Admission Requirements
Students interested in pursuing multidisciplinary research to gain a broad perspective in chemistry and biology are encouraged to apply to the Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) PhD program. The CBI Program spans departments in Johns Hopkins University’s schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Public Health.
Selected applicants will be asked to visit Johns Hopkins University for an interview the first week of March 2024. The CBI Program will arrange for meetings with faculty and students, and conduct tours of the facilities and community.
Application Instructions
To apply to the CBI Program, you will need to submit:
- An online application for the Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) PhD
- An unofficial undergraduate transcript
- Statement of purpose
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
In addition, the general GRE along with one of the following subject tests are optional but may be submitted:
- Biochemistry
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
International Applicants
A training grant from the National Institutes of Health provides support for our students during their first year in the graduate program at the Chemistry-Biology Interface. However, the NIH limits this to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students who are interested in applying to this program must secure an outside grant or fellowship.
Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars
The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for STEM PhD students. It provides full tuition, stipend, benefits, targeted mentoring, and professional development. Students who have attended a historically black college and university or other minority serving institution for undergraduate study are eligible. Click the following link for more information: VTSI Flyer
There is no additional application. To be considered for the VTSI, all components of the PhD application, including supplemental components, special VSTI questions, and letters of recommendation must be completed by December 1, 2023, even if the program deadline is later.
Relocation Funds for Incoming Graduate Students
We recognize that it can be financially burdensome to relocate to a new city to attend a Ph.D. program. Students who are accepted to Ph.D. programs at JHU can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to 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 Ph.D. program.
This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.
Click here for more information.
Program Requirement
In addition to completing an original research thesis, all Johns Hopkins University PhD candidates are required to pass the Graduate Board oral exam. CBI students are required to meet the following additional requirements:
- Present and defend an original research proposal in the CBI Forum during the fall semester of the second year in residence
- Complete 3 Research Rotations in the first year in residence
- Complete 8 graduate-level courses
CBI Forum (030.613/614)
CBI students and faculty meet monthly in a forum. The forum hosts:
CBI preceptor presentations – Fall semester
First-year student rotation presentations – Throughout the year
Third-year Research Proposal Seminars – Fall semester
Advanced-year student research updates – Spring semester
Seminars presented by distinguished visitors – Throughout the year.
Third-Year Research Proposal Seminar
As a third-year CBI student, students will prepare and present a research proposal in an area that is unrelated to their dissertation research. The research proposal will help students develop the critical reading, grant proposal writing, and presentation skills that will enhance their success as a research scientist.