The minimum requirement for the Ph.D. degree in Gerontology is a total of 61 credit hours distributed as follows:

Core courses (15 credit hours)

• Biology of Aging
• Epidemiology of Aging
• Issues in Aging Policy
• Psychology of Aging
• Sociocultural Gerontology

Research Methods/Statistics (18 credit hours)

A. Foundations in statistics/methods (from an approved list and appropriate to track research specialization) (6 credit hours)

B. Theory and Methods Seminar in Gerontology (6 credit hours)
This full-year, required, team-taught seminar focuses on specialized issues of aging research and theory and includes a guided research experience in aging

C. Advanced disciplinary analytical courses based on track research specialization (6 credit hours)

Track Specialization (9 credit hours)
In consultation with an academic advisor, students will select courses that will deepen their knowledge within their track.

Electives (6 credit hours) 
Courses to be selected from the remaining pool of applicable courses in aging in consultation with the major advisor.

Ethics Course (1 credit)
CIPP 909 focuses on professional and research ethics

Aging Forum (0-1 credit)
Sessions on the “nuts and bolts” of research and life in the academic world. 
Mandatory attendance once a month.

Comprehensive Examination (end of 2nd year for full-time students)
An examination of core gerontological knowledge, focusing on the content of core courses and the first year theory/methods course

Dissertation (12 credit hours)
Research on doctoral dissertation under the direction of a faculty advisor

Seminar Series (monthly)
Mandatory attendance once a month while in the program.  The speaker is
usually for one hour on a Thursday afternoon.