Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 with a clear purpose. The first president, Daniel Coit Gilman, asked, “What are we aiming at?” His answer was simple: to encourage research and help students become great scholars who improve science and society.
Gilman believed that teaching and research should go together—one supports the other. He also thought that sharing knowledge and discoveries could make the world better.
For 145 years, Johns Hopkins has stayed true to this vision. It’s known worldwide for excellent teaching and research. Professors guide students in many fields, including arts, music, humanities, science, engineering, international studies, education, business, and health professions.
The university also leads the nation in research funding, thanks to its talented faculty and the work done at its Applied Physics Laboratory. Since 1979, it has received the most federal research money in the U.S.
As America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins changed higher education in the U.S. and continues to share knowledge and discoveries with the world.
We are America’s first research university, founded on the principle that by pursuing big ideas and sharing what we learn, we can make the world a better place. For more than 140 years, our faculty and students have worked side by side in pursuit of discoveries that improve lives.
What kinds of discoveries? We made water purification possible, launched the field of genetic engineering, and authenticated the Dead Sea Scrolls. We invented saccharine, CPR, and the supersonic ramjet engine. Our efforts have resulted in child safety restraint laws; the creation of Dramamine, Mercurochrome, and rubber surgical gloves; and the development of a revolutionary surgical procedure to correct heart defects in infants.
“Ooh” and “aah” at the Lighting of the Quads fireworks. Cheer on the Blue Jays from The Nest. Share a funnel cake at Spring Fair. Discover what Baltimore’s many neighborhoods have to offer.
Life at Johns Hopkins is about more than earning a degree. Here, you’ll be a part of enduring university traditions and have new experiences that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Hopkins attracts students with diverse backgrounds and interests. Whatever you’re into—singing or kayaking, taking pictures or building robots, discussing international relations or playing Quidditch (yes, we have a team)—there’s bound to be a group for you. We encourage our students to form their own clubs, so there are more than 400 undergraduate student-run clubs and organizations:
We have 24 varsity sports teams, and more than half of our undergrads play intramural or club sports. In the spring, everyone comes together for the nation’s largest student-run festival, Spring Fair, a three-day celebration featuring music and merriment (and yes, funnel cakes).
All this takes place in Baltimore, a culturally diverse city with a small-town feel that has earned the nickname Charm City.
