If you are analytical, innovative, and compassionate, with a heart for the aging population, a Ph.D. in gerontology may be the degree you want to pursue. With a Ph.D. in gerontology, you will be equipped to become an expert in this field and can pursue a myriad of fulfilling careers where you will be advocating for the oldest population (those over 65).
North Dakota State University says it well, “Gerontology is the study of aging across the life course. It is interdisciplinary in its approach, incorporating information from the fields of biology, psychology, sociology, family studies, health education, nutrition, pharmacy, and many others.”
This vibrant, relevant field is growing; in fact, by 2030, when the last baby boomers turn 65, one in five Americans, over 65 million people, will be 65 or older!
What Are the Best Ph. D.s in Gerontology Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Students at North Dakota State University in Fargo love their school. One student said: “My NDSU experience has been full of great opportunities, and my favorite part of the experience has been making many connections.
Going to school at NDSU means you’re becoming a part of a legacy more than 100 years in the making.” There are plenty of other similar student testimonials, praising NDSU for its superb academics, diverse culture, and sense of belonging. Considering there are almost 13,000 enrolled students, that’s a lotta love!
NDSU offers a dual-major Ph.D. in gerontology and three options: developmental science, exercise science and nutrition, or adult and community education. These three majors are considered the first major, and gerontology serves as the second. In addition to the requirements for the major they choose, students will take 15 credit hours of gerontology courses and write and defend a dissertation on a gerontology-related research topic.
If you are interested in pursuing this Ph.D. program, you will apply to the NSDU Graduate School for admission to the primary program of your choice. Students need at least a Master’s degree in a closely related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores (applicants who score in the upper 50th percentile are given preference into the program), three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Keep in mind these programs are competitive! Each program admits up to five students per year.
University of Kentucky
Originating in 1865 and thriving ever since the University of Kentucky in Lexington remains anchored in its mission statement: “To educate, innovate, heal, and serve.” With more than 200 academic programs spread across 16 colleges, it is no surprise that the UK has received nearly 100 national rankings for academic, research, and healthcare excellence, in addition to economic development.
UK’s College of Public Health founded its Ph.D. in gerontology in 1996, earning it the title of “one of the oldest Ph.D. in gerontology programs in the nation.” This program differs from some others in that it is an interdisciplinary research degree that combines topical expertise, methodologies, and facilities from over 20 departments, ranging from the biomedical sciences to the social and behavioral sciences, to the arts and humanities.
In addition to the graduate students, the faculty of this program are active scholars, studying gerontology topics like cell-based studies of neurodegeneration, functional studies of muscle hypertrophy, and mental health and substance abuse management. Applicants must submit a personal statement, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation. The application deadline for both the spring and summer entrance is January 31st.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
To put it simply, the University of Maryland in Baltimore County has a lot going on. With nearly 14,000 students and 830 faculty members, this honors university prepares academically talented students for future careers, community service, and leadership.
UMBC is nationally ranked in several categories, including World’s Top Universities and Global Social and Economic Impact by U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education.
The Ph.D. in gerontology, an interdisciplinary and integrative program, trains gerontology scholars to examine the unique, dynamic nature of aging in current society. Three concentrations are available: epidemiology of aging, policy for the elderly, and social, cultural, and behavioral sciences.
Students in this academic program will complete core classes, research methods classes, concentration classes, electives, an ethics course, and a 12-credit hour dissertation project to earn 61-64 total credit hours. Here is an inspiring list of alumni and where they are now!
To apply for this program, you will need official transcripts from your graduate work, GRE scores (taken within the last five years), three letters of recommendation, and a statement of academic goals and research interests. Entry for this program is in the fall, and applications are due by December 15 of the previous year.
Miami University-Oxford
One of the oldest public universities in the country, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio was signed into existence by President George Washington in 1795 (Yes, you read that right!) In addition, Benjamin Harrison, the United States’ 23rd President, is one of MU’s most famous graduates.
MU’s enrollment grew and became known as “Yale of the West” for its innovative liberal arts programs. Today, MU continues to thrive and consistently earns national awards for its academic excellence.
Founded in 1922, MU’s Ph.D. in social gerontology was the first in the state of Ohio, and among the first in the nation. This doctoral program integrates knowledge and research methods from behavioral and social sciences to the study of gerontology. Graduates will be prepared to teach and research in higher education institutions and hold leadership positions in policy or service organizations.
Graduation requirements include 60 hours of post-master’s credit hours, which includes coursework and a research dissertation. Students will also need to pass a written and oral qualifying exam and successfully defend their dissertation.
Applicants must submit undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, a written professional statement, a curriculum vitae or resume, and three letters of recommendation. Students may begin this program in the fall, and the application deadline is January 15 of the same year.
University of Southern California
A school rich in history and traditions, the University of Southern California in Los Angeles opened its doors in 1880 with 53 students and 10 teachers. Los Angeles at that time lacked paved streets, electric lights, and telephones (Hard to imagine, right?)
Today, as one of the world’s leading private research universities, USC ranks 18th in education quality among more than 1,000 public and private universities in The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. USC serves a total of 48,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students based on the 2019-2020 academic year enrollment statistics.
USC Leonard Davis offers a Ph.D. in gerontology where students balance rigorous research with scientific knowledge and leadership schools in order to prepare for a fulfilling career in the world of gerontology. Working closely with a faculty mentor, students design and shape their own academic plans. Specializations include biology, psychology, sociology/demography, or policy.
This program consists of 60 units of coursework, with at least 24 of these units completed in residency at USC, and four additional dissertation units. If you’re interested in applying for this doctoral program, you will need a Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a GRE score of at least 297, a statement of interest, and three letters of recommendation. Students are expected to be enrolled as full-time students for the duration of the Ph.D. program.
Frequently Asked Questions
A gerontology PhD is well worth your time and effort because of its wide applicability. Jobs for PhD graduates in this field are available in hospitals, nursing homes, and social services agencies, to name a few. With the advanced skills you gain in a PhD program, you’ll be better equipped to address gerontological issues, too. As the Baby Boomer generation gets older and more Americans are considered geriatrics, the opportunities you have to utilize your knowledge and skills will increase.
The average PhD program in the U.S. costs just under $107,000. But with half of programs costing less and the other half costing more, there can be wide variability in how much you have to pay for your degree. The program’s length, the school you attend, and whether you complete your degree on campus or online can significantly impact the price tag of your PhD. Fortunately, scholarships, grants, and assistantships are commonly available to help you offset the cost of your doctorate.
A PhD in gerontology is a terminal degree that explores different facets of the aging process. In most gerontology PhD programs, you will choose a specialization within the degree, such as biology, psychology, or behavioral studies. Coursework typically includes classes like Biology of Aging, Epidemiology of Aging, and Social Policy and Aging. A significant portion of these programs is dedicated to gerontological research methods, too.
During the first year or two of a gerontology PhD program, you will complete coursework, conduct research, and attend conferences. In preparation for the dissertation component, you will choose a specific area of research to study. Dissertations are written and defended as the final project for the program.
Gerontology PhD programs usually must have a master’s degree, although some schools accept students with a bachelor’s degree. GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation are often required. Generally, admission to these programs is competitive. Some universities, like our Number #1, North Dakota State University, only accept 4-5 students each year.
A gerontology PhD can take anywhere from three to five years to complete, with four to five years being the norm. How long it takes you to finish the program depends on the program’s length, how quickly you complete your dissertation research, and your status as a full-time or part-time student. Some programs, like the University of Southern California, require you to enroll full-time, while others offer part-time options that can take up to seven or eight years to complete.
PhD students are trained to become researchers, scientists, and educators. A common career path is to work in research settings to study gerontological issues. Many PhD graduates work at colleges and universities as professors, too. Some other common careers include:
• Clinical Gerontology
• Research Analyst
• Medical Service Manager
• Health Service Manager
• Gerontology Program Developer
These and other jobs are available in various settings, including hospitals and other healthcare institutions, retirement communities, and non-profit organizations. Local, state, and federal governments also hire gerontologists, as do advocacy organizations.
According to Salary.com, gerontologists in the U.S. earn a median salary of around $220,000. However, the pay scale for doctoral-level workers is broad, with the lowest ten percent of workers making around $186,575 per year and the highest ten percent of workers making nearly $260,000 per year. How much you earn depends on your level of education, experience, and the industry in which you’re employed. Your pay can also be influenced by your geographic location, the specific work setting, and your specialization, if any.
Related Reading:
- 5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Gerontology
- 10 Best Master’s Degrees in Gerontology
- Best Careers for the Future