PhD Programs - USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Admissions Close Search PhD Programs Academics PhD Programs Advancing the science of aging well We offer two Doctor of Philosophy programs: a PhD in Gerontology and a PhD in Geroscience. Our school created the first gerontology PhD program in the world in 1989 and unveiled the first-ever biology of aging PhD program in 2014. The PhD is our crown jewel, the highest degree you can receive in gerontology anywhere. At the USC Leonard Davis School, we attract top students from around the globe. Balancing rigorous, high-level research training with leadership skills and scientific knowledge, graduates from our PhD programs enter the workforce with superb skills and experience. Request Information In this Section Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology Doctor of Philosophy in Geroscience Faculty Expertise Our Research Request Information Our PhD Programs As a small school within a large research university, we ensure that our students receive rigorous, highly personalized educational experiences studying with some of the world’s leading experts in fields such as biology, neuroscience, psychology, sociology and public policy. Students with a PhD or who are already pursuing a PhD are not eligible for the Geroscience or Gerontology PhD degree. Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology (PhD) Students learn about the physiology of human development and aging, examine social policies related to aging and study the neurological, psychological, behavioral, and sociological aspects of lifespan development. In this world-renowned Gerontology program, students work closely with a faculty mentor to discover and shape their own academic specialization. They publish their work in leading journals, participate in colloquia, present at international scientific meetings, acquire teaching experience, and develop a rich academic, personal, and professional network. Requirements: 60 Units of course work and at least four additional dissertation units. View the curriculum How to Apply Student Handbook PhD in Gerontology Placement Information Academic Azusa Pacific University Bethune Cookman University California State University Los Angeles California State University Fullerton Chaffey College Columbia University Harvard Medical School Jeju National University Jungwon University Keck School of Medicine, USC Osaka University Pennsylvania State University Robert Morris University San Diego State University Syracuse University University of Central Florida UCLA University of Hawaii Manoa University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Maryland University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Nebraska Omaha University of North Carolina Chapel Hill University of Texas San Antonio University of Texas Arlington University of Southern California University of South Florida University of Victoria University of Wyoming Yale University Research Archstone Foundation Brightseed HBCS Strategies HC Healthcare Health Services Advisory Group ING-RE Kaiser Permanente of Southern California Korean Women’s Development Institute Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Mathematica National Bureau of Economic Research National Center for Health Statistics National Institute on Aging National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research QNA Group Roche SCAN Foundation United Healthcare Veterans Administration Los Angeles Walter Reed Army Institute of Research World Health Organization ZS Consulting Doctor of Philosophy in Geroscience (PhD) The doctoral program in Geroscience is designed for students who want to become leaders in biogerontology. The focus is on molecular, cellular, and regenerative medicine as well as the integrative biology of aging. PhD candidates take core courses on the molecular and cellular biology of aging and age-related diseases, and then select a specialty among neuroscience, molecular, and cellular biology, stem cell and regenerative sciences, and biomedical sciences. Requirements: 60 units of work, including courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the 60 units must be formal graduate course work (lectures or seminars). Following the completion of core courses, students may choose one of the following four areas in which to focus their elective courses: Neuroscience Molecular and cellular biology Stem cell and regenerative sciences Biomedical sciences View the curriculum How to Apply Student Handbook Bringing our expertise to life Our faculty members include both the visionaries who pioneered modern aging study and the up-and-coming investigators who take gerontology research and service in exciting new directions. View USC faculty Current Students Learn more about our current students in the PhD in Gerontology and Biology of Aging programs. Conducting groundbreaking research We’re driving innovations in genetic research and big data analytics to unlock better treatment and prevention for age-related diseases. Our research and development teams investigate areas such as: Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory issues Bioinformatics, biology, genomics and genetics of aging Demography and sociology of aging, social determinants of health, differences in health outcomes between groups Drug discovery and development Healthy aging, personalized nutrition and nutrigenomics, disease prevention, stress adaptation and resistance Longevity and mechanisms in aging Neuroscience, cognition and brain aging Note: Students with a PhD or who are already pursuing a PhD are not eligible for a Geroscience or Gerontology PhD degree. Request Information Interested in learning more about a program? Contact an advisor using this form below. Contact Information Ready to take the next step? 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