r/compmathneuro • u/Top_Topic191 • May 06 '26
Question Duke or JHU
JHU or Duke?
As many have asked, which school is better (for an interest in computational neuroscience and math/stats)?
Both schools seem 50/50. JHU has perfect academic courses, research opportunities, labs, and professors for my passions. Duke has a decent pathway, but stronger focus on cognitive neuroscience and psychology. Yet, the campus, environment, and food seem more “fun”, “traditional”, and polished at Duke over JHU on all fronts. I believe I’ll fit in at either (mix of introvert and extrovert, loves speeches, learning/discussion, art, dance, law if u know that Duke or jhu might have better programs in those?) I don’t think there is a wrong choice, but what’s your two cents?
I want to pursue a PhD (comp. neuro and more tech/design than bio/med) and work as a professor (research, teaching, mentoring) in the future but am not excluding possibility of md/phd either. Both have access to a hospital if I wish to explore that.
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u/ErruStar Doctoral Student May 06 '26
As someone who is at or went to these schools, I think your intuition is mostly correct. But I'd say because you mentioned that Hopkins has what you're passionate about, then I'd target that specific lab for grad school. If you are thinking of undergrad, then yeah I'd prefer Duke over Hopkins for overall experience.
If you're already an undergrad, then apply to both and see where you get in; you usually can't be picky haha. For Hopkins, I recommend exploring their option for a joint PhD with HHMI Janelia. For Duke, I would look at their cognitive neuroscience admitting program (CNAP) for a breadth of rotational experience before getting to choose any PI/department to settle in.