PhD in Epidemiology - Epidemiology of Aging in Baltimore United States | Johns Hopkins University

The Epidemiology doctoral program is rooted in public health and population-based studies, where scholars employ epidemiological techniques to tackle intricate health challenges. This PhD involves two years of academic study plus a minimum of two years dedicated to research. Candidates must fulfill teaching requirements through a training curriculum and assist in method-based and subject-specific courses. The program also mandates passing a written comprehensive exam, a mock oral exam, preliminary assessments, various oral and poster presentations, and ultimately defending a dissertation.
Global demographics are shifting toward an older population. Historically unprecedented, the number of individuals aged 65+ will soon surpass those under five years old. This trend creates a pressing demand for public health experts specializing in aging to meet the needs of this expanding demographic.
The Epidemiology of Aging concentration explores the public health implications of aging populations and the complex health transformations that make elderly care distinct. Designed for master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral candidates, this track offers specialized training in the health concerns affecting older adults. It equips epidemiologists with advanced knowledge of key clinical and public health issues in aging, along with the methodological foundations for studying elderly populations. Through courses, research initiatives, and journal discussions, faculty and students investigate the societal impact of aging. Participants gain interdisciplinary training in epidemiology, biostatistics, and gerontology across university departments, addressing physical and cognitive changes, multi-morbidity, and geriatric conditions like frailty, disability, falls, and dementia. The program emphasizes preventive care strategies tailored to the diverse health profiles of older individuals while advancing research on preventing and managing age-related health decline. Its strengths lie in Johns Hopkins' extensive expertise in gerontology, research methodologies, and geriatric medicine.