PhD in Mental Health - Violence 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 participate in weekly departmental seminars. Requirements include passing a written comprehensive examination (typically 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 join at least one research group within our key research areas throughout their studies: 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 Disorders.
Both interpersonal violence and suicide represent some of the most serious yet preventable forms of harm worldwide and in the U.S. The public health approach to violence prevention emphasizes collaboration across sectors - including public health, social services, housing, economic development, education, and justice systems - to tackle root causes of violence. This framework also involves activating healthcare and public health infrastructure through community partnerships. Effective public health strategies employ data monitoring, information integration, and sophisticated analytical techniques to pinpoint the social, structural, and environmental factors that maximize the impact of interventions and policies.