PhD in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins University

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.

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.  Advances in human genetics and genomics continue at an astounding rate and increasingly they are being integrated into medical practice. The Johns Hopkins Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics (HG) 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 Human Genetics Program has also partnered with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) in establishing the Maryland Genetics, Epidemiology, and Medicine Training Program (MD-GEM). Funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, MD-GEM takes a multidisciplinary approach by combining the expertise of all three institutions, to foster the development of a new generation of scientists.  Interested Human Genetics students can participate in this additional training.

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. Because the program in human genetics is a university-wide activity, supporting facilities are extensive.

Financial Aid

The program is supported by a limited number of teaching assistantships and predoctoral training funds from the National Institutes of Health. These fellowships, which are restricted to United States citizens and permanent United States residents, cover tuition and provide monthly stipends and are awarded to essentially all students in the program. Students are encouraged, however, to apply for fellowships from outside sources (e.g., the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute) before entering the program.

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.