What Students Say?
Likes
- I was interested in stem cell research and I got to choose Regenerative and stem cell technology as my concentration for my masters program.
- Since I was in the field of Biotechnology, research is the main reason I joined Johns Hopkins University (JHU). JHU is highly reputed as a research institute with various facilities that help students pursue their interest in research and train them with skills required in the industry nowadays. I also like that mostly all the professors have a PhD degree and have knowledge in their field which they can convey to students through lectures and seminars.
Dislikes
- Most of the courses are online including few lab courses which are hybrid (online theory and practical in person lab work). Sometimes that becomes an issue for selecting courses for international students specifically as they cannot choose a subject that they like to maintain their student visa status.
My overall experience was good. I got to work part time in 3 different labs at the university and gain knowledge of new skills and techniques used in research.
Course Curriculum
Course syllabus is mostly same from past years but every year professors update their own knowledge and teach students about new advancements in the field. We were also told to read many recent research papers as part of academic projects and coursework. There are summer internships available for all students for which students can apply on their own or the university helps students though career fairs. Research experience is gained by students by working in research labs as part time graduate research assistants.
Exams
Admission requirements for my university were that GRE was optional but English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL was required. I submitted my IELTS score of 7.0. I had to submit SOP and CV. SOP should include reasons why you want to join the university and what do you expect to learn along with your current academic experience and how is it helpful for the university. You should also include any extra-curricular activities that you might have participated in during undergraduate degree program. CV should include detailed points of your academic projects and skills and any internship or work experience that you might have. I did not have any interview rounds for masters applications.
Placement
Students usually get industry jobs or academic jobs after graduation. University organizes career fairs but students apply directly through job websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, etc. The starting salary in my field is 50,000$/year for industry jobs.
Internship
For internships students have to directly apply to companies. i did not do any internship.
Fees
My total tuition fees was 50,000$
Faculty
The faculty student ratio is around 1:20 on average. The faculty and staff are very friendly and excellent in teaching their own courses. You can ask them doubts as many times as you want and they will try to clear them for you. Dr. Michael Lebowitz is the best professor in my department as he teaches in such a way that students understand the concept by learning 2-3 times.
Campus Life
There are several organizations and clubs that organize various events for students. There are events where students can participate and showcase their talent. The library is the best place for studying in campus as it has books on different subjects. There are study rooms where a group of students can work together on a common project. The campus also has open spaces around the campus where students can sit and study peacefully without any disturbance.
Hostel
I had to stay in an off campus housing which was on a walking distance from the university. I stayed in a 3 bed 2 bath apartment sharing with 2 other flatmates. The total rent for my apartment was 2010$ but my share was 650$ plus utilities and WiFi which was around 100$ total for 3 people.