPR 5030: Qualitative Methods in Health Research (1 CU)
HPR 5500: Clinical Economics and Clinical Decision Making (1 CU)
HPR 6000: Health Services Research and Innovation Science (1 CU)
HPR 6250: Pragmatic Clinical Trials in Health Care (0.5 CU)
HPR 7140: Grant Writing/Review (0.5 CU)
MTR 6020: Proposal Development (1 CU)
MTR 6040: Scientific and Ethical Conduct (1 CU)
MTR 6230: Writing an NIH Grant (1 CU)
PUBH 6080: Behavioral Economics and Health (1 CU)
or any instructor approved electives
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for the current academic year can be found here.
Tuition Benefits
Depending on your employment status, you may be eligible for tuition benefits. See below.
Amanda Bettencourt, PhD, APRN, CCRN-K, ACCNS-P Assistant Professor, Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; Director, Acute Care Implementation Science, PISCE
Christopher Bonafide, MD, MSCEAssociate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine; Director, Pediatric Implementation Research, PISCE
Katharine Rendle, PhD, MSW, MPHAssistant Professor, Family Medicine and Community Health & Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine; Director, Cancer Implementation Research, PISCE
