The PhD in Social Gerontology allows students to take a critical social science perspective and an interdisciplinary approach to the study of aging. Students who complete the PhD in Social Gerontology will acquire theoretical and methodological expertise in social gerontology with a specific emphasis on an interdisciplinary social science perspective on aging and the condition of later age.

Students will be required to complete coursework in Social Science Perspectives on Health and Aging, Quantitative Research Methods in Studies of Health and Aging, Qualitative and Historical Methods in Studies of Health and Aging, Critical Perspectives on Aging, as well as elective courses. Participation in a non-credit research and professional development seminar is also required. Students will take a comprehensive exam in their area of concentration in Social Gerontology. PhD students will also present a thesis which shows competence in original research and will be required to defend it during a final oral examination.

Graduates of the PhD in Social Gerontology will be equipped to pursue careers not only in academia but also the public, private, and non-profit/voluntary sectors, in a variety of opportunities for researchers, program strategists, knowledge brokers, and policy analysts.