PhD in Mental Health - Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetic Epidemiology in Baltimore United States | Johns Hopkins University

The PhD is a research-focused doctoral program. During the initial two years, candidates complete foundational coursework in Mental Health, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, study research ethics, and attend regular departmental seminars. Requirements include passing a written comprehensive exam (typically in January of the second year), a preliminary examination, delivering two academic presentations, and completing a final dissertation with its defense. We strongly advise all PhD candidates to engage with at least one research group within the department's key research areas, which include Substance Use Epidemiology, Global Mental Health, Mental Health and Aging, Mental Health Services and Policy, Methodologies, Prevention Research, Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetic Epidemiology, Psychiatric Epidemiology, and Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Research involving families, twins, and adoptees demonstrates that genetic components significantly influence major mental and behavioral health conditions, as well as treatment responses. Researchers in Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetic Epidemiology work to pinpoint these genetic factors and understand their interplay with environmental influences in disease risk. This research aims to develop improved risk prediction models and lay groundwork for more effective treatment and prevention approaches.
Faculty members actively collaborate with researchers across the university, including teams from the School of Public Health's Epidemiology and Biostatistics departments, the School of Medicine's Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department and Institute of Genetic Medicine, as well as the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Departmental and affiliated researchers conduct population and family studies on various psychiatric conditions and related traits, such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, Schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, Suicide, and Stress-related biological markers. These investigations employ cutting-edge methodologies including genome-wide linkage and association studies, next-generation sequencing, and analyses of gene expression and epigenetic modifications.