Degree Programs

Student Handbook

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 

Onsite | Full-Time | 3-5 years

The PhD degree is our flagship program designed for those who currently hold a postdoctoral fellowship or junior faculty appointment within the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution (JHMI). It is intended to train sub-specialty physicians, leading to both clinical board eligibility in a medical discipline and the PhD.

Students take one year of full-time didactic instruction after an initial training year in a medical or surgical subspecialty. This provides the scientific grounding for subsequent original research. GTPCI faculty and a mentor from the SOM home division or department, jointly mentor thesis research. 

The GTPCI PhD curriculum includes courses known as Foundational GTPCI Courses focused on principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, biomedical writing, grant writing and thesis preparation, ethical and regulatory issues, and other important aspects of clinical investigation. The remainder of courses are pathway-specific, and chosen based on interests and career goals. 

Students must also satisfy all University requirements for the PhD, including preliminary oral examination, thesis preparation, and final oral defense.

Browse an overview of the PhD requirements in the Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the BSPH Course Directory.

Here you can find a complete list of GTPCI PhD graduates. 

Master of Health Science (MHS)

Onsite | Full-Time | 9 months

A training program for physicians or other health care professionals with an advanced medical degree who desire rigorous training in patient-oriented research. This degree is appropriate for JHMI junior faculty or post-doctoral clinical fellows who cannot accommodate the three-year PhD commitment. It is also appropriate for professionals who do not hold an academic appointment within JHMI.

The GTPCI MHS curriculum includes courses known as Foundational GTPCI Courses focused on principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, biomedical writing, grant writing, ethical and regulatory issues, and other important aspects of clinical investigation. The remainder of courses are pathway-specific, and chosen based on interests and career goals. Thesis research is not required for this degree.

Browse an overview of the MHS requirements in the Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the BSPH Course Directory.

Here you can find a complete list of GTPCI MHS graduates.