Best Ph.D. In Gerontology Degrees

Overview

Concordia University Chicago was founded in 1864 and is a private university located in Chicago, IL. The university is a comprehensive university of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and is gospel-centered with a liberal arts focus. This suburban school is small with a total undergraduate enrollment of just 1,411. Nevertheless, it offers some of the country s best and most hands-on academic programs. Among them is the online Ph.D. in leadership with a specialization in gerontology.

Program Features

This multidisciplinary program answers some of the most pressing age-related questions and provides intensive training for students who wish to pursue leadership roles in addressing aging-related issues. It produces highly qualified social scientists who are prepared to work in academia, healthcare, or government. Required classes, which start every eight weeks, include:

Gerontological Theory Sociocultural Aspects of Aging Leadership, Applied Ethics, Aging, and Global Change The Psychological Aspects of aging Diversity in Aging Societies

Notables

With a flexible course format and tuition that is guaranteed to not increased during a student s program of study, this degree has some of the smallest class sizes around. Doctoral candidates have the opportunity to get to know their peers and instructors in classes that do not exceed eighteen students apiece. Despite its small size, this school has received several accolades among top publications like U.S. News World Report. It is highly respected as a top Regional University Midwest as well as a Best Value School.

Overview

Miami University-Oxford is located in Oxford, OH and first opened its doors in 1809. A large public university with an undergraduate enrollment of 17,147, this school is an original Public Ivy with over 115 potential majors. Doctoral degrees are available in twelve disciplines at this school, which is named a top National University by U.S. News World Report. One of these doctoral degrees is the award-winning program in Social Gerontology. This degree was the first of its kind in the state of Ohio and was one of the first in the country.

Program Features

The doctoral program in social gerontology at Miami University-Oxford helps to create scholars who can meet the demands presented by our aging population. Learners go on to some of the best positions in research and teaching at institutions of higher education. Sixty post-master s credit hours are required, including dissertation work. Required and elective classes include:

Qualitative research methods Sociology of Aging Communicating Gerontological Knowledge Global Health and Health Systems Demography and Epidemiology

Notables

This degree offers a premium education to learners from all over the country. Assistantships are available to full-time students depending on academic qualifications. Learners can also engage in research positions and international study. Doctoral candidates receive exceptional hands-on learning opportunities in policy, administration, and more, helping them establish crucial networks for career planning and professional development. This program has a Ph.D. graduate job placement rate of 100%.

Overview

Founded in 1890, North Dakota State University is located in Fargo, ND. This school offers over 100 different academic majors as well as numerous graduate programs like engineering, business, and education. The Doctor of Philosophy at North Dakota State allows students to combine a major in Gerontology with either Developmental Science, Occupational and Adult Education, or Exercise Science and Nutrition.

Program Features

This discipline-based program helps candidates learn how to enhance the quality of life for an aging population. A highly interdisciplinary program, students can combine academic coursework with a specific area of interest. The program is aligned with recommendations by the National Research Council, helping broaden the education that doctoral students receive. In addition to a dissertation, required classes include:

Environment and Aging Perspectives in Gerontology Aging Policy Nutrition, Health, and Aging Instructional methods for Adult Learners

Notables

As a land-grant research university, North Dakota State offers learners exceptional hands-on opportunities. The school actively works to conduct primary research and to advance technology and other developments in the field. The school has over $156 million in annual research expenditures and is listed as one of the top 100 research universities in the United States. As a result, the school is top ranked as a Top Public School and National University by U.S. News World Report.

Overview

Northcentral University was founded in 1996 as one of the country s leading proprietary universities. The school is unique in that it offers degrees fully online, focusing mostly on masters and doctoral level programs. The school mentors students one-to-one with top credentialed faculty, offering students the ability to succeed academically and to become valuable contributors to the global community. The Ph.D. in gerontology at Northcentral is offered as a concentration within the non-certification Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. It is available entirely online.

Program Features

Although this program is not a licensure pathway, it nevertheless prepares learners to work in a wide variety of career opportunities. As a gerontological expert, you can pursue a degree in a health facility, mental health clinic, government agency, community organization, or research university. Sixty total credit hours, consisting of 20 courses, takes most students about 48 months to complete. Required courses include:

Gerontology and Systemic Intervention Psychological Practice in Gerontology History and Systems of Psychology Human Development and Functioning Professional Ethics, Law, and Psychology

Notables

This regionally accredited school offers weekly course starts, allowing students maximum flexibility in completing their coursework. There are no pre-scheduled lecture hours and no group assignments. Students instead can schedule courses around their personal obligations. Learners can interact one-on-one with their instructors and receive personalized mentoring, allowing them to receive hands-on learning opportunities no matter what level or type of degree they pursue.

Overview

Located in Lexington, KY, the University of Kentucky is a public university that was founded in 1865. Just 80 miles from Cincinnati, this school is home to a whopping 120 different master s programs and features award-winning programs in public affairs, health, and of course, gerontology. The Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology is housed within the College of Public Health and prepares graduates to work in rewarding careers in aging services, teaching, and research.

Program Features

Founded in 1996, the Graduate Center for Gerontology is one of the oldest gerontology programs in the nation. Faculty are active scholars, working to advance public knowledge and education in aging by conducting original research in nutrition, therapy, policy-making, and more. Students have a number of hands-on and theoretical courses available to them, including classroom experiences and laboratory practicums in topics such as:

Aging Issues and Family Relations Mental Health and Aging Research Design in Gerontology Aging of the Nervous System Health Promotion and Aging

Notables

With so many opportunities for hands-on research and practice, it s no wonder that this program is top-ranked. Students may participate in over 350 clubs and student activities. Extensive hands-on learning opportunities are provided in these diverse and technology-based courses. The school is home to the acclaimed James W. Stuckert Career Center, which helps doctoral candidates find jobs and internships. As a result, this school is ranked a top National University and a Best Value School by U.S. News World Report.

Overview

A public university founded in 1966, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County is just one school within the University of Maryland system. Located just 45 minutes from the nation s capital, the school is home to over 30 graduate programs, including award-winning options in science, engineering, and public policy. The Doctoral Program in Gerontology at the University of Maryland is an interdisciplinary, inter-campus reach program that is available on two campuses: the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Program Features

This interdisciplinary program requires students to take an integrative approach to the process of aging. It examines all of the factors that influence the aging experience, including those that are historical, environmental, social, biological, cultural, political, and economic in nature. Students will take a range of core and research-based courses before moving onto a track specialization and eventual dissertation. Sample classes include:

Biology of Aging Psychology of Aging Socio-Cultural Gerontology Issues in Aging Policy Epidemiology of Aging

Notables

This degree is one of the few that allows doctoral candidates to choose a specialty within the major. There are multiple options available to learners, including Social, Cultural, and Behavioral Sciences, Policy for the Elderly, and Epidemiology of Aging. This school is regarded as one of the most innovative and is nationally recognized for providing students with an educational experience that is diverse, affordable, and hands-on. All students receive mentoring from faculty members and have the opportunity to engage in publishable academic research.

Overview

A private university founded in 1880, the University of Southern California is located in the heart of Los Angeles, California s downtown Arts and Education Corridor. This school is home to 22 different graduate and professional schools, including the award-winning USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. In addition to the many undergraduate programs offered in this school, such as the Bachelor of Science in Lifespan Health and the Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging, there is a phenomenal Ph.D. in Gerontology as well.

Program Features

The Ph.D. in Gerontology at the University of Southern California is housed within the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. This program explores all aspects related to aging and offers unparalleled experiences to help graduates be successful in their carers. Internship programs help students gain experience about an array of industries including public policy, healthcare, and business. Required classes include:

The Aging Society Psychology of Aging Politics and Policy in an Aging Society Data Analysis Strategies Health and Aging

Notables

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is the oldest and largest school of its kind in the entire world. The department offers a wide variety of degree programs as well as superior research and internship opportunities. Because this school is housed within a world-class research university in the middle of one of the world s most influential cities, learners receive hands-on experiences that are second to none. All masters and graduate programs are available both on-campus and online, with multiple specialties available for study.