Programs

FAQs

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. We are glad that you are exploring our programs for your graduate education. As the #1 school and program in the country, we can offer you a vast number of experiences, a wide variety of research, and great mentoring and training in epidemiology. However, we realize that applying to graduate school can be a little daunting. With that in mind, we developed the following questions and answers to help guide you, as a prospective applicant, through the process. If, after reviewing this page, you have additional questions, please contact Mr. Justin Switzer, academic program manager, or Ms. Frances Burman, senior academic program manager, listed below.

Q: What master's programs are offered in the department?
A: Master of Health Science (MHS) and Master of Science (ScM)

Q: What doctoral programs are offered in the department?
A: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Q: What are the admission requirements?

  • Statement of objectives and research goals (limit two pages)
  • Resume/curriculum vitae
  • GRE/MCAT scores: The Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health does not require the Graduate Record Examination results. 
  • TOEFL / IELTS (if applicable): Scores less than 100 (TOEFL) or 7 (IELTS) will not be considered; please retake the test
  • Official and verified transcripts from all universities attended
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least one being academic, advisor preferred)

Q: Is a master's degree required for the doctoral program?
A: In most cases, yes. If you apply without extensive experience or a master's degree, the review committee may recommend admission to the ScM program.

Q:Should I apply to both degree programs?
A: NO! Please save your money. If you have applied to a program that our faculty feel is not appropriate, we can ask you if we can review for the more appropriate degree (i.e. PhD move to ScM or ScM move to MHS, but we will not move your application from MHS or ScM to the PhD).

Q: What specific courses are recommended for success in the core courses?
A: College-level math through precalculus, biology and one additional science course

Q: How many years of post-baccalaureate work is required, if any?
A: A minimum of one year of full-time post-baccalaureate work is strongly recommended for the  ScM and PhD. Full-time work experience is not required for MHS students.

Q: What is the average GPA for students admitted to the department?
A: An average GPA of 3.3

Q: What is the application deadline?

Q:Is an interview required?
A: Yes, for qualified doctoral applicants by invitation.

Q: What funding is available for the master's  programs?
A: Master's Tuition Support (MTS), training grants, programs, and endowments are available for qualifying students.

Q: What funding is available for the doctoral program?
A: 100% tuition support for up to four years, health insurance, health clinic fee, and an NIH pre-doctoral level stipend.

Q: How long does it take to complete the program?

  • BA/MHS: 6 years (in total)
  • MHS/ScM: 2 years
  • PhD: 4-4.5 years

Q: Once enrolled, can students switch research areas?
A: Yes

Q: What are the course requirements for a specific degree?
A: See the Degree Programs section for sample curricula

Q: What types of research opportunities are available for students?
A: Several research/teaching opportunities are available. Your faculty advisor can discuss options specific to your area(s) of interest.

Q: What types of certificates are available? (click here for a complete list)

  • Clinical Trials*
  • Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals*
  • Health and Human Rights
  • Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control
  • Implementation Science and Research Practice
  • Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety*

*may be completed fully online

Q: Are any degree programs online?
A: None

Q: Does the department offer any dual degree programs?
A: BA/MHS is JHU undergraduates only. Many of our PhD students complete the concurrent MHS in Biostatistics also.

Q: What careers do students pursue after graduation?
A: Graduates pursue careers in the fields of industry, education, and government

Contact for more information:

Frances S. Burman, Senior Academic Program Manager (Doctoral)
FranBurman@jhu.edu

Justin Switzer, Academic Program Manager (Masters)
jswitze4@jhmi.edu