Q. What are the Department's Admissions Requirements?

• Baccalaureate-level degree in a related field
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Personal statement of professional and/or research goals
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• TOEFL or IELT scores for non-native English speakers (minimum scores for TOEFL: 250 CBT; 100 iBT; 600 PBT (Paperbased test); IELT: 7)
• Three letters of recommendation 

Q. How do I apply?
A. The School's Application Instructions are available here.

Q. What are the deadlines to apply for an MHS, PhD, or DrPH in the Department of International Health?
A. The priority deadline is January 2. However, the Department will continue to accept applications on a rolling admissions basis through approximately mid-April. For best consideration and scholarship consideration, it is recommended that students submit their application as close to the January 2 deadline as possible.

Q. What is the funding for doctoral degree students?
A. The Department awards a limited number of full-tuition scholarships to incoming doctoral students each year in a competitive process. The award is good for six terms (or 1½ years) and covers only the cost of tuition. After six full-time terms all doctoral students automatically receive a 75% tuition scholarship for the remainder of the program. Training grants, and research and teaching assistantships may be available that can support students in selected areas. More Funding Information.

Q. What is the funding for master's degree students?
A. The Department awards a limited number of full-tuition scholarships to incoming master's students each year in a competitive process. After passing the written comprehensive examination and during the internship stage of the program, the Department automatically provides a 75% scholarship to all master's students; students are responsible for the remaining 25% of the tuition. Research and teaching assistantships may be available that can support students in selected areas. Financial support for internships varies depending on the sponsoring organization. More Funding Information.

Q. What is the difference between the Master of Health Science (MHS) and Master of Public Health (MPH) programs?
A. The MHS is a department-based degree program designed for students who are looking to begin a career in public health. It provides a foundation in core public health disciplines while allowing students to develop more specialized skills in a particular area of interest. The MHS includes an internship requirement of a minimum of four months.

The MPH is a schoolwide degree program designed to provide students with broad-based education in the areas of population health and disease, as well as training to work with a variety of public health issues. Applicants must have a minimum two years of experience in the health field prior to applying. 

The two degrees are equivalent in terms of their level of recognition and respect in the field of public health.

Q. What is the difference between the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs?
A. The DrPH is designed for students with experience in the practice of public health who have already earned their MPH or an equivalent degree and want to further prepare themselves for leadership positions at federal agencies, state and local health departments, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and health care institutions.

The PhD prepares students to become independent investigators in academic and non-academic research institutions, and emphasizes contributions to theory and basic science. Applicants must apply to one of the Department's four program areas.

Q. What are the typical GRE and GPA scores for students admitted into the Department?
A. In general, GRE scores for most students admitted average the 75 percentile in all three areas, with the average somewhat lower for MHS students and higher for PhD and DrPH students. Undergraduate GPAs average 3.25 for MHS students, and graduate GPAs average 3.50 for PhD and DrPH students.

It should be noted that no one factor dominates the admissions decision. Factors examined include previous grades, types of courses taken, GRE scores, the personal statement, three letters of recommendation, the match to track and faculty interests, and experience. Experience in international developing countries is viewed favorably, especially for admission to the PhD program.

Q. Do you accept MCAT scores in place of GRE scores?
A. MCAT scores are accepted only for MHS applicants. All doctoral applicants must submit GRE scores.

Q. What are the application requirements for international students?
A. Visit the International Applicant Information website for details. Application requirements for the Department are also posted. Experience in international developing countries is viewed favorably, especially for admission to the PhD program.

Q: If I am a foreign, non-native English speaking student who graduated from a college in the United States, do I still need to submit a TOEFL score?
A: If you received a degree from an English-speaking university, you can request a TOEFL score waiver from the Academic Administrator by email. We will review your degree and university to determine whether you will need to submit a TOEFL score.

Q. Can I visit the campus?
A. Applicants are welcome to visit the campus to meet the faculty and attend classes. To learn more about school-organized Visitors' Days, the Fall Open House, and guided tours, visit the Admissions Office website. You may also schedule a visit with the Department by contacting the Academic Program Manager.

Q. Can I complete the MHS, PhD, or DrPH programs online or on a part-time basis?
A. The Department does not offer these options for any degree programs. While some courses are available through the Web, the programs require that students be enrolled full-time and be in residence. However, the MPH program offers part-time/Internet-based options.

Q. Can I enroll in the Winter or Summer Institutes as a full-time student?
A: You can enroll in these Institutes but you will have to pay additional tuition for each course. Your regular year tuition does not cover the cost of courses in these Institutes.

Q. Am I eligible for the training grant in International Maternal and Child Health? How do I apply for this?
A: Only PhD students who are U.S. citizens or green card holders are eligible for this training grant. Incoming PhD students, as well as students already enrolled, are eligible. There is no application process. All students expressing an interest in international maternal and child health in their goals essay in their admissions application, or current students whose thesis proposal addresses this topic, are eligible for consideration. A committee of faculty meet in the early spring to review applications to the PhD program and current students for consideration. Decisions are made on the basis of prior academic performance, interest in the topic, and likelihood of having a career in research upon graduation. Special consideration is given to minority students underrepresented in science/health research.

MHS/RD Program FAQ

How do I decide between the MPH/RD and the MHS/RD programs?

There are several ways to think about this.

First, the MPH/RD program is for students who are course-qualified for an RD internship, which means they have completed a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and met the requirements, or they have taken the requisite coursework post-baccalaureate. The MPH program requires at least 2 years of health-related experience post-baccalaureate prior to admission; the RD internship can be used to count towards the 2 years or experience, but the student would have to have at least 1 year prior to beginning the RD internship component to qualify.

Second, the orientation of the programs differs in that the internship linked to the MPH focuses on clinical dietetics and is designed for those interested in working in a hospital, research center or other clinical setting. In contrast, the RD internship option within the MHS program is in public health nutrition, and is oriented toward those interested in working in nutrition programs and policies in health departments, federal agencies or in population-based research or health promotion settings.

Third, it is important to note that the 10-month dietetics internship in clinical dietetics is linked to the MPH program, but it is a stand-alone program. Students may apply to that program without also applying to the MPH program; to do that, students should contact the internship program directly.  In contrast, the 8-month RD internship in public health nutrition is available only to qualified students in the MHS program in Human Nutrition.

Would it be possible to get credit for prerequisite courses through an online college course or do they have to be completed at a community college, local college, etc?

Prerequisite courses may be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level at an accredited institution of your choice, whether it's on-line or in-person.  For Anatomy & Physiology, they are usually offered as separate courses (an Anatomy course and a Physiology course) or as A&P I and II. Either arrangement is fine; however, a one-semester combined A&P course is too condensed to cover both topics in one semester, and it is information used on a daily basis during the practicum. If you are not sure a course is fulfills the prerequisite requirements, please contact Sarah Post (410-550-9863) or Cristina Salazar (410-955-3734).

What is the admissions process to the MHS/RD program?

Students need to apply to the MHS program in the Department of International Health. In the application students need to choose the Department, then Human Nutrition as a program area, and type “RD program” in the specific interest box. Student should also mention the RD program in the personal statement. The primary acceptance into the MHS program is determined by the International Health admissions committee. Once a candidate is accepted into the MHS program, the application is passed on to the Nutrition Director at the Bayview Medical Center for admission into the RD track. This committee will look at the prerequisite courses, and will conduct interviews either in person or by telephone. The Department of International Health will contact the student with the admission decision.

Does this masters enable me to register with the American Dietetic Association?

Following completion of the MHS/RD program at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, graduates are qualified to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Can I apply to the RD program after I start classes as an MHS student at JHSPH?

No, unfortunately the only time you can apply to the RD program is at the same time as you are applying to the MHS degree in International Health.

Is there anything else I need to know about the RD program?

Students admitted to the MHS/RD must take the course Introduction to Biomedical Sciences, which is an intensive 2-week course offered in August prior to Orientation. For more information please contact Cristina Salazar at 410-955-3734.