Frequently Asked Questions
We have included the most frequently asked questions received for each graduate program offered in EHE. If you have a question that is not covered here, please reach out to the Program Director or Academic Program Administrator for your program of interest.
PhD in Environmental Health
How do I apply?
Application instructions, requirements, and deadlines are outlined on the Admissions Services page. Also, make sure to check out the Admissions Services FAQs.
Is there a minimum GPA or GRE score required to apply?
No. The program takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications and does not make decisions based solely on GPA or GRE scores.
Is the GRE required?
The GRE is optional.
Is financial support available for PhD students?
Students admitted to the PhD program are offered full funding (matriculation fee, tuition, and health insurance) and a stipend for living expenses. Spots in this program are limited and the admissions process is highly competitive so be sure to submit your application by the deadline.
The current tuition and fees for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health can be found here. Please note that tuition and fees are the same for U.S. citizens and non-residents.
Is a master’s degree or work experience required for admission to the PhD program?
No.
Can the PhD program be completed part-time or online?
No.
Where can I find a list of faculty who are accepting PhD students?
The end of each track section in the student handbook includes the names of faculty who are available to accept PhD students. Students admitted to the track in Toxicology, Physiology, and Molecular Mechanisms will complete a series of lab rotations during the first year of the program, prior to selecting a mentor and lab. Students in the Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology track will be matched with a faculty mentor based on shared research interests. Students in the Health Security track will be matched with faculty from the Center for Health Security based on shared research interests.
Do I need to secure a faculty mentor prior to submitting my application?
No. Students admitted to the track in Toxicology, Physiology, and Molecular Mechanisms will complete a series of lab rotations during the first year of the program, prior to selecting a mentor and lab. Students in the Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology track will be matched with a faculty mentor based on shared research interests. Students in the Health Security track will be matched with faculty from the Center for Health Security based on shared research interests.
Where can I find program statistics?
PhD program statistics are available here http://oir.jhu.edu/graduate-students/doctoral-students/doctoral-statistics/
How long does it take to complete the program?
On average, students complete the program in 5 years.
Where can I find the PhD program curriculum?
The curricula for our PhD programs can be found in the student handbook. One exception to note is the curriculum for the PhD track in Health Security, which is located here https://ehe.jhu.edu/_pdfs-and-docs/handbooks/EHE_PhD_%20HS_Track_Courses.pdf.
Who can I contact for more information?
For general inquiries about the application process and our programs, please contact Katie Phipps kphipps4@jhu.edu. You may also contact the program director(s). Questions about the SOPHAS application and application materials can be sent to Admissions Services jhsph.admiss@jhu.edu.
PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering
How do I apply?
Visit the WSE Graduate Admissions website for instructions about how to apply and other important information.
What are the required materials for my application?
- 3 letters of recommendation
- GRE scores (see more information about GRE scores for Fall2021 applicants below)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (see more information about TOEFL/IELTS scores below)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- CV/Resume
Is the GRE required?
Yes, the GRE is required, however there are special accommodations being made this cycle due to COVID-19. A statement about these accommodations can be viewed on the WSE Graduate Admissions website.
Is there a GPA cut-off or GRE minimum score?
No, there is not a formal GPA or GRE-score cut-off.
Is there a minimum score for the TOEFL?
No, there is no formal cut-off but the school prefers a minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), and 100 (internet-based) on the TOEFL. Please visit the Information for International Students page provided by the Whiting School of Engineering for more information about English proficiency tests.
If I have a master’s degree from a U.S. institution do I need the TOEFL?
No, you may request a waiver. Please visit the Information for International Students page provided by the Whiting School of Engineering for more information about English Proficiency Test waiver eligibility.
Does the PhD program offer financial support?
Applicants accepted into the doctoral program are fully supported (tuition, health insurance, and stipend).
Is a master’s degree required for admission?
No, a master’s degree is not required for admission.
Can the PhD program be completed part-time or online?
In general, the PhD program is a full-time, resident academic program.
Am I required to identify a faculty mentor prior to submitting my application?
No, you are not required to identify a faculty mentor prior to submitting your application.
I am interested in a faculty members research and want to learn more. Should I contact the faculty member directly?
Absolutely, however, remember that faculty receive numerous emails daily and may take a little while to respond. If you have difficulty reaching a faculty member, you may contact the Academic Program Administrator.
Can I send you my transcripts and CV for a pre-review?
No, we are not able to participate in a pre-review. Please submit your complete application with all materials for review.
Where do alumni go?
- U.S. Department of Enery
- Virginia Tech
- IDbyDNA
- Dow
- George Washington University
- Stanford
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
What do they do?
- Principal Research Staff
- Assistant Professor
- Environmental Engineer
- Hydrologist
- Applications Scientist
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Informatician
Where can I find program statistics?
PhD program statistics are available here http://oir.jhu.edu/graduate-students/doctoral-students/doctoral-statistics/
Who can I contact for more information?
You may contact the Academic Program Administrator for general program questions. Questions related to difficulty using the application site should be directed to WSEGrad-Admissions@jhu.edu.
MHS in Environmental Health
How do I apply?
Application instructions, requirements, and deadlines are outlined on the Admissions Services page. Your statement of purpose is an opportunity for you to describe your academic and career goals and explain how it is envisioned that the MHS in EH program will advance you toward those goals.
Both the full-time and part-time programs begin in the fall. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis starting in January/February for enrollment in the following academic year. Interviews are not required but may be requested by you or the program director.
Is the GRE or MCAT required?
Test scores are optional.
Is a minimum GPA or GRE score required to apply?
No. The program takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications and does not make decisions based solely on GPA or GRE scores.
Where can I find the curriculum for the MHS program?
The MHS curriculum is in the student handbook.
Does the MHS program offer funding?
MHS students are eligible for a limited number of partial-tuition scholarships to be used toward full-time study. As decided by a committee of faculty members, scholarships are offered to selected students based on their prior academic achievements and experience. Departmental scholarship decisions are made during the admissions process and communicated to students in their letter of acceptance.
The current tuition and fees for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health can be found here. Please note that tuition and fees are the same for U.S. citizens and non-residents.
Can the MHS program be completed part-time or online?
Yes, the MHS program can be completed part-time. Most coursework is available online. Students in the part-time program have up to 3 years to complete the degree.
Are applicants required to have prior work experience?
Prior work experience is not required.
Will applying to both the part-time and full-time MHS increase my odds of being accepted?
No, both applications will likely be reviewed by the same committee. If you are admitted to the program and later wish to switch to the other format, you can do so.
How long does it take to complete the MHS program?
Typically, students in the full-time MHS program complete their degree within four academic terms (nine months). Due to the sequencing of courses in the curriculum, students begin the program in the first term of the academic year. Both full-time and part-time students must satisfy all requirements within four calendar years.
The 8-week term structure at the Bloomberg School of Public Health permits students to take full advantage of the range of course content available within the MHS program. This allows development of a strong environmental health foundation in their selected area of interest during the academic year.
Will I get to conduct research in the MHS program?
MHS students write an essay as part of the program. The essay could be a simple literature review, or it could be based on original research. Previous topics can be found at https://ehe.jhu.edu/graduate/masters-programs/master-of-health-science-in-environmental-health/student-essays.html. About half of our students work during the program, often as a research assistant.
Who will serve as my adviser?
All new students enrolled in the MHS program are assigned an adviser by the program director based on matching interests and expertise. Advisers are departmental faculty members who are currently part of the MHS in Environmental Health program and are well-versed in the core and focus area course options and program requirements. The adviser serves as the first point of contact for students in addressing programmatic and other academic questions and obtaining advice. For example, this will include help each term in selecting and giving final approval on course selections, fulfillment of program and School course requirements, and guidance in choosing the topic of the essay and in preparing an essay that fulfills this program requirement.
It is anticipated that a close relationship will develop between students and their adviser over the course of the year through interactions that occur on a regular, weekly basis. You, your adviser and the program director work together to achieve your success in the program.
Who can I contact for more information?
To learn more about the program, please contact the program director, Dr. Megan Latshaw (mlatshaw@jhu.edu). For general inquiries about the application process and our programs, please contact Katie Phipps kphipps4@jhu.edu. Questions about SOPHAS and application materials can be sent to Admissions Services jhsph.admiss@jhu.edu.
MA/MS/MSE in Geography and Environmental Engineering
How do I apply?
Visit the WSE Graduate Admissions website for instructions about how to apply and other important information.
What are the required materials for my application?
- 3 letters of recommendation
- GRE scores (see more information about GRE scores for Fall2021 applicants below)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (see more information about TOEFL/IELTS scores below)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- CV/Resume
Is the GRE required?
Yes, the GRE is required, however there are special accommodations being made this cycle due to COVID-19. A statement about these accommodations can be viewed on the WSE Graduate Admissions website.
Is the TOEFL required?
Yes, the TOEFL (or other English Proficiency test) is required unless your citizenship is from a country with English as the official language, you have completed or will complete a bachelor’s and/or graduate degree at an institution in a country for which English is the official language, or at an institution in which the sole/primary language of instruction, writing, and testing is English. If any of these conditions apply to you then you may request a waiver. Please visit the Information for International Students page provided by the Whiting School of Engineering for more information about English Proficiency Test waiver eligibility.
Is there a minimum score for the TOEFL?
No, there is not a formal cut-off but the school prefers a minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), and 100 (internet-based) on the TOEFL. Please visit the Information for International Students page provided by the Whiting School of Engineering for more information about English proficiency tests.
Is there a GPA cut-off or GRE minimum score?
No, there is not a formal GPA or GRE-score cut-off.
What financial support if available to MS students?
The department offers scholarships to students upon admission to the program. There is no need to apply, however, if an admitted applicant is able to demonstrate significant need, they are encouraged to contact the Academic Program Administrator to see if additional funds are available.
The department offers the Jensen Fellowship in partnership with EA Engineering. The Fellowship covers tuition and fees over two academic semesters and during a 6-month internship, and a $6,000 take-home stipend (available during the internship). The fellowship is open to professionally-oriented master’s students.
Can the Master’s program be completed part-time or online?
No, the program is considered a full-time, resident program. There is an opportunity to move to part-time during the final semester if certain requirements have been fulfilled.
What is the curriculum?
The curriculum varies widely between the MS, MSE, and MA tracks. Please consult the program pages to view the curriculum.
Is there any opportunity to complete research?
Many of our Master’s students participate in research with faculty. There are ample opportunities within the department and all of Johns Hopkins.
What is the average time to complete the program?
It is possible to complete the program in one year, however many of our students are involved with research and take the opportunity to complete the program in one and a half years.
Can I complete a formal thesis?
Yes. Students have the option to complete a formal thesis, research paper, or research project.
Who can I contact for more information?
You may contact the Academic Program Administrator for general program questions. Questions related to difficulty using the application site should be directed to WSEGrad-Admissions@jhu.edu.
Example positions of recent grads...
- Water and Wastewater Engineer
- Foreign Service Officer
- Data Scientist
- Fundamental Power Market Analyst
- Staff Engineer
- Senior Consultant
- PhD student
Examples of companies and schools of recent grads...
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc.
- Enel Green Power
- AECOM
- Micron Technology
- USAID
- World Resources Institute
- Stanford University
MS in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
How do I apply?
Visit the WSE Graduate Admissions website for instructions about how to apply and other important information.
Is the GRE required?
Yes, the GRE is required, however there are special accommodations being made this cycle due to COVID-19. A statement about these accommodations can be viewed on the WSE Graduate Admissions website.
Is the TOEFL required?
Yes, the TOEFL (or other English Proficiency test) is required unless your citizenship is from a country with English as the official language, you have completed or will complete a bachelor’s and/or graduate degree at an institution in a country for which English is the official language, or at an institution in which the sole/primary language of instruction, writing, and testing is English. If any of these conditions apply to you then you may request a waiver. Please visit the Information for International Students page provided by the Whiting School of Engineering for more information about English Proficiency Test waiver eligibility.
Is there a minimum score for the TOEFL?
No, there is not a formal cut-off but the school prefers a minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), and 100 (internet-based) on the TOEFL. Please visit the Information for International Students page provided by the Whiting School of Engineering for more information about English proficiency tests.
Can the program be completed part-time or online?
Yes, there are two different options for the MS OEH. The full-time program must be applied to through EHE in WSE and the part-time online program is available through EHE in the Engineering for Professionals program.
What is the curriculum?
The MS OEH curriculum is in the student handbook.
What is the average time to complete the program?
The full-time program requires 16 months (six academic terms and one summer session) to complete.
What are the requirements for graduation?
In addition to coursework, this program includes a three-month internship, which can be employment-based. The internship is designed to provide a professional experience tailored to the needs and interests of each student. Students must submit a final paper that serves as a culmination of the entire educational experience. Results from the internship project and an overall review of the educational experience are also presented in a seminar for an audience of faculty and students.
Who can I contact for more information?
To learn more about the program, please contact the program director, Dr. Kirsten Koehler (kkoehle1@jhu.edu). For general inquiries about the application process and our programs, please contact Jessica Elroy (jelroy1@jhu.edu). For more information about the part-time program, please contact Carla Reinhard (creinha2@jhu.edu). Questions related to difficulty using the application site should be directed to WSEGrad-Admissions@jhu.edu.
MS in Toxicology for Human Risk Assessment
How do I apply?
Application instructions, requirements, and deadlines are outlined on the Admissions Services page. Also, make sure to check out the Admissions Services FAQs.
Background coursework must include foundations in biology and chemistry.
Non-U.S. citizens will need to identify an internship opportunity during the admissions process.
Is the GRE or MCAT required?
Test scores are optional.
Is a minimum GPA or GRE score required to apply?
No. The program takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications and does not make decisions based solely on GPA or GRE scores.
Is work experience required for admission?
Prior work experience is not required.
Is financial support available for students in the MS program?
Full-time MS students in good academic standing are eligible for the Master’s Tuition Scholarship. In total, the MTS is a 75% reduction in tuition during the second year in the program.
The current tuition and fees for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health can be found here. Please note that tuition and fees are the same for U.S. citizens and non-residents.
Can the MS program be completed part-time or online?
Yes, the MS program is available in both full- and part-time formats.
Will applying to both the part-time and full-time MS increase my odds of being accepted?
No, both applications will likely be reviewed by the same committee. If you are admitted to the program and later wish to switch to the other format, you can do so.
Where can I find the curriculum for the MS program?
The MS curriculum is in the student handbook.
Who can I contact for more information?
You may contact the program director Dr. Joseph Bressler (jbressl1@jhu.edu) for additional information. For general inquiries about the application process and our programs, please contact Katie Phipps kphipps4@jhu.edu. Questions about SOPHAS and application materials can be sent to Admissions Services jhsph.admiss@jhu.edu.
ScM in Environmental Health
Who would be interested in the ScM program?
The Master of Science (ScM) in Environmental Health is intended for individuals with a strong interest in pursuing research in one of the various areas within environmental health. Typically, these students have prior hands-on experience in laboratory, field or population-based investigations that they would like to build upon. The ScM thesis is based on original research carried out by the student under the direction of a faculty adviser.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to transition directly into opportunities for further training and research through doctoral degree programs in their primary areas of interest. For those wishing to apply their knowledge and research skills in the field of environmental health prior to pursuing advanced degrees, the ScM will position graduates to compete for research positions in the private sector, federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.
How do I apply?
Application instructions, requirements, and deadlines are outlined on the Admissions Services page. Also, make sure to review the Admissions Services FAQs.
Applications are accepted on an on-going, space-available basis.
Is the GRE or MCAT required?
Test scores are optional.
Is a minimum GPA or GRE score required to apply?
No. The program takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications and does not make decisions based solely on an applicant's GPA or GRE scores.
Are applicants required to have prior work experience?
Work experience is not required.
Can the ScM program be completed part-time or online?
No, the ScM is a full-time, 2-year program.
Where can I find the curriculum for the ScM program?
The ScM curriculum is in the student handbook.
Is financial support available to ScM students?
ScM students are eligible for a limited number of partial-tuition scholarships to be used toward full-time study. As decided by a committee of faculty members, scholarships are offered to selected students based on their prior academic achievements and experience. Departmental scholarship decisions are made during the admissions process and communicated to students in their letter of acceptance.
Full-time ScM students in good academic standing are also eligible for the Master’s Tuition Scholarship. In total, the MTS is a 75% reduction in tuition. Students have the option of distributing the scholarship entirely in their second year of study or receive a 25% reduction in tuition their first year and 50% in their second year.
The current tuition and fees for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health can be found here. Please note that tuition and fees are the same for U.S. citizens and non-residents.
Who will serve as my adviser?
Students are assigned an adviser by the program director that is based on similar interests and needed expertise. Advisers are Departmental faculty members who participate in the ScM and MHS in EH degree programs and are well-versed in program requirements. The adviser serves as the first point of contact and will provide guidance in dealing with academic matters including selection and final approval of courses and general programmatic advice.
For students who transition into the ScM at the end of the second term, advising will transfer to the faculty member who will mentor the student in fulfilling the research requirements for the ScM degree. It is anticipated that a close relationship will develop between student and mentor over the course of the program.
Who can I contact for more information?
To learn more about the program, please contact the program director, Dr. Megan Latshaw (mlatshaw@jhu.edu). For general inquiries about the application process and our programs, please contact Katie Phipps kphipps4@jhu.edu. Questions about the SOPHAS application and application materials can be sent to Admissions Services jhsph.admiss@jhu.edu.