Aging Studies, Ph.D.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
Department: School of Aging Studies

Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Aging Studies is the first of its kind in the United States, and to the best of our knowledge, the world. What makes this major unique is the combined emphasis on providing a broad based foundation in the interdisciplinary aspects of aging with a focus on developing in-depth expertise in a research area. The major draws on the expertise of faculty from multiple colleges, departments, and centers at the University of South Florida to provide students with exposure to other disciplines and their different approaches to scientific and scholarly inquiry.

The Ph.D. in Aging Studies is hosted by the School of Aging Studies, which is the organizational focal point for interdisciplinary research, educational, clinical and community service activities in aging for faculty and students. An interdisciplinary committee of faculty governs the major, allowing students to develop research programs that focus on their particular interests and capitalize on the breadth of opportunities throughout the university.

The Ph.D. in Aging Studies is a research-oriented program designed to train future leaders in the field of aging. The major admits students who show exceptional promise to become strong academic, public sector, and corporate researchers. Students are supported with a stipend plus a tuition waiver (if funds are available), which covers tuition but not student fees, and payment of much of the premium for the student health insurance. Students who wish to apply as part-time students must contact Dr. Debra Dobbs before applying.

Faculty Organization

The interdisciplinary nature of the program is exemplified by the number of core faculty who teach and serve on dissertation committees in the program and the range of academic departments they represent. Other faculty from across the university participate in the program.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

GPA of 3.25
a current (within the last 5 years) GRE; scores at or above the 50th percentile on Verbal, 30th percentile on quantitative and 50th percentile on analytical writing are preferred.
In addition, students must submit
- their best example of a single authored writing sample
- a summary of their career goals and past preparation for a research career
- three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student’s work and/or research

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours - 72 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate
Core Courses - 12 hours
Additional Requirements - 22 credit hours
Directed Research/Dissertation - 38 credit hours

Core Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

GEY 7610 Psychological Issues of Aging: Interdisciplinary Perspective Credit Hours: 3
GEY 7604 Biomedical Aging Credit Hours: 3
GEY 7649 Population Aging Credit Hours: 3
GEY 7623 Social and Health Issues in Aging Credit Hours: 3
Each core course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective with faculty from different fields addressing issues from their disciplinary perspectives.

Additional Requirements (22 credit hours)

Methods Courses - 6 hours minimum
GEY 6402 Statistical Methods in Aging Research Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6403 Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Aging Research Credit Hours: 3
Students must also enroll in a sequence of at least two methods/statistics courses (6 hours total) and are encouraged to obtain additional training in methods relevant to their dissertation as elective courses.
Proseminar and Content Seminar - 16 credits minimum
GEY 7936 Proseminar in Aging Studies Credit Hours: 1-10
GEY 7602 Ph.D. Seminar in Health and Aging Credit Hours: 3
GEY 7611 Ph.D. Seminar in Mental Health Credit Hours: 3
GEY 7622 Seminar in Policy and Older Adults Credit Hours: 3
GEY 7651 Ph.D. Seminar in Cognition Credit Hours: 3
Students are required to enroll in the GEY 7936 Proseminar in Aging Studies (2 credits) each fall of their first 2 years in the program. They must also enroll for at least four Content Seminars (GEY 7602 , GEY 7911 , GEY 7622 , GEY 7651 ) (3 credits). The Pro-seminars investigate different research topics, allow students to practice presenting their research, and provide students with exposure to distinguished lecturers from throughout the U.S. The content seminars cover different topics relevant to aging each spring semester.

Elective Requirement
Each Ph.D. student, in consultation with his/her major advisor, designs an appropriate curriculum to obtain content and skills that match their research interests.
Project – 1 credit hour (recommended)
GEY 7911 Directed Research in Aging Studies Credit Hours: 1-19
It is recommended that all students complete a First Year Research Project, designed to be presented at a national conference in the fall of their second year. Students develop individualized courses of study, allowing specialization in a wide variety of content areas and research methods. Supervised research experience is available from a number of faculty with diverse research expertise. Students should enroll for GEY 7911 (Directed Research in Aging Studies) for 1 credit hour for a grade of S/U.

Comprehensive/Qualifying Exam

The qualifying examination is usually taken during the end of the second year of course work or the following Fall semester.

Dissertation (38 Credit Hours Minimum)

At least two (2) credits of Dissertation every semester after admission to candidacy; if more than minimum of required course credit is taken, then fewer credits of Directed Research are required.

GEY 7911 Directed Research in Aging Studies Credit Hours: 1-19
GEY 7980 Dissertation and Doctoral Credit Hours: 2-12