Gerontology, Ph.D.

Degree Requirements

The minimum requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Gerontology is a total of 67 credit hours distributed as follows:

Core: (21 credits)

Research Methods/Statistics: (12 credits)

Six credits of foundations in statistics/methods (from an approved list and appropriate to research specialization)
Six credits of advanced disciplinary analytical courses based on research specialization

Track Specialization: (9 credits)

Students will select from a customized menu of specialization courses.

Electives: (6 credits)

Courses to be selected from the remaining pool of applicable courses in aging in consultation with the major advisor.

Ethics Course: (1 credit)

A course focusing on professional and research ethics.

Dissertation: (18 credits)

Research on doctoral dissertation under the direction of a faculty advisor.

Comprehensive Examination:

An examination of core gerontological knowledge, focusing on the content of core courses listed above. Typically to be completed at the end of the second year by full-time students, upon successful completion of all core courses.