This booklet is for currently enrolled Geroscience PhD students only. Future applicants should visit the USC Leonard Davis School Admission website for the latest program information.
Geroscience PhD Program Overview
The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Geroscience PhD Program provides an outstanding interdisciplinary education in the biology of aging and the relationship between aging and disease, to prepare students for successful careers in academia, industry, government, and public service. The program is committed to diversity in scientific pursuits and in the community of people conducting that science to facilitate optimal collaboration and cooperation.
The graduate program works to recruit students from diverse backgrounds and to provide those students with:
- Enhanced gerontological perspective through the study of the basic biology of aging and how this integrates with a better understanding of age-related diseases and self-reflection
- Opportunities to engage collaboratively to promote integrated approaches to aging
- Life-long learning opportunities to study the process of aging to enhance the quality of life of older individuals
Geroscience PhD students will utilize gerontological frameworks to examine human development and aging; relate biological theory and science to understanding senescence, longevity, and variation in aging; distinguish concepts and theories of aging using a biological framework; learn to synthesize biology with other gerontological ways of understanding human aging; learn to distinguish factors related to aging outcomes, both intrinsic and contextual, through critical thinking and empirical research; engage in research to advance knowledge and improve interventions for older persons.
Geroscience PhD Committee
The Geroscience PhD committee consists of four (4) members selected from the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.
The responsibilities of the Geroscience PhD Committee shall include:
- Exercise general oversight of the PhD program;
- Review the performance of first-year PhD students after the conclusion of their rotations and Fall and Spring coursework;
- Recommend changes to the program (coursework, faculty, rules/regulations);
- Resolve issues that may arise from either PhD students or faculty mentors;
- Act to achieve program objectives and goals;
- Screen applicants to the PhD program, facilitate annual PhD recruitment events, and after consultation with faculty, select final candidates to receive offers of admission to the program.
