Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants to the PhD program complete a SOPHAS online application. The application deadline is December 1. The application requires several supporting documents including a statement of purpose and objectives, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts and/or credential evaluations. GRE scores are optional. See the Office of Admissions Services for further general information. International applicants may visit the admissions page for International Applicants for information about English Language Proficiency Tests, transcript credentialing, and visas. 

Applications are verified by SOPHAS and reviewed for completion by the Bloomberg School of Public Health Admissions Office. PFRH faculty review applications and a PFRH PhD admissions committee discusses applications. Top applicants are invited to be interviewed. Applicants are notified of an admissions decision by the Admissions Office through their applicant portal.

Admission to the PhD program is highly competitive. We value academic excellence, relevant professional and volunteer experience, and a commitment to advancing the health and well-being of individuals, families, and populations across the life course. We welcome applicants from various educational and professional backgrounds who bring unique perspectives to public health.

While a master’s degree is not a strict requirement, many successful applicants have post-baccalaureate education or experience in public health or related fields. Candidates with advanced degrees and/or work experience in areas aligned with the department’s research themes are typically better prepared for the program than those without such qualifications.

Public health work experience is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended. Applicants with practical experience in public health or closely related fields tend to have a stronger understanding of the real-world challenges in population health, making them well-suited for the PhD program’s applied research focus.

Yes, international students are eligible to apply. Many international applicants must submit an English proficiency test score, such as TOEFL, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, or the Pearson Test for English. All coursework and degrees completed outside the U.S. or English Speaking Canada (except study abroad coursework) must be evaluated by an approved credentialing agency. For more detailed information visit the admissions page for International Applicants. Prospective applicants can also view an information session for international applicants hosted by the School.

On average, the program takes about 4.5 years to complete.

Please refer to the Tuition and Funding  section on the PFRH PhD program page for detailed information on funding. 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. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for the first four years of the PFRH PhD program. There are work expectations related to guaranteed funding.

PhD students select one the department’s areas of interest, which include: Child and Adolescent Health; Maternal, Fetal and Perinatal Health; Population and Health; and Women’s, Sexual and Reproductive Health. Explore courses by area of interest as well as foundational and cross-cutting courses in the department. 

PhD students must take a minimum of seven courses to meet PFRH PhD content area competencies required for the degree. Course selection may be guided by area of interest. Students also take a biostatistics series, epidemiology courses, and other research methods courses to fulfill research methods competencies. PFRH encourages students to select elective courses to enhance their breadth and depth of understanding of public health issues relevant to a variety of populations. Visit the 2024-2025 Academic Catalogue for complete PFRH PhD course requirements.

The Bloomberg School offers courses in the following formats: in-person, hybrid (in-person course with a virtual section), and asynchronous online. International students must contact the Office of International Services for guidance on registering for online courses.

Teaching Assistantships (TAships) are an integral part of the curriculum and are required for all PhD students. Research Assistantships (RAships) are also available, offering students the opportunity to work closely with faculty and centers within the department. 

The PFRH PhD program encourages interdisciplinary research by collaborating across departments and leveraging the expertise of faculty throughout the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Students have the opportunity to work with multiple research centers and teams, broadening their perspectives and integrating knowledge from different fields.

The Professional Development and Career Office (PDCO) and the Career Services Office provide resources such as workshops, career counseling, and networking events. These services help students prepare for various career paths in academia, government, non-profit, or private sectors. For more details, visit: PDCO and Career Services.

The department has a strong emphasis on maternal and child health, supported by the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health. This center provides research, training, and service opportunities for students interested in advancing the health of mothers and children. For more information, visit the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health.

Yes, many faculty collaborate with external organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international health bodies. These partnerships provide opportunities for students to engage in applied research and build professional networks. 

Yes. Certificate Programs offer focused academic training in specific areas of public health, with topics ranging from human rights to health informatics, from vaccine science to public health economics. Our Department sponsors several certificate programs. PFRH students may also pursue any of the certificate programs offered in the Bloomberg School for which they qualify. For more information about certificate programs, please visit the School’s certificates program page. 

To get to know the faculty in our department and their research interests, experiences, accomplishments, publications and projects, please visit our faculty page.

The Bloomberg School of Public Health is proud to call Baltimore our home. Learn what makes Baltimore so special and why it has earned the nickname “Charm City.” As PFRH student Flo Awde reflects, “Baltimore is a community in every sense of the word. It is warm, tight-knit, welcoming, and truly makes you feel at home. As an international student with no family in the country, it can be nerve-racking moving to an unfamiliar place. However, to those coming in, I assure you that whether it's catching an Orioles game with friends, grabbing coffee by the harbor, or even studying outside in Patterson Park, Baltimore becomes an instant home that welcomes you in with open arms."

The Admissions Office hosts on-campus and virtual open houses each fall for prospective students as well as virtual chat sessions and campus tours. 

You can connect with current PFRH PhD students by selecting “PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health.” 

If you have further questions about the PFRH PhD program, please contact PFRH Academic Program Manager Gilbert Morgan at gmorga13@jhu.edu.