PhD in Mental Health - Mental Health and Aging in Baltimore United States | Johns Hopkins University

A PhD is a doctoral program focused on research. During the initial two years, candidates complete foundational coursework in Mental Health, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, study research ethics, and participate in weekly departmental seminars. Requirements include passing a written comprehensive examination (held in January of the second year), a preliminary exam, delivering two presentations, and completing a final dissertation with its defense. We strongly advise all PhD candidates to engage with at least one research team within the department's key focus areas throughout their studies, including: Substance Use Epidemiology, Global Mental Health, Mental Health and Aging, Mental Health Services and Policy, Research Methods, Prevention Science, Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetic Epidemiology, Psychiatric Epidemiology, and Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
With America's aging population rapidly expanding in the coming years, expertise in maintaining quality of life and preventing disability will be increasingly valuable. The Cognitive Aging and Mental Health program faculty are dedicated to both observational studies and intervention research focused on improving cognitive and psychological well-being. Their investigations utilize extensive longitudinal studies and intervention trials, examining areas such as: nutritional supplements, cognitive exercises, daily activities that stimulate mental function, neuroimaging in aging and cognitive disorders, how sleep problems in later life affect cognition and daily functioning, mental health patterns in diverse elderly populations, genetic factors in cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, monitoring daily activities for future intervention strategies, environmental and medication impacts on brain health and dementia risk, animal models of aging and neurological degeneration, and approaches to preventing mental health issues in older adults.