phd in public health genetics

Human Genetics and Genomics, PhD

School of medicine, ph.d. program.

The Johns Hopkins Human Genetics Training Program provides a training in all aspects of human genetics and genomics relevant to human biology, health and disease. 

Advances in human genetics and genomics continue at an astounding rate and increasingly they are being integrated into medical practice. The Human Genetics Program aims to educate highly motivated and capable students with the knowledge and experimental tools that will enable them to answer important questions at the interface between genetics and medicine. Ultimately, our trainees will be the leaders in delivering the promise of genetics to human health.

The overall objective of the Human Genetics program is to provide our students with a strong foundation in basic science by exposure to a rigorous graduate education in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and biostatistics as well as a core of medically-related courses selected to provide knowledge of human biology in health and disease. 

This program is also offered as training for medical students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program.  Students apply to the combined program at the time of application to the M.D. program. (See section entitled Medical Scientist Training Program).

Research Facilities

Research laboratories are well equipped to carry out sophisticated research in all areas of genetics. The proximity to renown clinical facilities of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, including the Department of Genetic Medicine, and Oncology Center provides faculty and students with access to a wealth of material for study. Computer and library facilities are excellent. Laboratories involved in the Human Genetics Program span Johns Hopkins University; consequently supporting facilities are extensive.

Financial Aid

The program is supported by a training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. These fellowships, which are restricted to United States citizens and permanent United States residents, cover tuition, health care insurance and a stipend during year one.  Once a student has joined a thesis lab, all financial responsibilities belong to the mentor.   Students are encouraged, however, to apply for fellowships from outside sources (e.g., the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Scholars Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute) before entering the program.

Applicants for admission should show a strong academic foundation with coursework in biology, chemistry and quantitative analysis.   Applicants are encouraged to have exposure to lab research or to data science.  A bachelor's degree from a qualified college or university will be required for matriculation.  GREs are no longer required.

The Human Genetics site has up-to-date information on “ How to Apply .” For questions not addressed on these pages, please access the contact imformation listed on the program page: Human Genetics and Genomics Training Program | Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine (hopkinsmedicine.org) .

Program Requirements

The program includes the following required core courses: Advanced Topics in Human Genetics, Evolving Concept of the Gene, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Cell Structure and Dynamics, Computational Bootcamp,  Pathways and Regulation, Genomic Technologies, Rigor and Reproducibility in Research, and Systems, Genes and Mechanisms of Disease. Numerous elective courses are available and are listed under sponsoring departments.

Our trainees must take a minimum of four electives, one of which must provide computational/statistical training.

The HG program requires the “OPTIONS” Career Curriculum offered by the Professional Development and Career Office.  OPTIONS is designed to provide trainees with the skills for career building and the opportunity for career exploration as well as professional development training

Human Genetics trainees also take a two-week course in July at the Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor, Maine entitled "Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics: The McKusick Short Course" which covers the waterfront from basic principles to the latest developments in mammalian genetics. The faculty numbers about 50 and consists roughly in thirds of JAX faculty, Hopkins faculty and “guest” faculty comprising outstanding mammalian geneticists from other US universities and around the world.

The courses offered by the faculty of the program are listed below. All courses are open to graduate students from any university program as well as selected undergraduates with permission of the course director.

Trainees must complete three research rotations before deciding on their thesis lab.  They must also participate in the Responsible Conduct of Research sessions offered by the Biomedical Program; starting at year 3, students must attend at least two Research Integrity Colloquium lectures per year. 

Our trainees participate in weekly journal clubs, department seminars, monthly Science & Pizza presentations as well as workshops given twice a year on diversity, identity and culture.

At the end of the second year, trainees take their Doctoral Board Oral Examination.  Annual thesis committee meetings must be held following successful completion of this exam.

Average time for completion is 5.3 years.

Graduates from the Human Genetics program pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry, teaching, government, law, as well the private sector.  Our trainees are encouraged to explore the full spectrum of professional venues in which their training my provide a strong foundation. Driven by curiosity and a desire for excellence, our trainees stand out as leaders in the chosen arenas of professional life. They are supported in the development of their career plans by a program faculty and administration who are dedicated to their success, and by a myriad of support networks across the Johns Hopkins University, many of which are provided by the Professional Development Career Office of the School of Medicine.

Ph.D. Program

Graduate studies.

The Genetics Ph.D. program provides opportunities for graduate study in all major areas of modern genetics, including identification and analysis of human disease genes, molecular evolution, gene therapy, statistical genetics, application of model organisms to problems in biology and medicine, and computational and experimental approaches to genome biology.

An underlying theme in our Department is that genetics is not merely a set of tools but a coherent and fruitful way of thinking about biology and medicine. To this end, we emphasize a spectrum of approaches based on molecules, organisms, populations, and genomes.

We provide training through laboratory rotations, dissertation research, seminar series, didactic and interactive coursework, and an annual three-day retreat.

Students receive a competitive stipend ($51,600) for the 2023-24 Academic Year), tuition, health insurance, and a dental care stipend for a full four years. We also encourage students to seek additional fellowships, including but not limited to: NSF GRFP , NIH F31 , NDSEG , Stanford Bio-X fellowship , Stanford DARE , and Stanford CEHG Fellowship .

Lab Rotations

Students rotate through 3 laboratories during their first year in the Genetics Graduate Program. While most students start in Fall Quarter, students are encouraged to consider participating in the  Advance Summer Institute  for a smoother early transition into graduate school. There is a nomination & selection process. The department nominates, so if you are interested please let the department student services officer know. The program is not meant to be a source of summer bridge funding or simply an early rotation opportunity. There are many components to the program that require commitment of time and effort and the funding, reflects both the expectation of full participation and belief that participants should be compensated for these efforts. Office of Graduate Education does the selection for ADVANCE. There is no guarantee that if you are nominated that you will be of admitted into ADVANCE.

Rotations typically last one quarter each, but can be less and are contingent upon the faculty member agreeing to the rotation request. All Genetics students must rotate with at least 1 Genetics faculty member (primary or secondary appointment). Other rotations may be done with any Bioscience faculty.

While students may select a thesis laboratory after completing their third rotation, you can do more Selection of the dissertation research laboratory must be done with the faculty member's approval. Prior to committing to a dissertation laboratory, students are invited to discuss their selection with the Graduate Program Director. Students are welcome to join labs outside of the Genetics Department; if so, they will discuss with the Graduate Program Director whether transferring into that department would be beneficial.

Dissertation Research

Once a student selects a permanent laboratory, they begin their dissertation research that will last for approximately four years. All students are expected to publish at least one first-author paper about their research during this time period, and the work culminates with a thesis defense presentation and written dissertation. See the Genetics Student Handbook for more information.

Coursework, Qualifying Exams, and other Requirements

Students in the Genetics Graduate Program take the Qualifying Examination in the Fall Quarter of their second year of study. There are two parts to the exam, a written research proposal and an oral examination.

Ami Bhatt, Dylan Maghini, and collaborators from the University of the Witwatersrand visit with researchers and staff at the MRC/Wits Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit in Agincourt, South Africa.

Ami Bhatt, Dylan Maghini, and collaborators tour the MRC/Wits Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit labs and biobank facility in Agincourt, South Africa.

Service Requirement

Service and outreach are a critical component of a student’s development as a scientist, and offer unique opportunities to learn by interacting with individuals outside the Department. Students are expected to participate in a minimum of 60 hours of service and/or outreach work prior to defending their dissertation.

Supplementary Educational Activities

In addition to your courses, qualifying exams, and dissertation, the Genetics Department has arranged additional educational activities for students. These regularly occurring meetings are:

Current Issues in Genetics (CIG) Two people from the Genetics Department give 20-25 minute presentations about their current work at this weekly Friday meeting. Students in their third year and above are expected to present their work annually. This series gives students the chance to learn about the range of science going on in the department and provides a great opportunity to give formal presentations to peers and colleagues. 

Graduate Student Journal Club This weekly journal club is organized completely by graduate students from the Genetics and Developmental Biology Departments. At each meeting, one or two graduate students lead 30 minute discussions on their choice of a recent journal article. For the first three years of the Ph.D. program, each student presents once per academic year.

Refreshments are provided by the graduate students and reimbursed up to the current year limit. Reimbursement requires an original receipt to the Student Services Coordinator.

Frontiers in Biology  Every week, the Departments of Genetics, Developmental Biology, and Biochemistry host an external speaker through the “Frontiers in Biology” seminar series. First year students also take a course related to this seminar (GENE 215), where they discuss a relevant paper the day before and meet the speaker after the presentation. 

Frontiers is held most Wednesdays at 4pm in Clark Auditorium.

Other Seminar Series There are many other regular seminar series on campus that students choose to attend. Some of the most popular include:

Center of Law and the Biosciences lunchtime talks. See CLB events calendar or subscribe to the listserv

Evolgenome (organized by CEHG). See CEHG website or subscribe to the listserv

Teaching and Mentoring Academy Events. See TMA website or subscribe to the listserv

Discussing Developmental Data (3D). See events schedule

Biomedical Seminars. See events schedule or subscribe to the listserv

Requirements

Important forms.

Service Requirement Form Click Here

Other Important Info

Please examine the research interests and laboratory descriptions available from the Department Faculty page.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs maintains a list of open postdoctoral positions. This site also provides useful information to those considering postdoctoral positions at Stanford.

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Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Epi

Faculty of interest.

Senior Research Scientist in and Lecturer in Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases)

• Chronic Disease
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• Ovarian Neoplasms
• Stress, Psychological
• Disease-Free Survival
• Nutritional Sciences

Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Co-Director, Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Chronic Disease Epidemiology

• Pre-Eclampsia
• Genetic Pleiotropy

Assistant Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases)

• Breast Neoplasms
• Public Health
• Skin Neoplasms
• Colorectal Neoplasms
• Metabolomics

Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Hypertension
• Maternal Health Services
• Maternal-Child Health Centers
• Prenatal Care
• American Samoa

Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases) and of Ophthalmology and Visual Science

• Environmental Exposure
• Environmental Health
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Assistant Professor Adjunct in Pathology

• Alzheimer Disease
• Energy Intake
• Genetic Variation
• Cellular Senescence
• DNA Methylation
• Computational Biology
• Gene Expression Profiling
• Gene Regulatory Networks
• Clonal Evolution

Research Scientist in Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases)

• Immunologic Factors
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor II
• Pancreatic Neoplasms
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Helicobacter pylori
• Endometrial Neoplasms
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Metabolic Syndrome
• RNA, Long Noncoding

Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Co-Leader, Cancer Prevention and Control

• Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• Myeloproliferative Disorders

Professor Emeritus and Senior Research Scientist in Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health

• Esophageal Neoplasms
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Offered By: Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health

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• Andrew Riley, PhD
• Byron J. Powell, PhD, LCSW
• Carrie Nieman MD, MPH
• Charles R. Rogers, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES®
• Emily E. Haroz, PhD
• Jennifer Tsui, Ph.D., M.P.H.
• Jessica Magidson, PhD
• Katherine Sanchez, PhD, LCSW
• Kelly Doran, MD, MHS
• Kiara Alvarez, PhD
• LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH
• Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
• Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
• Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
• Virginia McKay, PhD
• Andrew Cohen, MD, PhD
• Angela Chen, PhD, PMHNP-BC, RN
• Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW
• Eliza Park MD, MS
• Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
• Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
• Lingrui Liu ScD MS
• Meaghan Kennedy, MD
• Nicole Stadnick, PhD, MPH
• Paula Aristizabal, MD
• Radhika Sundararajan, MD
• Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
• Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
• Allison Magnuson, DO
• Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
• Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
• Christopher Woodrell MD
• Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
• Jasmine Abrams, PhD
• Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
• Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
• Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
• Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
• Robert Brady, PhD
• Saria Hassan, MD
• Scherezade Mama, DrPH
• Yuan Lu, ScD
• 2021 Scholars
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• Workforce Training
• Cells-to-Society Courses
• Course/Section Numbers Explained
• Pathway Program with Goucher College
• The George G. Graham Lecture

About the PhD in Population, Family and Reproductive Health Program

The emphasis of the PhD program is to integrate coursework in life course, population and core PFRH areas of interest with the application of a range of research methods to these areas. Doctoral program requirements also 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.

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Population, Family And Reproductive Health?

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:

• Child and Adolescent Health
• Maternal, Fetal and Perinatal Health
• Population and Health
• Women's, Sexual and Reproductive Health

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.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for the first four years of the program: full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance and dental insurance.

The Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health is committed to helping doctoral students finance their degree. Some funding is available through Training Grants and Departmental and School-wide scholarships and awards. Some examples are*:

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Training Grant Violence Training Grant STI Training Grant

* Subject to Change

Doctoral students in the Department are encouraged to apply for outside funding sources to supplement their tuition awards. Students receive support through the Department's faculty, students and staff in submitting grants. For more information regarding funding through the School and outside of the School, please visit the Funding Opportunities page .

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 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 .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. 

Academic Program Manager Gilbert Morgan 410-614-6676 [email protected]

Academic Program Manager Kristen McCormick 410-955-1116 [email protected]

MPH in Public Health Genetics

The MPH in Public Health Genetics program integrates genetics and the public health science disciplines of epidemiology, pathobiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health services research, with ethics, social sciences, public affairs, economics and law. Public health genetics focuses on phenotypic disease prevention in populations, not just individual patients and their families. It addresses society’s legal, ethical, financial, regulatory, and organizational responsibilities in offering genetic services, and devising environmental and occupational interventions to prevent disease in populations.

Upon completion of the MPH in public health genetics, students will meet the following program-specific competencies:

• Apply knowledge of inheritance, including basic cellular and molecular mechanisms, and both genetic and non-genetic related risk factors for disease to understanding a variety of rare and common health conditions
• Assess and communicate the benefits, risks, and limitations of the integration of genetics and genomics principles and technologies into public health projects and initiative
• Identify and assess the ethical, legal and social principles and issues important to public health genetics
• Effectively communicate genetic and genomic principles to the general public, public health professionals, and health care providers
• Evaluate how genetic principles/technologies apply to precision public health: the targeting of diagnosis, screening, and interventions for disease prevention and health promotion programs
• Promote integration of justice, health equity, diversity, and inclusion into genetics, public health genetics, and precision public health programs and initiatives

Requirements

• Completion of 47 credits, including a minimum of 37 credits of coursework in human genetics and the core public health disciplines
• A 200-hour practicum
• Final MPH essay (involving data analysis)
• Graduates are required to meet the Human Genetics MPH competencies described above and all  MPH Public Health Competencies

Recent graduates hold the following positions:

• Staff, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Program Evaluation and Research Unit, Pittsburgh, PA
• Project Coordinator, Association of American Cancer Institutes
• Project Coordinator, Libyan Ministry of Health (Vaccination Program)
• Research Assistant,  All of Us  Precision Medicine Initiative, University of Pittsburgh, PA
• Staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspective Service, Washington, D.C.
• Epidemiologist, West Virginia Health Center
• Project Manager, Center for Oral Health in Appalachia (COHRA)

Graduates also pursue doctoral study, medical school, or other degrees.

Program Leadership

Andrea L. Durst Program Director

Andrea Durst is the director of the MPH program in public health genetics. She also serves as associate director of the genetic counseling program. She brings extensive experience in clinical cancer genetic counseling, management, and public health genetics. 

MPH Class of 2023

Gracen Mitrick graduated from the College of Charleston with a major in biology with a minor in psychology, researching plant genetics with  Arabidopsis thaliana. Here in Pittsburgh she is a student recruitment ambassador and BSPH peer mentor. Her favorite things about the city are its sporting events, festivals and museums. There is always something going on, she's never bored here. Mitrick is from Greenville, SC and can juggle! 

MPH Class of 2024

For her practicum, she worked with the IMPLICIT (Interventions to Minimize Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants Using Continuous Quality Improvement Techniques) Network where she curated informational infographics. The content targeting mothers/birthing people, and family medicine residents in training, to emphasize health and birthing equity. Balaji launched their public-facing social media page which aimed to disseminate information on interventions to minimize preterm and low birth weight infants. 

For her practicum, Duong served a rare disease advocacy organization, the E.WE Foundation, dedicated to supporting patients and families affected by Trisomy 18 and other rare diseases. She researched, developed and implemented a health equity workshop for rare disease patients and advocates, aimed at increasing awareness and education for inequities in health access and care for patients and families affected by rare diseases. 

Wallendal's practicum is being done in the Lysosomal Storage Disorders Clinic at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She has been assisting with clinical trials for patients with rare conditions, gathering resources to share with families, and improving organization of research materials. 

Reynolds works as a clinical research assistant at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. The study she works on is part of a national vaccine surveillance network that collects data on acute viral illnesses in children with the goal to improve vaccine efficacy in the future. 

Sawicki's practicum is with Kids' Health Connections in Detroit, MI working on a community garden with children and their families to prevent childhood obesity. She is also working with the Midwest Genetics Network on the geneTIC workgroup to create a literature review and cost-benefit analysis fact sheet about trauma informed care in genetics clinics. 

MPH Class of 2025

Full Program Information

Student Handbook Quick Start Guide Graduation Checklist Recommended Courses Admissions

• Find a Genetics Clinic

Public Health Genetics and Genomics Week

Public health genetics and genomics week is held each may. learn about the field of public health genetics and genomics on this website and join us may 20-24, 2024, for our fifth annual phgw.

#PHGW, #PublicHealthGenetics, #PublicHealthGenomics

Public health genetics and genomics apply genetic and genomic information to improve public health and prevent disease.

Public health genetics and genomics includes healthcare providers, patients, families, federal agencies, public health professionals, and non-profits. During the fifth annual Public Health Genetics and Genomics Week, we will be celebrating the efforts of those individuals who participate in the public health genetics system and seek to raise awareness about the field.

PHGW Daily Themes

What is Public Health Genetics and Genomics?

Learn what public health genetics and genomics are on Day 1 of PHGW.

Who is Involved in Public Health Genetics and Genomics?

For Day 2, we will highlight the members that make up the public health genetics and genomics system.

What are Public Health Genetics and Genomics Programs?

Explore the types of programs that are part of the public health genetics and genomics system on Day 3.

Public Health Screening

During Day 4, we will highlight population genetics screenings such as newborn screening and non-invasive prenatal screening.

Public Health Genetics and Genomics Resources

On the last day of PHGW,  find over 600+ resources that help support the public health genetics system.

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• Degrees Offered

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Genetics

Description.

The program provides training in three primary areas of public health genetics: genetic epidemiology; pharmacogenomics; and ethical, legal and social issues in genetics.

The Graduate Certificate Program in Public Health Genetics is available to students already enrolled in any other University of Washington graduate degree program.