Welcome to the Program in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology
A joint program by the Department of History of Science and Technology, in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of History of Medicine, in the School of Medicine.

Each year, the graduate program attracts a strong cohort of students. They come to The Johns Hopkins University with diverse backgrounds including medicine, science, and history. The majority of students enroll in the Ph.D. program, which prepares students for scholarly careers in teaching and research. The program has long been particularly strong in the history of medicine and science for early modern Europe; medicine, science and technology in the United States, 19th and 20th centuries; history of public health and colonial medicine; and Russian and Soviet science. New areas of great activity include Asian science and medicine, history of public health, and the history of 20th-century biology and biomedicine. Graduates of the program work at a variety of universities, colleges, research institutes, and museums.

The graduate program combines a broad introduction to historical scholarship with training in the skills needed for specialized historical research in the history of science, medicine and technology. Preparing to teach history and learning how to do historical research are complementary goals. Students work in a variety of settings, including research seminars, proseminars, and individualized tutorials, as well as gaining teaching experience in the department's undergraduate courses.

Core courses and electives are open to all students in the program.  All faculty in both departments are eligible to serve on committees for all students in the program.  Graduate committees frequently include faculty from both departments.

Occasionally, students are admitted for graduate study in the history of medicine leading to the M.A. degree. Students preparing an M.A. in the history of medicine must ordinarily spend two years in residence and complete an M.A. thesis. Other specialized programs include the Combined M.D.-Ph.D. program in the History of Medicine, and the Program in the History and Philosophy of Science.

Apply to the program

Find out more about program requirements

Learn about financial support

Meet our faculty