Does the program have a rolling admissions policy?
At the present time, we accept students for fall admission only. All application materials must be received by February 1st of the year in which the student intends to enroll. It is always a good idea to submit your application as early as possible.
Which type of student is the program seeking?
The program is seeking curious, articulate, committed, mature, and diverse students. Students should be interested in an interdisciplinary education focused on research, rather than practice with older adults.
Are GRE scores required for applicants who hold Master’s degrees?
Yes, GRE general test scores are required regardless of the applicant’s status. Scores are only accepted if the test was taken within the last 5 years.
Is the TOEFL required of all international applicants?
The TOEFL is required of all international students who do not have either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a U.S. institution. If an international applicant has a Master’s degree from a foreign institution, the decision to waive the TOEFL is made at the discretion of a Program Director.
What is the 3-4 letter program code needed for completion of the Graduate School application?
The code for the program is “GERO.”
What are the track codes to specify in the application?
Epidemiology= EP
Policy= AP
Social, Cultural, Behavioral Sciences= SB
What kinds of writing are appropriate for a writing sample?
Paper(s) that reflect an applicant’s scholarly thinking and writing are appropriate. A report, a paper from a course, a published article, a book review, a personal essay related to the program, or even a professional document from a current employer are considered appropriate.
Which campus should I apply to?
In general it does not matter whether you apply to UMB or UMBC. It is the same program on both campuses and all applications are reviewed by the same committee. However, the most efficient application process is assisted by applying according to track:
Epidemiology- UMB campus
Policy - UMBC campus
Social, Cultural, Behavioral Sciences- UMBC campus
When can I make an appointment for the admissions interview?
You, the applicant, do not need to contact the program for an admissions interview. If you are selected for the interview process, the coordinator will contact you and arrange the phone or in-person interview.
Can I be a part-time student?
Yes, the program admits both part-time and full-time students. The admissions process is the same.
Who do I contact to determine if my application is in order?
Contact the academic coordinator by email or phone. She will check the status of your application. Do allow at least 2 weeks from the time you submit your application to provide sufficient time for processing in the graduate school to the program.
Contact: Justine Golden, 410-706-4926, jgold002@umaryland.edu
Is it possible to take classes as a non-degree-seeking student and, if I am later accepted into the program, have the classes count toward the degree?
Yes, it is possible to take courses as a Special Advanced Student (non-degree seeking). Registration for courses taken as a Special Advanced Student is by permission of the course instructor. Successful completion of a course taken as a Special Advanced student will not guarantee admission to the Gerontology program. In general, up to six credits taken as a Special Advanced Student may count toward the degree, if a student is later accepted into the program.
Does the program offer courses through distance education?
Not at the present time.
I’ve been out of school for several years. While two former graduate school professors have agreed to write letters of recommendation, can the third of the required three can be a professional recommendation?
It is important that some references be from individuals familiar with your academic performance, both past and present, if possible. However, some references should be recent and may include those from employers, volunteer coordinators, etc. It is possible to submit more than three references, but at least three are required before an application can be considered complete and reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
What are the credit hours for the Gerontology Ph.D. program?
The Gerontology Ph.D. program requires 61 credit hours. Please go to the "Degree Requirements" section for a specific breakdown of credits.
Is there a time limit on the program that one must follow?
A student must be admitted to candidacy (completion of course work and comprehensive exam) within five years after admission to the doctoral program. All program requirements for the degree, including the dissertation and final oral examination, must be completed within four years after admission to candidacy.
If needed, can a person take a leave of absence?
Yes. A student may register for a one-semester leave of absence through the campus-wide computerized registration system after being granted permission by the Program Director.
Do you accept credits attained from another graduate program at another institution? If so, how many?
You may substitute a maximum of 12 credits from other institutions. It is at the discretion of the Gerontology program to permit the substitution.
How flexible is the option to take classes at other Maryland institutions?
With prior approval from your advisor and a Program Director, it is possible to take graduate level classes at other University of Maryland institutions and have them apply to the Gerontology Ph.D. degree.
Which types of jobs do students pursue after completing their degree?
Evidence from the existing doctoral programs in Gerontology suggests that graduates have located positions both in academic and in non-academic research settings. In addition, a wide range of private research organizations and governmental agencies employ individuals with interdisciplinary gerontological training.
How likely is it to receive financial aid, a graduate research assistantship, tuition remission or a scholarship/fellowship?
The program's commitment is to fund students in their first year and to make every effort to provide funding in subsequent years. Please refer to the Financial Aid insert in this packet for further detail.
What is the average number of students accepted each year?
The program admits 5-6 students each fall.
For more information can I talk to the Gerontology faculty or visit the campus?
Yes. We encourage you to talk to the program coordinator, Gerontology faculty, and current Gerontology students. Contact us and we will be happy to make the arrangements to talk or visit.
