Welcome to the Gerontology Program

The Gerontology Institute and the Department of Gerontology of the University of Massachusetts Boston comprise one of the country’s leading centers for the academic study of social gerontology.

Graduate Degrees in Gerontology

The PhD in Gerontology Program

The Ph.D. in Gerontology Program qualifies a select group of skilled researchers and policy analysts to extend the frontiers of this growing field through research, teaching, or policy development; and to prepare themselves for leadership roles in our aging society. Advanced work in gerontology is interdisciplinary, bridging theories, concepts, and research methods drawn from several social sciences.The program can be completed in four years: five semesters of full-time course work, one semester of combined course and dissertation work, and two semesters of full-time dissertation work.

Masters Degrees in Gerontology

The Gerontology Department offers an MS Degree in Gerontology with 2 tracks:

The Research Track focuses on Gerontology Research/Policy. Like the PhD, the curriculum of the Research Track is designed to give graduates command of a broad body of specialized knowledge in aging and social policy, as well as the capacity to develop methodologically sound procedures to expand that base of knowledge and understanding. Students are required to complete 30 credit hours including the capstone course that will allow students to employ their experiences and training in the production of a research project and report.
The Management of Aging Services Track, is a relatively new program that offers students an advanced degree in the growing field of aging services. This includes long-term care, service-supported housing, community-based services, marketing to an aging population, and health services for those requiring chronic care. The program affords professionals in the aging network the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and develop skills in policy development and analysis, program management, administration, and finance with a focus on the aging population. The program requires 30 credit hours (10 courses). Courses are offered either online or in a classroom setting.

Graduate Certificates in Gerontology

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology requires the completion of five substantive three-credit courses that have been approved for the program. Research courses do not satisfy certificate requirements. Students must have earned an undergraduate degree to be eligible for this certificate.

Graduate certificate students can concentrate their studies in either of two areas:

The General Track Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is designed to provide students with a broad overview of issues in gerontology. These may include foundation courses, advanced policy courses, and elective courses.
The Gerontology Graduate Certificate with a focus on Management of Aging Services affords professionals in the aging network the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and develop their skills in areas related to the growing field of aging services. Class scheduling and the availability of online courses reflect the needs of a working student population.