About PhD Program,
From its inception, Johns Hopkins has been dedicated to the physician-scientist. The Hopkins tri-emblem represents the three core values of the institution: teaching, patient care, and research.
Our program believes that the training of a physician-scientist begins with fundamental preparation in core disciplines. Thus, we advise students to focus primarily on medicine while in medical school, and research while in graduate school. However, we also take important steps to ensure that students are exposed to the intersection of both worlds early in their training, as well as given the professional and career development advice they need to succeed.
In a word, the MD-PhD curriculum at Johns Hopkins is flexible. Most students decide to do the first two years of medical school then begin graduate school and finish the last two years of their medical training after completing their thesis work (see the Timeline below). However, students who want more first-hand experience in clinical medicine before beginning graduate work can elect to complete three years of medical school, followed by their graduate training, and then the last year the medical school. This can give them a better appreciation of the clinical relevance of their research. In making a choice, trainees consult extensively with the Program Director, the Dean of Students, members of the MD-PhD Committee, prospective research mentors, and their faculty advisors. Students in the MD-PhD Program are automatically accepted to all graduate programs, so no decision about graduate training needs to be made until more familiar with the faculty and programs.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
For the MD-PhD application, the GPA/MCAT ranges listed on our website are not absolute minimums. These ranges are designed to give the applicant an idea of the average scores of the typical candidate who applies to the MD-PhD Program. The MD-PhD Review Committee gives a very holistic review to each and every application, which includes, significant research experience and strong letters of recommendation. They also look very carefully at the medicine/clinical exposure each candidate has had.
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for acceptance. The MCAT must be taken no later than September in the year the application is submitted. The oldest MCAT considered will be four years prior to date of expected matriculation. For students entering in Fall 2023, the oldest acceptable MCAT is 2019.
Note for graduates of foreign institutions: Successful passage of the TOEFL examination is additionally required for all students whose undergraduate instruction was conducted primarily in a language other than English.
Biology
Chemistry
Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
PhD Funding Coverage,
All eligible applicants who are admitted to the MD-PhD Program are considered for funding under the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program Award. Approximately 10-12 MD-PhD students matriculate each year and receive the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) award. This program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, provides full tuition, stipend, and insurance for students. Due to federal restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for MSTP funding.
For the academic year 2023-2024, the annual stipend for students in the MD track of their training (Medical School Years I & II) is $32,352. The stipend for students entering the graduate track of their training in 2022-2023 is $36,508. Health and dental insurance are covered for students during their training.
Application Requirement,
Standardized testing.
Required academic work from an accredited institution.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from an accredited institution.
Communication skills
Teamwork skills.
Conditions of admission.
Letters of recommendation
Non-U.S. citizen applicants.
- Official transcripts are required from all colleges attended outside the United States and Canada for matriculating students.
Application Deadline,
Oct 15, 2025
Application Fee,
We currently accept credit card or e-check payments for $100 (USD).
