{"id":1474,"date":"2020-06-15T20:19:45","date_gmt":"2020-06-16T03:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gero.usc.edu\/admissions\/?page_id=1474"},"modified":"2026-01-27T17:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T01:59:14","slug":"phd-programs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gero.usc.edu\/admissions\/academics\/phd-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"PhD Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”1%” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” constrain_group_1=”yes” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

Advancing the science of aging well<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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.[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”small” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”iconsmind” text=”Request Information” url=”https:\/\/gero.usc.edu\/admissions\/academics\/phd-programs\/#request-info” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Arrow-OutRight”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”51″ title=”In this Section” el_class=”sidebar”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” id=”gero-phd” overlay_strength=”0.5″ gradient_direction=”left_b_to_right_t” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

Our PhD Programs<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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\u2019s leading experts in fields such as biology, neuroscience, psychology, sociology and public policy.<\/p>\n
Students with a PhD or who are already pursuing a PhD are not eligible for the Geroscience or Gerontology PhD degree.<\/strong><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”80px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”3%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology (PhD)<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Requirements:<\/strong>\u00a060 Units of course work and at least four additional dissertation units.[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”medium” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”iconsmind” text=”View the curriculum” url=”https:\/\/gero.usc.edu\/admissions\/academics\/phd-program-curriculum\/#gero-phd-curriculum” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Arrow-OutRight”][nectar_btn size=”medium” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”iconsmind” text=”How to Apply” url=”https:\/\/gero.usc.edu\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/#hta-phd” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Check” margin_left=”25px”][nectar_btn size=”medium” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”iconsmind” text=”Student Handbook” url=”https:\/\/gero.usc.edu\/students\/current-students\/ph-d-students\/phd-in-gerontology-student-handbook\/” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Book” margin_left=”25px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][toggles style=”minimal”][toggle color=”Accent-Color” heading_tag=”h5″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”PhD in Gerontology Placement Information”][vc_column_text]\n

Academic<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Small Line” line_alignment=”center” line_thickness=”3″ divider_color=”accent-color” custom_height=”50″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”2%” top_padding_tablet=”2%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
Azusa Pacific University
\nBethune Cookman University
\nCalifornia State University Los Angeles
\nCalifornia State University Fullerton
\nChaffey College
\nColumbia University
\nHarvard Medical School
\nJeju National University
\nJungwon University
\nKeck School of Medicine, USC <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
Osaka University
\nPennsylvania State University
\nRobert Morris University
\nSan Diego State University
\nSyracuse University
\nUniversity of Central Florida
\nUCLA
\nUniversity of Hawaii Manoa
\nUniversity of Iowa
\nUniversity of Kansas
\nUniversity of Maryland <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
\nUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
\nUniversity of North Carolina Chapel Hill
\nUniversity of Texas San Antonio
\nUniversity of Texas Arlington
\nUniversity of Southern California
\nUniversity of South Florida
\nUniversity of Victoria
\nUniversity of Wyoming
\nYale University <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]\n

Research<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Small Line” line_alignment=”center” line_thickness=”3″ divider_color=”accent-color” custom_height=”50″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
Archstone Foundation
\nBrightseed
\nHBCS Strategies
\nHC Healthcare
\nHealth Services Advisory Group
\nING-RE
\nKaiser Permanente of Southern California
\nKorean Women\u2019s Development Institute <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
\nMathematica
\nNational Bureau of Economic Research
\nNational Center for Health Statistics
\nNational Institute on Aging
\nNational Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research
\nQNA Group <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]
Roche
\nSCAN Foundation
\nUnited Healthcare
\nVeterans Administration Los Angeles
\nWalter Reed Army Institute of Research
\nWorld Health Organization
\nZS Consulting <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][\/toggles][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” id=”geroscience-phd” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”#efefef” color_overlay_2=”#ffffff” overlay_strength=”0.5″ gradient_direction=”left_b_to_right_t” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

Doctor of Philosophy in Geroscience (PhD)<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Requirements:<\/strong>\u00a060 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:<\/p>\n