Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Offered By: Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years
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.
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.
Sample Careers
- Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
- Senior Research Analyst
- Program Officer Evaluation Consultant
- Assistant Professor
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.
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.
Contact Us
Questions about the program? We're happy to help.
Academic Program Manager
Gilbert Morgan (Primary Contact)
410-614-6676
gmorga13@jhu.edu
Academic Program Manager
Kristen McCormick
410-955-1116
kmccor14@jhu.edu