Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology Booklet

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN

GERONTOLOGY

G E R O. U S C . E D U • 2 1 3-74 0 - 5 1 5 6 • L D S G E R O @ U S C . E D U 3 7 1 5 M C C L I N TO C K AV E N U E , L O S A N G E L E S , C A 9 0 0 8 9 - 0 1 9 1

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

W

ith extraordinary scientific breakthroughs, human life expectancy continues to extend with each generation. Gerontologists have the world-changing opportunity to eliminate the maladies associated with aging and to implement economic, political, and social improvements that will shape humanity’s future.

The University of Southern California Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology program—the oldest program of its kind in the world—imparts up-to-theminute gerontology knowledge and prepares students for leadership roles in research and education, policymaking and law, business and industry, and more.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology program is completed at USC, typically within four to six years. A minimum of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars, and research credit. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture or seminar courses).

Students will conduct dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Active faculty research areas include but are not limited to: ▪▪ Aging-related diseases

▪▪ Gerontechnology

▪▪ Aging in place

▪▪ Health disparities

▪▪ More than 20 faculty members who are leading experts in gerontology

▪▪ Elder abuse

▪▪ Health service research

▪▪ Extensive grant support: $11 million received for aging research each year

▪▪ Intergenerational health

▪▪ Palliative care

▪▪ Access to state-of-the-art facilities and research

▪▪ Cognition and memory

▪▪ Psychological and social health

▪▪ One-on-one work with leading experts in the field

▪▪ Generativity

▪▪ Social demography

Features of this renowned program include:

▪▪ In-depth examination of the biological, psychological, social, and policy aspects of aging

ADMISSION

“

I’m very grateful that I had the kind of education that I did. As a researcher, the rigorous training I received at USC prepared me well to be an independent scientist and to write and publish on public policy.”

Christopher Kelly, Ph.D. in Gerontology graduate and Leo Missinne Professor of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska, Omaha.

Admission to USC is competitive and is handled through the USC Graduate Admission Application (gradadm.usc.edu). Prospective gerontology students must complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application section of the Graduate Application in order to be eligible for merit-based financial aid.

For more information or to start the application process, visit gero.usc.edu or contact the Davis School at (213) 740-5156 or ldsgero@usc.edu.