FAQs
What degree programs are offered in the GTPCI Department?
GTPCI offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and a Masters in Health Science (MHS) degree in Clinical Investigation.
In addition, the department offers a non-credit training program, Science of Clinical Investigation (SOCI).
What are the criteria for admission into the PhD program in Clinical Investigation?
PhD applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Currently hold a postdoctoral fellowship or junior faculty appointment within JHMI
- Must have a letter of support from their SOM Division or Department Director stating that they will have funding (tuition and fellowship stipend or salary) for three years, and that they will have protected time. The letter must specifically state, "I (we) understand that the GTPCI program requires at least three years of support for completion of coursework and thesis research. We will support Dr. XXX with a fellowship stipend or salary for three years, and protect his/her time so that full time is available for coursework the first year, and at least 80% time is available for research in the second and third program years. Tuition charges for the program will be handled by”... (indicate source of support, or applications pending)
- Must also have a second letter from an identified mentor (or potential mentor) established from the sponsoring department or division
What are the criteria for admission into the MHS program in Clinical Investigation?
Unlike the PhD program, MHS applicants do not have to hold a current postdoctoral fellowship or junior faculty appointment within the JHMI to apply. The MHS program is open to any individual with an advanced degree interested in clinical investigation.
For MHS applicants already matriculated in a JHU clinical postdoctoral program or JHU faculty, a letter from the Division or Departmental Director (or Training Program Director) must be provided indicating any financial support (stipend, tuition) being provided during the didactic year, and confirming protected time for one year of didactic training.
For MHS applicants outside of the JHMI institutions, a letter must be provided indicating financial support from the home organization or government, as GTPCI does not provide financial assistance for students.
If I am not currently part of the Hopkins system, can I apply to the program?
You are eligible to apply for the MHS in Clinical Investigation or the SOCI Training Program.
What are the course requirements for the PhD and MHS program?
Requirements for the PhD Degree:
- Satisfactory completion of 90 credit hours of coursework (including thesis research credits)
- 5 additional advanced elective courses to be taken AFTER the 1st year in the 2nd or 3rd years; to
- include 140.642 Design of Clinical Experiments – these courses must be at least 3 credits each and taken for grade. They should be advanced methodically and analytically, and are to build on the knowledge/curriculum learned in the 1st year. Elective courses taken prior to enrolling in GTPCI or in the 1st year do not qualify as one of the 5 advanced electives
- Must earn a B or better in all required courses and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Continuous registration for the 390.855 Research Forum and registration for thesis research each term during the following years
- Comprehensive examination at the end of the didactic year
- Satisfaction of all university requirements for the PhD, including preliminary oral examination, thesis preparation, and final defense
Requirements for the MHS Degree:
- 70 credit hours of coursework
- Maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA
- MHS capstone experience - a grant identical in structure to a NIH K grant
- Comprehensive examination at the end of the didactic year
Do I have to be in my second year of fellowship when I begin the didactic year of the GTPCI program?
No, ideally GTPCI students should have completed most of their required clinical subspecialty training before entering the didactic year so that the subsequent time for research is minimally interrupted. Thus, for medical subspecialties requiring two years of clinical training, the didactic year is best delayed until the third fellowship year.
If I apply for a PhD and decide to leave, can I receive the MHS if I have completed the didactic year and comprehensive exam?
No, only students who are accepted into the MHS degree program will be eligible to receive a MHS degree.
What funding is available for the PhD and MHS in Clinical Investigation?
GTPCI does not provide any funding for either the PhD or MHS program.
Where should I look for funding?
Funding for GTPCI students usually comes from a variety of sources. Stipends and tuition can be provided from some NIH training grants or other external training funds. Some departments have used internal funds to support GTPCI students or obtained special fellowships from pharmaceutical companies. Many career development awards, including the NIH KL2 and K23 Awards, are suitable sources of support.
Must I pick a specific pathway when submitting my application for the GTPCI PhD or MHS?
No, it is not necessary to pick a specific pathway at the time of application submission. If you know which pathway is most consistent with your career goals, you may designate a specific pathway in the personal statement of your application. If you are unsure about the optimal pathway, you may consult members of the GTPCI Academic Committee after acceptance into the GTPCI program for guidance in choosing an appropriate pathway that is congruent with your academic pursuits. The delineation of a pathway at the time of application submission is not necessary, and admission to the program is not contingent on the pathway of interest.
Does each GTPCI pathway have a different curriculum?
All of the pathways share a common ‘foundational curriculum.’ Each pathway has additional ‘required’ and ‘elective’ pathway-specific courses. The GTPCI Academic Committee members will be available to discuss ‘elective’ pathway-specific courses with you should you have any questions or need guidance.
Does the GTPCI offer a certificate program?
GTPCI has a Science of Clinical Investigation Training Program (SOCI). The SOCI training program is a four-course series designed to enhance clinical scientists’ theoretical and practical skills in the design, implementation, and interpretation of data from clinical investigations. This training program is offered non-credit. Courses can be taken online or on-site. For more information, please visit the SOCI website.
Which degree programs and/or certificates may be completed online?
The Science of Clinical Investigation Training Program (SOCI) may be completed entirely online.
The PhD and MHS in Clinical Investigation are full-time only and require students to be physically located in the Baltimore area.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the PhD and MHS programs in Clinical Investigation is March 1st each year.
There is no application deadline for the SOCI program. Those who wish to participate in the SOCI Training Program may apply at any time during the year.
What are the application requirements for the PhD and MHS degree?
All Applicants- please visit the following website for specific information on requirements of the application for each degree in Clinical Investigation.
International Applicants- please visit the schools website for specific information on additional requirements to be included with your application.
Is there an early application review option?
Our application deadline is March 1 of the year in which you intend to begin the didactic program. Early admission decisions can be provided for outside applicants to Johns Hopkins' clinical fellowship programs, in time for the applicant to know his/her status before matching deadlines. Such early admission applications must be accompanied by a letter from the department director or training program director, pledging full support for stipend and tuition for the program.