PhD Program - Doctorate in Gerontology

PhD Program - Doctorate in Gerontology - Logo

UMass Boston's Ph.D. Program in Gerontology is designed to prepare students for leadership roles as teachers, researchers, planners, and policy makers in this field of growing importance for both the private and the public sectors. The program's approach reflects the urban mission of the University of Massachusetts Boston: Special attention is given to the needs of the low income elderly, and to issues of racial and cultural diversity.

Advanced work in gerontology is interdisciplinary, bridging theories, concepts, and research methods drawn from several social sciences.

PhD Program Faculty Dedicated to Gerontology

Our esteemed Gerontology faculty is focused solely on providing instruction and research within the Gerontology department. The Ph.D. Program in Gerontology at UMass Boston is the only one in the nation for which the faculty is dedicated solely to these purposes.

The Gerontology Institute

The PhD program's location on campus adjoins UMass Boston's Gerontology Institute. The Gerontology Institute, established by the Massachusetts Legislature, constitutes a major resource for students pursuing the doctorate in Gerontology.

The Gerontology Institute's mission is to focus attention on the economic, social, and political issues that confront the aging population. Institute activities include policy research and analysis as well as publication of the Journal of Aging & Social Policy.

The Journal of Aging & Social Policy is a peer-reviewed quarterly produced by the Gerontology Institute and published by The Haworth Press, Inc. Subscription forms are available by mail through the Institute or from The Haworth Press, Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580; call toll-free 1-800-HAWORTH or 1-800-429-6784. (You may request a sample copy if you are a professional).

Explore the Doctorate in Gerontology

Additional information on the PhD program is available on this web site:

Contacting the Gerontology Department

For further information about the programs, please feel free to contact us by e-mail at gerontology@umb.edu or by telephone at 617.287.7300.