How to Apply - USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Admissions
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Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
How to Apply - USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Admissions
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How to Apply
We are still accepting applications on a rolling basis for Fall 2026
Learn how to apply
USC Leonard Davis provides a wide range of degree programs and learning tracks to launch you toward your professional goals. We offer master’s degrees both on-site and in a convenient online format to fit your life. Learn how to apply below.
Watch an Information Session
In this Section
Undergraduate Applicants
Progressive Degree Applicants
Minor Applicants
Transfer Applicants
Master’s Applicants
Certificate Applicants
Dual Degree Applicants
Advanced Placement Applicants
PhD Applicants
Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences Applicants
Limited Status Enrollment
International Applicants
Undergraduate Applicants
Undergraduate admission to USC is competitive. Each year over 50,000 high school seniors from all over the country and world apply to USC. At the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, all of our undergraduate students are processed through the main university admissions department; therefore, we highly recommend directing admission and application-specific questions to your USC Admission Counselor.
Application Deadline
First-Year Application Deadline for Early Action and Merit Scholarship Consideration
November 1
First-Year Regular Decision Application Deadline
January 10
Learn more about first-year application
dates and deadlines
.
You can learn more about undergraduate admission at USC and how to access the Common Application below.
Apply now
Progressive Degree Applicants
To apply, you need:
To be in your junior year (between 64-96 units)
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Two letters of recommendation
Make an appointment for an assessment with the gerontology student advisor
Choose between the Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG), the Master of Arts in Aging Services Management (MAASM), the Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG), or the Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality (MASLH) progressive degree
No GRE required
Learn more
Minor Applicants
USC students interested in supplementing their USC major with a minor from the USC Leonard Davis School should make an appointment with the USC Leonard Davis School undergraduate student advisor to review the requirements. To set up an appointment please call or email us at (213) 740-5156 or
ldsgero@usc.edu
.
For more information on the degree course requirements for our undergraduate programs please visit the
undergraduate program curriculum.
Transfer Applicants
At the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, all of our transfer applicants are processed through the university’s central undergraduate admission department. We highly recommend directing admission and application-specific questions to the USC Office of Admission.
Internal Transfers
If you are a current USC student interested in either the Human Development and Aging (Social Science or Health Science) or Lifespan Health major, please contact academic advisor Sara Robinson, at
sararobi@usc.edu
.
Application Deadline
Transfer Application Deadline for Scholarship and Regular Consideration
February 15
We encourage you to visit USC’s
transfer website
to learn more about the transfer process.
Apply now
Master’s Applicants
Review the application guidelines for your degree program before starting the online
USC Graduate Admission Application
.
Please be sure to also complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application found in the university application. The merit-based scholarship application may also be found in the Gerontology Supplemental Application section.
Students who apply by the priority deadline will be the first group to be reviewed for admission. Once the priority deadline has passed we review applications on a rolling basis as they come in. Once all documents are submitted we will review the application for admission.
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall Deadline
March 15
Spring Deadline
October 15
MSNHL Fall Deadline
January 15*
*The
MS
in
Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity program
has a strict January 15th deadline for the fall start date.
Application Requirements
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
2 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically
. Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
On your university application, include your scholarship application—merit-based scholarships are available to qualified applicants. The GRE may be waived by having strong academics. If the GRE is required, you will be notified during the review process.
Statement of Interest
Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study. The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement. We recommend that your statement is within three to five double-spaced pages. The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.
Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
Describe your educational and career goals
Please describe your strengths and weaknesses
State Authorization
Students residing in certain states are not eligible to complete some of the Master’s programs online via distance learning at this time. Please refer to the table below for the most current state authorization status.
Additional Requirements for MS in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity Program
Application Process
Applicants to the MSNHL program must complete
two separate applications
:
The
USC Graduate Application
(application fee: $105)
The
DICAS Application
, using the centralized internship application system
DICAS fees: $50 for the first program designation and $25 for each additional designation
For more information, visit the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
website.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the program.
For the list of prerequisite courses, please view the
MSNHL Program Description
or the
Student Handbook
All prerequisite courses cannot be more than 10 years old at the time of application (the exception is general psychology and math)
All prerequisite courses must meet our minimum unit requirement in the semester system. Courses taken on any other system, including the quarter system, must be converted to semester units.
Not required to complete all at USC
Complete the prerequisite template and upload it with your online application:
Prerequisite Template
40 hours of experience with an RD
Summarize your experience, identify your mentor and contact information, obtain a signature for at least 40 hours, and upload it with your online application
Additional Requirements for MS in Nutritional Science Program
Applicants must include a DPD Verification Statement or Proof of RDN (CDR) Registration with their application.
Additional Requirements for MS in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the program.
Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Basic Human Nutrition or DPD Verification Statement in lieu of these 4 courses
All prerequisite courses must meet our minimum unit requirement in the semester system. Courses taken on any other system, including the quarter system, must be converted to semester units.
Not required to complete all at USC
Complete this
prerequisites template
and upload it with your online application.
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Graduate degree programs are eligible for federal and private student loans. Students should determine their eligibility for federal assistance by filling out at a FAFSA form. USC’s school code is 001328. If you have any questions, please contact USC’s financial aid office at
financialaid.usc.edu
.
Tuition Cost
Tuition is $2,467 per unit plus fees for all students, regardless of location. This tuition rate is subject to change. Students may pay their tuition by logging into
USCe.pay
.
Merit-Based Scholarships
We award over $500,000 in merit-based scholarships to our graduate students each year. Students are encouraged to apply for these funds within their graduate application. If you apply for a scholarship in your application, you will be considered by the scholarship committee upon admission.
VA or GI Bill Tuition Assistance
USC’s Master’s Programs accept VA and GI Bill tuition assistance. Payment can be coordinated through USC’s Veterans Resource Center at
vrc.usc.edu
.
Apply now
Certificate Applicants
Review the application guidelines for your degree program before starting the online
USC Graduate Admission Application
. Please be sure to also complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application found in the university application. The merit-based scholarship application may also be found in the Gerontology Supplemental Application section.
Students who apply by the priority deadline will be the first group to be reviewed for admission. Once the priority deadline has passed we review applications on a rolling basis as they come in. Once all documents are submitted we will review the application for admission.
Priority Application Deadlines
Summer Deadline
March 15
Fall Deadline
March 15
Spring Deadline
October 15
We will review applications on a rolling basis after these dates. International students applying to a residential program should contact us directly for student visa deadlines.
Application Requirements
Minimum 3.0 GPA
No GRE required
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
2 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
On your university application, include your scholarship application—merit-based scholarships are available to qualified applicants
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically.
Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
Statement of Interest
Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study. The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement. We recommend that your statement is within three to five double-spaced pages. The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.
Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
Describe your educational and career goals
Please describe your strengths and weaknesses
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Graduate degree programs are eligible for federal and private student loans. Students should determine their eligibility for federal assistance by filling out at a FAFSA form. USC’s school code is 001328. If you have any questions, please contact USC’s financial aid office at
financialaid.usc.edu
.
Tuition Cost
Tuition is $2,467 per unit plus fees for all students, regardless of location. This tuition rate is subject to change. Students may pay their tuition by logging into
USCe.pay
.
Merit-Based Scholarships
We award over $500,000 in merit-based scholarships to our graduate students each year. Students are encouraged to apply for these funds within their graduate application. If you apply for a scholarship in your application, you will be considered by the scholarship committee upon admission.
VA or GI Bill Tuition Assistance
USC’s Graduate Certificate in Gerontology accepts VA and GI Bill tuition assistance. Payment can be coordinated through USC’s Veterans Resource Center at
vrc.usc.edu
.
Apply now
Dual Degree Applicants
The process for applying to the dual degree program is exactly the same as the master’s program. However, you must apply to and be admitted to both individual programs before the dual degree can be activated. Contact the individual programs and student advisors to obtain admission requirements, since they may differ by school.
Advanced Placement Applicants
The Advanced Placement MS program allows the outstanding student who has completed a bachelor’s degree in gerontology to waive several courses in order to complete their gerontology master’s degree in 36 units rather than the 44 units for the regular program. Students who complete this program are typically able to graduate in five years with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Please
contact a gerontology advisor
for more information.
PhD Applicants
Review the application guidelines for your degree program before starting the online
USC Graduate Admission Application
. Please be sure to also complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application found in the university application. The merit-based scholarship application may also be found in the Gerontology Supplemental Application section.
Students with a PhD or who are already pursuing a PhD are not eligible for the Geroscience or Gerontology PhD degree.
Application Deadline
Deadline Date
December 1
*The PhD program has a strict December 1 deadline for the fall start date.
Application Requirements
3.0 GPA Minimum
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
No GRE required
Students are expected to be full-time students for the duration of the PhD program, where 50% of their time should be spent doing research and 50% should be focused on their academic studies.
In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
3 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
In your university application, you may upload your writing sample or, if it is manuscript length, send it to us separately
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically
.
Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
Statement of Interest
Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study. The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement. We recommend that your statement is within three to five double-spaced pages. The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.
Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
Describe your educational and career goals
Please describe your strengths and weaknesses
Please include and identify professors you wish to work with in the program and describe why their research is aligned with your research goals
Learn more from FAQ
Watch an Information Session
Inquiries about the Application Process
All applications are carefully and holistically reviewed by our faculty admissions committee. To ensure your questions are answered promptly and accurately, we encourage you to direct all inquiries about the application process and faculty research to our
admission counselors.
Please note that contacting faculty members or deans directly will not increase your chance of admission. For the most accurate and helpful guidance, our admission team is your best resource.
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Apply now
Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences Applicants
Priority Application Deadline
Deadline Date
December 1
Application Requirements
3.0 GPA Minimum
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
3 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically
.
Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
Supplemental Application
Why do you want to return to academia?
What are you hoping to achieve during your time in the program and upon your completion of the Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences?
Describe how your professional goals and your personal goals are alike and how they differ.
Describe your greatest strengths and how you intend to build on those strengths to fulfill your professional and/or personal goals.
Please list any publications, works of art, literature or film, etc. that do not appear on your resume.
If accepted into this program, how much time per week are you willing to put aside to complete this course of study?
Please identify a broad scope of research related to longevity and the human lifespan that you are hoping to pursue.
Essay Question:
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the past century is the increase in human lifespan. In the U.S. life expectancy has almost doubled since 1900. For many people this means they will have an extra 20 to 30 years more than any generation before them to contribute their thoughts, words and deeds to the world. In one page or less, please provide a high-level view of your personal vision for the extra years you are likely to experience and how you might use those years to live a purposeful life.
State Authorization
Students residing in certain states are not eligible to complete the DLAS program online via distance learning at this time. Please refer to the table below for the most current state authorization status.
Inquiries about the Application Process
All applications are carefully and holistically reviewed by our faculty admissions committee. To ensure your questions are answered promptly and accurately, we encourage you to direct all inquiries about the application process and faculty research to our
admission counselors.
Please note that contacting faculty members or deans directly will not increase your chance of admission. For the most accurate and helpful guidance, our admission team is your best resource.
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Apply now
Limited Status Enrollment
The limited status program is intended for individuals who wish to take a limited number of courses at USC without formally applying for admission to the university. Follow this link to download the form and obtain more information about policies and instructions. It is highly recommended inquirers seek advisement from a student services representative at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology before enrolling as a limited status student.
Ready to join us?
Our community of ambitious students, eminent faculty and renowned alumni is waiting for you to join us. Our advisory team is ready to answer all your questions. Let’s continue the conversation.
Contact us
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(213) 740-5156
|
ldsgero@usc.edu
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How to Apply
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Home
>
How to Apply
We are still accepting applications on a rolling basis for Fall 2026
Learn how to apply
USC Leonard Davis provides a wide range of degree programs and learning tracks to launch you toward your professional goals. We offer master’s degrees both on-site and in a convenient online format to fit your life. Learn how to apply below.
Watch an Information Session
In this Section
Undergraduate Applicants
Progressive Degree Applicants
Minor Applicants
Transfer Applicants
Master’s Applicants
Certificate Applicants
Dual Degree Applicants
Advanced Placement Applicants
PhD Applicants
Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences Applicants
Limited Status Enrollment
International Applicants
Undergraduate Applicants
Undergraduate admission to USC is competitive. Each year over 50,000 high school seniors from all over the country and world apply to USC. At the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, all of our undergraduate students are processed through the main university admissions department; therefore, we highly recommend directing admission and application-specific questions to your USC Admission Counselor.
Application Deadline
First-Year Application Deadline for Early Action and Merit Scholarship Consideration
November 1
First-Year Regular Decision Application Deadline
January 10
Learn more about first-year application
dates and deadlines
.
You can learn more about undergraduate admission at USC and how to access the Common Application below.
Apply now
Progressive Degree Applicants
To apply, you need:
To be in your junior year (between 64-96 units)
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Two letters of recommendation
Make an appointment for an assessment with the gerontology student advisor
Choose between the Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG), the Master of Arts in Aging Services Management (MAASM), the Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG), or the Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality (MASLH) progressive degree
No GRE required
Learn more
Minor Applicants
USC students interested in supplementing their USC major with a minor from the USC Leonard Davis School should make an appointment with the USC Leonard Davis School undergraduate student advisor to review the requirements. To set up an appointment please call or email us at (213) 740-5156 or
ldsgero@usc.edu
.
For more information on the degree course requirements for our undergraduate programs please visit the
undergraduate program curriculum.
Transfer Applicants
At the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, all of our transfer applicants are processed through the university’s central undergraduate admission department. We highly recommend directing admission and application-specific questions to the USC Office of Admission.
Internal Transfers
If you are a current USC student interested in either the Human Development and Aging (Social Science or Health Science) or Lifespan Health major, please contact academic advisor Sara Robinson, at
sararobi@usc.edu
.
Application Deadline
Transfer Application Deadline for Scholarship and Regular Consideration
February 15
We encourage you to visit USC’s
transfer website
to learn more about the transfer process.
Apply now
Master’s Applicants
Review the application guidelines for your degree program before starting the online
USC Graduate Admission Application
.
Please be sure to also complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application found in the university application. The merit-based scholarship application may also be found in the Gerontology Supplemental Application section.
Students who apply by the priority deadline will be the first group to be reviewed for admission. Once the priority deadline has passed we review applications on a rolling basis as they come in. Once all documents are submitted we will review the application for admission.
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall Deadline
March 15
Spring Deadline
October 15
MSNHL Fall Deadline
January 15*
*The
MS
in
Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity program
has a strict January 15th deadline for the fall start date.
Application Requirements
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
2 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically
. Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
On your university application, include your scholarship application—merit-based scholarships are available to qualified applicants. The GRE may be waived by having strong academics. If the GRE is required, you will be notified during the review process.
Statement of Interest
Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study. The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement. We recommend that your statement is within three to five double-spaced pages. The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.
Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
Describe your educational and career goals
Please describe your strengths and weaknesses
State Authorization
Students residing in certain states are not eligible to complete some of the Master’s programs online via distance learning at this time. Please refer to the table below for the most current state authorization status.
Additional Requirements for MS in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity Program
Application Process
Applicants to the MSNHL program must complete
two separate applications
:
The
USC Graduate Application
(application fee: $105)
The
DICAS Application
, using the centralized internship application system
DICAS fees: $50 for the first program designation and $25 for each additional designation
For more information, visit the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
website.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the program.
For the list of prerequisite courses, please view the
MSNHL Program Description
or the
Student Handbook
All prerequisite courses cannot be more than 10 years old at the time of application (the exception is general psychology and math)
All prerequisite courses must meet our minimum unit requirement in the semester system. Courses taken on any other system, including the quarter system, must be converted to semester units.
Not required to complete all at USC
Complete the prerequisite template and upload it with your online application:
Prerequisite Template
40 hours of experience with an RD
Summarize your experience, identify your mentor and contact information, obtain a signature for at least 40 hours, and upload it with your online application
Additional Requirements for MS in Nutritional Science Program
Applicants must include a DPD Verification Statement or Proof of RDN (CDR) Registration with their application.
Additional Requirements for MS in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the program.
Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Basic Human Nutrition or DPD Verification Statement in lieu of these 4 courses
All prerequisite courses must meet our minimum unit requirement in the semester system. Courses taken on any other system, including the quarter system, must be converted to semester units.
Not required to complete all at USC
Complete this
prerequisites template
and upload it with your online application.
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Graduate degree programs are eligible for federal and private student loans. Students should determine their eligibility for federal assistance by filling out at a FAFSA form. USC’s school code is 001328. If you have any questions, please contact USC’s financial aid office at
financialaid.usc.edu
.
Tuition Cost
Tuition is $2,467 per unit plus fees for all students, regardless of location. This tuition rate is subject to change. Students may pay their tuition by logging into
USCe.pay
.
Merit-Based Scholarships
We award over $500,000 in merit-based scholarships to our graduate students each year. Students are encouraged to apply for these funds within their graduate application. If you apply for a scholarship in your application, you will be considered by the scholarship committee upon admission.
VA or GI Bill Tuition Assistance
USC’s Master’s Programs accept VA and GI Bill tuition assistance. Payment can be coordinated through USC’s Veterans Resource Center at
vrc.usc.edu
.
Apply now
Certificate Applicants
Review the application guidelines for your degree program before starting the online
USC Graduate Admission Application
. Please be sure to also complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application found in the university application. The merit-based scholarship application may also be found in the Gerontology Supplemental Application section.
Students who apply by the priority deadline will be the first group to be reviewed for admission. Once the priority deadline has passed we review applications on a rolling basis as they come in. Once all documents are submitted we will review the application for admission.
Priority Application Deadlines
Summer Deadline
March 15
Fall Deadline
March 15
Spring Deadline
October 15
We will review applications on a rolling basis after these dates. International students applying to a residential program should contact us directly for student visa deadlines.
Application Requirements
Minimum 3.0 GPA
No GRE required
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
2 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
On your university application, include your scholarship application—merit-based scholarships are available to qualified applicants
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically.
Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
Statement of Interest
Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study. The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement. We recommend that your statement is within three to five double-spaced pages. The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.
Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
Describe your educational and career goals
Please describe your strengths and weaknesses
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Graduate degree programs are eligible for federal and private student loans. Students should determine their eligibility for federal assistance by filling out at a FAFSA form. USC’s school code is 001328. If you have any questions, please contact USC’s financial aid office at
financialaid.usc.edu
.
Tuition Cost
Tuition is $2,467 per unit plus fees for all students, regardless of location. This tuition rate is subject to change. Students may pay their tuition by logging into
USCe.pay
.
Merit-Based Scholarships
We award over $500,000 in merit-based scholarships to our graduate students each year. Students are encouraged to apply for these funds within their graduate application. If you apply for a scholarship in your application, you will be considered by the scholarship committee upon admission.
VA or GI Bill Tuition Assistance
USC’s Graduate Certificate in Gerontology accepts VA and GI Bill tuition assistance. Payment can be coordinated through USC’s Veterans Resource Center at
vrc.usc.edu
.
Apply now
Dual Degree Applicants
The process for applying to the dual degree program is exactly the same as the master’s program. However, you must apply to and be admitted to both individual programs before the dual degree can be activated. Contact the individual programs and student advisors to obtain admission requirements, since they may differ by school.
Advanced Placement Applicants
The Advanced Placement MS program allows the outstanding student who has completed a bachelor’s degree in gerontology to waive several courses in order to complete their gerontology master’s degree in 36 units rather than the 44 units for the regular program. Students who complete this program are typically able to graduate in five years with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Please
contact a gerontology advisor
for more information.
PhD Applicants
Review the application guidelines for your degree program before starting the online
USC Graduate Admission Application
. Please be sure to also complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application found in the university application. The merit-based scholarship application may also be found in the Gerontology Supplemental Application section.
Students with a PhD or who are already pursuing a PhD are not eligible for the Geroscience or Gerontology PhD degree.
Application Deadline
Deadline Date
December 1
*The PhD program has a strict December 1 deadline for the fall start date.
Application Requirements
3.0 GPA Minimum
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
No GRE required
Students are expected to be full-time students for the duration of the PhD program, where 50% of their time should be spent doing research and 50% should be focused on their academic studies.
In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
3 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
In your university application, you may upload your writing sample or, if it is manuscript length, send it to us separately
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically
.
Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
Statement of Interest
Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study. The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement. We recommend that your statement is within three to five double-spaced pages. The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.
Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
Describe your educational and career goals
Please describe your strengths and weaknesses
Please include and identify professors you wish to work with in the program and describe why their research is aligned with your research goals
Learn more from FAQ
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Inquiries about the Application Process
All applications are carefully and holistically reviewed by our faculty admissions committee. To ensure your questions are answered promptly and accurately, we encourage you to direct all inquiries about the application process and faculty research to our
admission counselors.
Please note that contacting faculty members or deans directly will not increase your chance of admission. For the most accurate and helpful guidance, our admission team is your best resource.
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Apply now
Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences Applicants
Priority Application Deadline
Deadline Date
December 1
Application Requirements
3.0 GPA Minimum
Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
3 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or
submitted electronically
.
Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
Supplemental Application
Why do you want to return to academia?
What are you hoping to achieve during your time in the program and upon your completion of the Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences?
Describe how your professional goals and your personal goals are alike and how they differ.
Describe your greatest strengths and how you intend to build on those strengths to fulfill your professional and/or personal goals.
Please list any publications, works of art, literature or film, etc. that do not appear on your resume.
If accepted into this program, how much time per week are you willing to put aside to complete this course of study?
Please identify a broad scope of research related to longevity and the human lifespan that you are hoping to pursue.
Essay Question:
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the past century is the increase in human lifespan. In the U.S. life expectancy has almost doubled since 1900. For many people this means they will have an extra 20 to 30 years more than any generation before them to contribute their thoughts, words and deeds to the world. In one page or less, please provide a high-level view of your personal vision for the extra years you are likely to experience and how you might use those years to live a purposeful life.
State Authorization
Students residing in certain states are not eligible to complete the DLAS program online via distance learning at this time. Please refer to the table below for the most current state authorization status.
Inquiries about the Application Process
All applications are carefully and holistically reviewed by our faculty admissions committee. To ensure your questions are answered promptly and accurately, we encourage you to direct all inquiries about the application process and faculty research to our
admission counselors.
Please note that contacting faculty members or deans directly will not increase your chance of admission. For the most accurate and helpful guidance, our admission team is your best resource.
Application Fee
The application fee is $105 and must be paid when you submit your application.
Apply now
Limited Status Enrollment
The limited status program is intended for individuals who wish to take a limited number of courses at USC without formally applying for admission to the university. Follow this link to download the form and obtain more information about policies and instructions. It is highly recommended inquirers seek advisement from a student services representative at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology before enrolling as a limited status student.
Ready to join us?
Our community of ambitious students, eminent faculty and renowned alumni is waiting for you to join us. Our advisory team is ready to answer all your questions. Let’s continue the conversation.
Contact us
Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(213) 740-5156
|
ldsgero@usc.edu
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