Master's Programs in MMI

Two Master’s degree programs are offered in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology:

1. Master of Health Science (MHS)
2. Master of Science (ScM)

These master’s degree programs are designed for students seeking to improve their applications to medical or other professional schools and for students considering career options in the field of infectious diseases, including research positions in academia, government or industry.

The MHS program is a nine-month program that requires coursework, a scholarly literature-based essay, and a seminar presentation. MHS students must complete 64 credit hours during the four terms of the academic year. Required courses account for about one half of that number.          

Courses required by the department for the MHS/ScM degree include:

260.611-260.612      Principles of Immunology I and II

120.602                  Introduction to Molecular Biology

The following are Schoolwide required courses to graduate with a Master’s degree:

550.860                Academic and Research Ethics

550.865                Public Health Perspectives on Research

Select two of the following four core courses:

260.852                Fundamental Virology

260.627                Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections

260.635                Biology of Parasitology

260.652                Principles of Public Health Ecology  

Select one of the following literature courses:

260.852                Molecular Biology Literature

260.801                Topics in Immunology

260.657                Vector Biology and Disease Ecology

The remaining credits are flexible and may be individualized based on the student’s interests and career aspirations.  Students may take courses offered in MMI or in other departments within and outside of the School. Credits may also be earned for Special Studies conducted one-on-one with departmental faculty. Examples of courses taken by current and former MHS students include:

•             Malariology
•             Vector Biology
•             Statistical Reasoning
•             Topics in AIDS Research
•             Principles of Epidemiology
•             Evolution of Infectious Diseases       
•             Immunogenetics           

Students seeking an MHS degree will work closely with MMI faculty members, one of whom will serve as the student’s advisor and will assist the student with exploring the literature and selecting a topic for the required essay. MHS students will present one seminar based on the essay topic.

The ScM program is a research-based program that is completed in two years. The program includes the same coursework as the MHS program. In addition to coursework, ScM students conduct two laboratory rotations, take a written comprehensive examination at the end of the first year, complete original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, write a research-based thesis, and present the research in a seminar. The degree program is designed for students preparing for PhD programs or considering upper-level research positions in academia, government or industry.

All master’s students may first apply to the MHS program. In the third term of the first year, students who wish to do so may apply for transfer to the ScM program. Students who are certain that they want to pursue a research-based degree that involves conducting original research may also apply directly to the ScM Program.

Previous graduates of the MMI Master’s program have gone on to pursue PhD or MD degrees at institutions including Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Harvard School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, Drexel University, Stanford University, Penn State University, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of California system. Graduates of our Master’s program also have successfully competed for research positions at the National Institutes of Health, various military research facilities, non-profit organizations, and leading biotechnology companies.

For more detailed information about the Master’s Programs in MMI, please consult the Master’s Program Handbook

How to Apply

Prospective students should submit a School Application, which requires the following documents:

•             Official transcript
•             Official GRE or MCAT scores
•             Three letters of recommendation
•             Statement of purpose

It is recommended that prospective students apply to the master’s programs by April 1 for study beginning the following September. Generally, admission decisions are made by April 15, but admission may continue through June 1.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Tylis Cooper
Admissions Coordinator
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, Maryland  21205
Phone: (410) 614-4232
Fax: (410) 955-0105
Email: tycooper@jhsph.edu