Ph.D. Programs

Biological Chemistry

The Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry (GPBC) is designed to train the next generation of independent research scientists, while simultaneously supporting the professional development and career choices of all our students. The core of our Ph.D.-granting program is learning through research, augmented by an advanced curriculum, supportive mentorship, professional development, and career training. GPBC’s focus on discovery-based education is consistent with the founding of Johns Hopkins as the country’s first research university and its current position as one of the world’s preeminent research universities. The Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry welcomes students with diverse national, cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. All slots in the Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry are equally open to national and international students.

Biomedical Engineering (BME)

Biomedical engineering applies modern approaches from the experimental life sciences in conjunction with theoretical and computational methods from engineering, mathematics and computer science to the solution of biomedical problems of fundamental importance, such as human health. Students train in the school of medicine and school of engineering in fields such as neuroengineering, medical imaging, computational medicine, and cell and tissue engineering. (Ph.D.)

Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (BIDS)

The Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (BIDS) graduate program seeks to advance the development and use of information technology for decision-making, research, health care delivery and individual academic growth. (master's and online programs available)

Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM)

The Graduate Training Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine prepares scientists for laboratory research at the cellular and molecular level with a direct impact on the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases. Coursework covers human physiology, anatomy and histology, cellular and molecular basis of disease and introduction to clinical research. There are 130 mentoring faculty from 28 basic science or clinical departments. A clinical co-mentor directs individualized bench-to-bedside experience. Training in rigor and reproducibility and career opportunities are emphasized. (Ph.D.)

Cellular and Molecular Physiology

The Cellular & Molecular Physiology graduate program emphasizes fundamental and translational research on the mechanisms by which an organism maintains processes essential for life. The studies are characterized by integration of molecular, cellular and systems biology approaches and aim to mechanistically understand both normal and disease states. (Ph.D.)

Functional Anatomy and Evolution

The Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution focuses on the exploration of relationships among functional anatomy, behavior and evolutionary biology of extant and extinct vertebrates. Graduate students conduct original research in evolutionary organismal biology, working in laboratory settings, exploring collections at JHMI and the Smithsonian, and conducting fieldwork. Students also gain experience teaching human anatomy in the school of medicine. (Ph.D., M.S.)

History of Science, Medicine and Technology

The Graduate Program in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology prepares students for scholarly careers in teaching, research and policy, exploring the histories of global health and disease, biomedicine, medical ways of knowing, healing practices and the body. Expertise in multiple specific temporal and geographic emphases affords many options for student research in this program. (Ph.D.; also, see online graduate programs)

Human Genetics and Genomics

The Human Genetics and Genomics Ph.D. program in the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine seeks to further the understanding of human heredity and genetic medicine and use that knowledge to treat and prevent disease. The program trains students for academic careers in the field of human genetics. (Ph.D.)

Immunology

The Graduate Program in Immunology trains students in the basic mechanisms of the immune system and the application of this knowledge to the understanding and treatment of disease. Research areas include investigations of human infectious diseases, exploration of cell signaling and genetic pathways critical for immune development and function, or engaging in the study of immune–mediated processes in autoimmunity, transplantation or cancer. (Ph.D.)

Medical Physics

The Medical Physics graduate program is designed for full-time students who wish to pursue a career as a medical physicist either as a researcher, as a certified clinical professional, or in industry. The program consists of two tracks, CAMPEP (or Clinical and Research) track and non-CAMPEP (or Research) track, and each track has different admission requirements. The program will require successful completion of a minimum of 38 credits followed by completion of a research thesis. Full-time Ph.D. students will complete the program in five years. Students in this program work on the East Baltimore campus. All students are accepted through direct-match and will join a specific research lab from day one of the program.

Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Training Program curriculum spans the breadth of modern neuroscience, from molecular/cellular underpinnings to systems/cognitive integration. Work with our trainees has led to fundamental discoveries in the organization of the cerebral cortex, neurotransmitter signaling, neuronal and glial cell development, and circuit function. (Ph.D.)

Pathobiology

The Graduate Program in Pathobiology in the Department of Pathology educates Ph.D. trainees in basic and translational research in human pathology. Students effectively bridge molecular and cell biology with clinically relevant biological science and pathological biology. Students are rigorously trained in mechanisms of disease by clinical and basic science experimental pathologists, therefore gaining unparalleled access to human tissues and specimens in health and disease. (Ph.D.)

We also offer a combined M.D./Ph.D. program and a Johns Hopkins-AstraZeneca Scholars Program.

Masters and Certificate Programs

Anatomy Education

The Master of Science in Anatomy Education program is designed to give students the training they need in order to successfully compete for teaching positions in anatomy at the community college level. Because such positions often also require some instruction in physiology and/or histology, introductory courses in these disciplines are also included in the program, along with training in pedagogical techniques. The program is also appropriate for students who wish to go on to research or educational support positions in anatomy, such as anatomy lab manager or surgical research coordinator.

Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (BIDS)

The Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (BIDS) program trains current and future leaders in health information technology, and offers 4 Masters and Certificate programs:

• Applied Health Sciences Informatics(M.S.)
• Applied Health Sciences Informatics (M.S. Online)
• Health Sciences Informatics Research(M.S.)
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Informatics

Clinical Anaplastology

The Master of Science Program in Clinical Anaplastology provides students with knowledge to succeed as clinicians providing facial, ocular, and non-weight bearing somatic (body) prostheses, as well as designing 3D patient-matched models, surgical templates and other 3D printed clinical models. Prostheses are created working with each patient to custom mold, cast, sculpt, and colorize the final wearable device. (M.S.)

Critical Approaches in Science, Technology, and Medicine (CAST-M)

CAST-M is a new pathway to encourage doctoral student diversity in the fields of science studies, medical humanities, history of science and technology, and history of medicine. We aim to recruit and support emerging scholars from backgrounds that are traditionally marginalized in STEM-adjacent humanities fields.

History of Medicine

The Department of the History of Medicine offers a suite of graduate-level online courses, including individual courses: 

• History of Medicine (M.A. Online)
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in History of Medicine (Online)
• Non-Degree Program (Online)

Medical and Biological Illustration

The Master of Arts Program in Medical and Biological Illustration provides a two-year interdisciplinary education and training curriculum including rigorous science and visual communication scholarship. Student projects in illustration, animation, 3D modeling, interactive design and a research thesis prepare graduates as professionals in the field of visual communication of science and medicine. (M.A.)

Medical Physics

The Master of Science program in Medical Physics is designed for full-time students who wish to pursue a career as a medical physicist either as a researcher, as a certified clinical professional, or in industry. The program will require successful completion of a minimum of 38 credits for Master’s degree and completion of a research thesis (in conjunction with one or more of the faculty). Full-time master’s students will complete the program in two years.