PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health | Johns Hopkins

About the PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health Program

The emphasis of the PhD program is to integrate coursework in life course, population health, and core PFRH areas of interest with the application of a range of research methods. Doctoral program requirements include a core set of courses that cover developmental, demographic and social science frameworks that represent common conceptual foundations for the work of PFRH faculty. Students also complete coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, and data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Upon completion of required courses and preliminary exams, students engage in dissertation work. Students complete one or more research apprenticeships and serve as teaching assistants for PFRH courses.

Apply by December 1 for an August start.

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PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health Program Highlights

World-Renowned Centers and Initiatives

Work directly with faculty on grant-funded research and publishing opportunities at 11 PFRH centers, institutes, and programs

Interdisciplinary methods

Explore and expand your expertise, with courses in social science, demography, epidemiology, health economics, and health services research and evaluation

Community Engagement

Partner with local and international collaborators to understand and influence public health

Participate on Research Teams

The Bloomberg School is the leading recipient of NIH research funding among U.S. schools of public health, providing unparalleled hands-on research opportunities

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Population, Family And Reproductive Health?

Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Learn more about roles PRFH graduates have accepted and the organizations and institutions where they are making a difference.

Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard Filter by degree and/or department to view program-specific results

PFRH Alumni Employment

Curriculum for the PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health

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

Current students can view the PhD Student Handbook.

Areas of Interest

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

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Coursework

A general-level biology or biological science course

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT) 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.

Tuition and Funding

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants
Students who are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a 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.

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