PhD in Gerontology Curriculum
Advanced work in gerontology is interdisciplinary, bridging theories, concepts, and research methods drawn from several social sciences.
PhD in Gerontology Curriculum: Course Work
The PhD in Gerontology curriculum includes the following course work:
- Four foundation courses (12 credits):
- Six research courses (18 credits), which, along with required courses include a choice of one of the following PhD courses:
- Qualitative Methods and Field Research (Geron 609); or
- Advanced Statistical Methods in Gerontology (Geron 701); or
- Demographic Methods in Aging (Geron 732); or
- Survey Research Methods I (CSR 501)
- Two policy foundation courses (6 credits)
- One advanced gerontology policy course (3 credits)
- Three semesters of Colloquium Series(3 credits)
- And at least six elective courses (18 credits) at the graduate level, which may be taken within the Gerontology Program, other University of Massachusetts Boston graduate programs, and/or other cooperating universities.
- Dissertation Research (9 credits):(Geron 899)
Full-Time PhD Curriculum Sample
PhD in Gerontology Curriculum: Second Year Paper
The second year paper, an important aspect of the PhD in Gerontology curriculum, is an empirical research paper based on a policy topic. It is intended to demonstrate the student's proficiency in utilizing national data bases in aging, analyzing research findings, and preparing academic materials of professional journal quality.
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PhD in Gerontology Curriculum: Qualifying Paper Examination
The qualifying paper exam provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to lay the foundation for a substantial, independent research project. Students critically review the appropriate scholarly literature and develop a sound conceptual or theoretical framework that reflects the literature. While the qualifying paper need not have any relationship to the student’s dissertation, students are strongly encouraged to select a topic that will lead to a dissertation.
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PhD in Gerontology Curriculum: Dissertation
The dissertation process begins after the student has passed the qualifying exam paper and has been admitted to candidacy for the PhD. However, the early steps in the process may be completed before the examination requirement has been fully completed.
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PhD in Gerontology Curriculum: Internship Opportunities
Included in the PhD in Gerontology curriculum is Gerontology 798, the Internship in Gerontology. The course provides students with an opportunity for a guided practical experience in conducting policy research or policy analysis in one of a variety of possible settings. The aim is to strengthen the student's knowledge and skills that have been acquired through formal instruction.
Students may enroll for one to three credits in any term. While there is no limit to the number of semesters in which students may enroll in the course, only three internship credits may be applied to the Ph.D. degree requirements. Internships typically will be 14 weeks in duration.
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Contact Us About the PhD in Gerontology Curriculum
For further information about the PhD in Gerontology curriculum at UMass Boston or other information about the PhD program, please feel free to contact us by e-mail at gerontology@umb.edu or by telephone at 617.287.7302.