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USC Leonard Davis School PhD students in the Gerontology and Biology of Aging programs are some of the most promising minds in the science of aging. In this section, learn more about our doctoral students and program policies.

Student Resources

Course Catalogue

Course Catalogue

Schedule of Classes

Schedule of Classes

Academic Calendar

Academic Calendar

Student Handbooks

Student Handbooks

Academic Advisement

Academic Advisement

Career Development

Career Development

Research Opportunities

Research Opportunities

Finding Support

Finding Support

PhD Student Forms

PhD in Gerontology Program

Program forms are currently being reviewed. Please contact Student Services (Jennifer Lobato, Student Services Advisor) with questions or to access the updated forms.

A few notes regarding the Appointment/Change of Quals/Dissertation Committee forms:
  • The Post Code for the Biology of Aging PhD program is 1529.  The Post Code for the GERO PhD program is 1047.
  • In the Rank section, for Buck Institute faculty, you will add Adjunct in front of their normal title at the Buck Institute.  For example, Dr. Andersen would be listed as Adjunct Professor.
  • Under the Appointment Type, Buck Institute faculty are considered Non-Tenure Track (NTT).
  • For the Home Dept section, you may list Buck Faculty as USC GERO, like all GERO faculty.
  • Please read the instruction section at the top of the Committee form regarding committee composition, outside/external committee members, and instructions for changes of chair or other committee members.
  • You may use DocuSign to obtain the signatures from all your Committee members, including the Dean and PhD Chair. The Dean signature can be either Dr. Cohen or Maria Henke. The PhD Chair is Dr. Curran for the Biology of Aging PhD program and Dr. Jacobson for the GERO PhD program.
  • Questions regarding the Committee forms or access issues to send DocuSign forms can be addressed by Jim deVera (edevera@usc.edu).

PhD Student Handbooks

Academic Advisement

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is committed to helping students build a vibrant, supportive academic, personal and professional network. The Office of Academic Advisement and Student Services provides services and resources related to academic advising, course planning, and registration as well as helping with any additional issues that students may have.

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Juan Bravo injecting something into tubes in a lab
Two men, one older and one younger, talking at a table
Colorful image of a brain scan showcasing different brain areas in vivid colors
Two woman looking at a white board, with one pointing at it

Research Opportunities

The USC Leonard Davis School offers numerous opportunities for students in all programs to participate in research. Several broad areas of focus spark curiosity and collaboration in researchers at all levels, and their goal is to discover and perfect new breakthroughs, technologies, and findings that benefit older adults around the world.

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Meet Our Current Students

Learn more about our current students in the PhD in Gerontology and Biology of Aging programs.

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Colloquium Series in Multidisciplinary Research on Aging

Students are expected to attend invited lectures by nationally and internationally recognized scholars in the field of aging. There are generally 5-6 lectures per semester given in this series.

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Student News

Shelby Bachman
Developing Tech to Track Health Changes

Developing Tech to Track Health Changes

January 4, 2025
Portrait of Brenda Eap
From Researcher to Policy Advocate: PhD Graduate Shifts Gears to Improve Healthspan

From Researcher to Policy Advocate: PhD Graduate Shifts Gears to Improve Healthspan

March 27, 2024
Amin Haghani, PhD sitting at his desk
PhD Degree Leads to Dream Job at Biotech Startup

PhD Degree Leads to Dream Job at Biotech Startup

July 16, 2023