Does the program have a rolling admissions policy?
We accept students for fall admission only. All application materials must be received by January 15th of the year in which the student intends to enroll.
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 prior education.
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.
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?
The Statement of Academic Goals and Research Interests submitted with your application is used as your writing sample.
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
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. 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?
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
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?
The Graduate School policy is that a degree must be completed within 9 years.
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?
Our graduates work in both academic and non-academic fields. The positions range from being a university professor to working for AARP as a research analyst to working as a post-doc on an NIH grant.
What is the average number of students accepted each year?
The program admits 5-6 students each fall.
