PhD

Gerontology

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 65.7 k / Year(s) Deadline: Dec 1, 2025
53 place StudyQA ranking:2260 Duration:

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The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive Gerontology program designed to prepare students for impactful careers addressing the complexities of aging populations. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining coursework in health sciences, social sciences, psychology, public policy, and ethics to provide a holistic understanding of aging processes and the challenges faced by older adults. Students will explore topics such as aging health, long-term care, social services, policy development, and community engagement, equipping them with practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for diverse roles in healthcare, social work, policy analysis, and research.

Through rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals, students will gain insights into best practices for improving quality of life among older individuals and their families. The program encourages critical thinking about issues such as aging disparities, ethical considerations in elder care, and innovations in aging services. Students will also have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources, supporting their academic and professional development.

The USC Gerontology program is committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment, attracting students from diverse backgrounds passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in healthcare administration, policy analysis, community outreach, research, and advocacy, with the ability to influence positive change in aging-related services and policies. Whether students are interested in advancing clinical practices, shaping policy reforms, or conducting groundbreaking research, this program provides a strong foundation to pursue their professional aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the aging sector.

Students must complete a minimum of 60 units of course work (with at least 24 of these units being completed in residency at USC), as well as additional dissertation units (at least 4 units) as required. All students will take courses in three areas: a set of required core courses, research courses and elective courses.

There are two tracks in the gerontology PhD program: the social, behavioral, and policy track and the biology of aging track.

Students will be advised about course selection during the first year by the PhD committee. As soon as a student has selected a specialization (e.g., biology, psychology, sociology/demography, policy), an advisory committee of appropriate faculty will be appointed. The purpose of the advisory committee is to help the student in the selection of courses and a research agenda; to monitor the student's progress; and to insure preparation for the qualifying examination.

Basic Scientific Core


Each track has a basic scientific core. The core for the social, behavioral and policy track stresses the physiological, psychological, sociological and policy dimensions of individual and population aging. The scientific core for the biology of aging track emphasizes the understanding in the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of aging and age-related disease. Special emphases include mechanisms associated with chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and the interplay between genetic and environmental influences.

Social, Behavioral and Policy Track Required Core Courses


  • GERO 610 The Aging Society Units: 4
  • GERO 613 Health and Aging Units: 4
  • GERO 620 Psychology of Aging Units: 4
  • GERO 645 Politics and Policy Processes in an Aging Society Units: 4

Biology of Aging Track Required Core Courses


  • BISC 502a Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Units: 4 and
  • BISC 502b Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Units: 4 or
  • BISC 502a Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry

     Units: 4 and
  • BISC 502b Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry

     Units: 4 and
  • BISC 505 Genomics and Molecular Genetics Units: 4 or
  • NEUR 524-Advanced Overview of Neurosciences Units: 4 and
  • NEUR 531-Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Units: 4 and
  • NEUR 532-Systems and Behavioral Neurobiology Units: 3

Research Core


A second core area focuses on development of research skills. For social scientists this includes research design, methods and statistics. Biologists will learn methods appropriate to biological sciences as well as research design and statistics. Students in the social, behavioral and policy track are required to take GERO 593 and GERO 640 and at least one additional statistics course — generally from another department — on the student's research focus. Students in the biology of aging track are required to take GERO 593 and GERO 590 (2 semesters of 4 units).

Students in both tracks are also required to take two semesters of GERO 592, a research seminar in which participants will develop and carry out their own research. This course is generally taken after the first year.

Elective Core


A third core involves electives that allow students to create a concentration in a particular area of focus or analytic field of inquiry. Students should select courses in consultation with their adviser. Courses should be selected to provide in depth knowledge in the specialized area or general knowledge in the field of gerontology. A number of gerontology courses can be taken as electives.

Students should note that Gerontology courses at the 600 level are usually offered only every second year. Students are encouraged to review the course schedule to determine how to best complete these courses in a timely manner. Successful completion of the required course work does not complete the educational experience of the student. Students are expected to enhance their exposure to research by attending the colloquium lecture series, working on research with a faculty member and presenting original research at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America and other professional meetings.

Additional Requirements


Foreign Language Requirements

There are no foreign language requirements for the PhD program.

Transfer Credits

Students with master's degrees or prior graduate course work in gerontology can petition to apply the credit toward required courses. Petition for credit will be based on the Graduate School's policies and requirements for "transfer of credit" and on approval by the doctoral advisory committee. Transfer credits toward the PhD requirements will be limited to 20 units and must be credits taken within 10 years of entering the program.

Time Limit

The normal time for completing the PhD is four to five years (without a prior master's degree). The first two years will consist of required and elective courses. The third year will consist of electives, the PhD qualifying exams and completion of the dissertation proposal. The final year(s) will involve the completion of the dissertation. The maximum time to complete all requirements for the PhD degree is eight years from the first course at USC applied toward the degree.

Students who have completed an applicable master's degree at USC or elsewhere within five years of the proposed enrollment in the PhD program must complete the PhD in six years.

Screening Procedures

When students have completed a minimum of 16 but not more than 24 units of doctoral course work, the doctoral advisory committee assesses their performance through a screening process and makes a decision regarding their ability to continue in the program. If the student is granted permission to continue, a guidance committee is established.

Qualifying Exam Committee

The qualifying exam committee is composed of five faculty members, at least three from the School of Gerontology. The function of the qualifying exam committee is to oversee the development of the student's academic progress through the qualifying examination, including the preliminary dissertation proposal.

Qualifying Examination

As a prerequisite for candidacy for the PhD, students must pass a qualifying examination, which is multidisciplinary and comprehensive in nature and that necessitates independent study beyond course requirements. Students must have completed at least 28 units of course work in the doctoral program with a GPA of at least 3.25 before attempting the qualifying exam. The exam is designed to test mastery of knowledge and scholarly skills and to test readiness to undertake independent research. If the student fails this exam, it may be repeated one time. When the exam is successfully completed, the student then must develop and have a dissertation proposal approved before the student is officially admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.

Doctoral Dissertation

Upon admission to candidacy, a dissertation committee is established which consists of three members of the faculty, some of whom may be from the qualifying committee.

The dissertation committee has responsibility for providing guidance and consultation during the research process, approving the dissertation, conducting the final oral examination, and recommending the candidate for the PhD degree. The doctoral dissertation should make an original contribution to the development of knowledge and theory in gerontology.

Final Oral Examination

Upon approval of the final draft of the dissertation by all members of the dissertation committee, the candidate must pass a final oral examination. Upon successful completion of this final examination, the committee recommends the candidate to the Graduate School for award of the PhD degree.

  1. 3.0 GPA Minimum
  2. GRE 297
  3. Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
  4. In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
  5. 3 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
  6. In your university application, you may upload your writing sample or, if it is manuscript length, send it to us separately
  7. Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office. Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school
  8. Statement of Interest: Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study.  The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement.  We recommend that your statement be within three to five pages double-spaced pages.  The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.

Statement of Interest

  • Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Davis School of Gerontology
  • Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
  • Tell us which faculty you are interested in working with and why
  • Describe your educational and career goals
  • Please describe your strengths and weaknesses

The University of Southern California offers various financial aid options for students enrolled in the Gerontology program to support their academic pursuits. Students can apply for federal and state financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and federal student loans. USC also provides institutional scholarships specifically designated for Gerontology students based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore private scholarships and external funding sources dedicated to aging research and health care professions. The university's Financial Aid Office offers personalized counseling to help students identify suitable funding opportunities and navigate the application process effectively. Merit-based scholarships may be available for outstanding applicants, and employment opportunities on campus, such as research assistantships or teaching assistantships, are often accessible to eligible students, providing both financial support and practical experience. Moreover, USC participates in work-study programs that enable students to earn money while gaining relevant skills in the field of aging. For international students pursuing Gerontology, USC offers specific scholarships and financial aid options, although the availability and eligibility criteria may vary. The university emphasizes transparency about costs, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and other related costs, and provides detailed information on payment plans and financial aid deadlines to ensure students can plan their finances accordingly. In addition, USC encourages early application for financial aid and offers resources to assist students in preparing their financial documentation. Overall, the university is committed to making Gerontology education accessible through a diverse array of funding sources, comprehensive advising, and ongoing support to help students successfully fund their studies and focus on their academic and professional development in aging-related fields.

The University of Southern California offers comprehensive programs in Gerontology designed to prepare students for advanced careers in aging services, research, policy, and education. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from social sciences, health sciences, psychology, and public policy to provide a holistic understanding of aging and older adult populations. Students enrolled in USC's Gerontology programs have access to cutting-edge research opportunities, internships, and collaborations with industry professionals and academic experts, facilitating practical experience alongside theoretical learning. The program emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and ethical considerations when working with diverse aging populations, ensuring graduates are equipped to address complex challenges faced by older adults and their families. USC also leverages its extensive network within the Los Angeles community and beyond, offering students opportunities for community engagement, fieldwork, and policy development. Graduates of USC's Gerontology program often pursue careers in healthcare management, social services, policy analysis, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations focused on aging issues. Additionally, the university hosts several specialized centers and initiatives dedicated to aging and senior health, providing students with access to resources, seminars, and conferences dedicated to current trends and innovations in the field. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary education ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute to the evolving landscape of aging and senior services, making significant impacts on individuals, families, and broader society.

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