Ph.D. Program
The Johns Hopkins Human Genetics and Genomics Training Program provides 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 and Genomics 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 and Genomics site has up-to-date information on “How to Apply.” For questions not addressed on these pages, please access the contact information listed on the program page: Human Genetics and Genomics Training Program | Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine.
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ME.710.700 | Advanced Topics in Human Genetics | 1.5 |
| ME.710.748 | Introduction to Rigor and Reproducibility in Reseach | |
| ME.710.745 | Evolving Concepts of the Gene | 5 |
| ME.800.811 | Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| ME.710.746 | Human Genetics Boot Camp | 2 |
| ME.110.728 | Cell Structure and Dynamics | 1.5 |
| ME.260.709 | Molecular Biology and Genomics | 1.5 |
| ME.710.800 | Independent Research | 1 - 18 |
| ME.710.747 | Systems, genes and mechanisms in disease | 3 |
| ME.710.744 | Genomic Technologies: Tools for Illuminating Biology and Dissecting Disease | 1.5 |
| ME.710.740 | Understanding Genetic Disease | 0.5 |
| ME.360.728 | Pathways and Regulation | 2 |
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.