Gerontology- Master of Gerontological Studies, Doctor of Philosophy

For information, contact:

Leah Janssen, MGS, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Academic Programs and Research Support at Scripps Gerontology Center
513-529-8748
jansselm@MiamiOH.edu

Jonathon Vivoda, MPH, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Research Fellow at Scripps Gerontology Center
513-529-4114
vivodajm@MiamiOH.edu

The MGS and Ph.D. programs are offered through the Department of Sociology and Gerontology with support from the Scripps Gerontology Center. 

Gerontological Studies- Master of Gerontological Studies

Core courses are offered in gerontology, with additional courses available in other departments. This program is designed for students whose interests and career goals include research or applied work in the field of gerontology.

The program requires 37 semester hours, including course work, a practicum in the field of aging, and a culminating paper based on student interests. 

Application Requirements

Admission is based on evaluations by the graduate faculty. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must submit:

1. academic transcripts,
2. a minimum of three recommendation letters evaluating the student's academic capability, potential for success in graduate studies, and professional promise,
3. a statement of purpose indicating past academic and/or professional experiences, future career goals, and reasons for interest in gerontology, and
4. a resume or CV.

Program Requirements

Core courses are offered in gerontology, with additional courses available in other departments. This program is designed for students whose interests and career goals include research or applied work in the field of gerontology.

The program requires course work, a practicum in the field of aging, and a critical inquiry paper based on student interest.

(37 semester hours)

Social Gerontology- Doctor of Philosophy

Our doctoral program encourages students to integrate knowledge and research methods from a range of behavioral and social sciences in their study of social gerontology. Our program builds scholars and educators who can meet the challenges, demands, and opportunities presented by global aging. As a graduate of the doctoral program, students are prepared to teach and conduct research in institutions of higher education, and hold positions in policy or service organizations.

Application Requirements

Admission is based on evaluations by the graduate faculty. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must submit:

1. academic transcripts,
2. a minimum of three recommendation letters evaluating the student's academic capability, potential for success in graduate studies, and professional promise,
3. a statement of purpose indicating past academic and/or professional experiences, future career goals, and reasons for interest in gerontology, and
4. a resume or CV.

Applications may be submitted by those who have earned a master's degree or are in the process of completing a master's degree. Students are accepted into the doctoral program from a range of disciplines. Faculty will work with the student to determine which core courses must be taken as part of their doctoral studies.

Program Requirements

In addition to the general requirements specified by the Graduate School, requirements for the Ph.D. in Social Gerontology include 60 post-master's degree credit hours consisting of 44 credit hours of coursework (with a grade of B- or higher in the required courses); satisfactory performance on oral and written qualifying examinations; completion of at least 16 credit hours of GTY 850 (dissertation research) and submission of an acceptable dissertation; and satisfactory performance on a final oral examination (dissertation defense).

Any course applied to the MGS degree cannot also be applied to the PhD degree. 

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Minimum 16 credit hours, maximum 60.