37%
were hired in tenure-track faculty positions across a variety of social science departments in the U.S.
Our PhD curriculum is built on three important traditions of gerontology at Miami University: a multidisciplinary approach; expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods; and an emphasis on the social construction of age and aging. With this foundation, our graduates launch careers quickly after graduating. (Please note: Figures do not total 100% due to rounding.)
37%
were hired in tenure-track faculty positions across a variety of social science departments in the U.S.
37%
received post-doctoral research fellowships
17%
were employed in research positions at universities and private sector organizations
10%
were employed as non-tenure-track faculty at domestic and international universities
Our Gerontology PhD grads have gone on to postdocs at:
Requirements for the PhD include coursework; satisfactory performance on a written and oral qualifying examination; submission of an acceptable dissertation; and satisfactory performance on a final oral examination (dissertation defense).
Doctoral students will complete 60 post-master's credit hours, including dissertation research and coursework.
Learn more about program requirements
Applicants to the doctoral program generally have a bachelor’s degree and have earned or are in the process of completing a master’s degree. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree may apply to the PhD program, but if accepted are required to begin their studies by fulfilling the core requirements for the Master of Gerontological Studies (MGS) program (43 semester hours). Admission of individuals with only a bachelor’s degree into the PhD program is highly competitive and relatively unusual.
Students are accepted into the doctoral program from a range of disciplines. For students who enter with a master's degree from a discipline other than gerontology, the faculty will determine which master’s-level core courses must be taken as part of their doctoral studies.
The application deadline for full and part-time students is January 15 of the same calendar year in which fall enrollment is sought.
Submission of General Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores is optional for applications for Fall 2023 admission to the Miami University gerontology graduate programs. We recommend that you begin the application process early to be certain all your materials reach us by January 15.