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Gerontology
Graduate Program In Life Sciences (GPILS)ProgramsGerontologyProgram of StudyGerontology Ph.D. Requirements

Gerontology Ph.D. Requirements

The Gerontology Ph.D. program is an intercampus, interdisciplinary research degree program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine on the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The program provides an interdisciplinary and integrative perspective on the process of human aging and the experiences of growing old. The approach acknowledges the complex, dynamic, and bi-directional relationships among individuals and the historical, political, economic, environmental, psychological, social, cultural and biological contexts in which aging occurs.

Core courses (21 credit hours) 

  • Biology of Aging
  • Epidemiology of Aging
  • Issues in Aging Policy
  • Psychology of Aging
  • Sociocultural Gerontology
  • Theories/Methods I
  • Theories/Methods II

Research Methods/Statistics (12-16 credit hours, plus Theory/Methods I and II) 

  • Foundations in statistics/methods (from an approved list and appropriate to track research specialization) (6 credit hours)
  • Advanced disciplinary analytical courses based on track research specialization (6 credit hours)

Track Specialization (9 credit hours) 

  • In consultation with an academic advisor, students will select courses that will deepen their knowledge within their track.

Electives (6 credit hours) 

  • In consultation with an academic advisor, students will select courses that will deepen their knowledge within their track.
  • Courses to be selected from the remaining pool of applicable courses in aging in consultation with the major advisor.

Ethics course (1 credit) 

  • CIPP 909 or PREV 633 focus on professional and research ethics

Aging Forum 

  • Sessions on the "nuts and bolts" of research and life in the academic world
  • Mandatory attendance for the first two years of the program

Comprehensive Examination (end of 2nd year for full-time students) 

  • An examination of core gerontological knowledge, focusing on the content of core courses 

Dissertation (12 credits UMB/18 credits UMBC: both equal min. of 2 semesters) 

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

Seminar Series 

  • Mandatory attendance