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Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

About the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Program

Through a departmental core curriculum as well as research area-specific courses, laboratory rotations, qualifying examinations, mentored research, and professional development, all MMI PhD students are prepared to engage in cutting edge research and scholarship that advances knowledge. MMI PhD students hone their scholarship, research and professional skills, whether in the context of Molecular and Cellular Basis of Infectious Diseases (MCBID), where they address problems in microbial pathogenesis, immunology and disease transmission; in Malaria and Mosquito-Borne Diseases (MMBD), where research issues related to malaria, mosquito and arboviral biology are stressed; or in Rigorous Immunological & Microbiological Research Investigations (R3IM), which conveys a broad background in immunology and infectious diseases research, with special emphasis on critical thinking, logic, ethics, and written and oral skills to help graduates become communicators of complex scientific concepts and agents of change in their workplaces and communities.

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Molecular Microbiology And Immunology?

Sample Careers

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate
  • Science Communicator or Writer
  • Scientist (academia, industry)
  • Specialist in Science Regulatory Affairs
  • Faculty, Professor
  • Science Advocate (nonprofit agencies)
  • Public Health Service (NIH, CDC, FDA)
  • Science Policy Fellow

Curriculum for the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory.

Training Areas

The Department's current training areas in the PhD program include:

  • Molecular and Cellular Basis of Infectious Diseases (MCBID)
  • Malaria and Mosquito-Borne Diseases (MMBD)
  • Rigorous Immunological & Microbiological Research Investigations (R3IM)

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application and VTSI supplementary materials. Check back in Summer 2023 to learn about application fee waivers and VTSI application deadlines.

viven-thomas-scholars

Tuition and Funding

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for all years of the program: stipend, full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.


Need-Based Relocation Grants
Students who are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students.

Contact Us

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Alex Kim, Senior Academic Program Coordinator 
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 North Wolfe Street, Room E5014
Baltimore, Maryland 21205
Fax: (410) 955-0105