PhD in Gerontology in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Boston

The Gerontology PhD program at UMass Boston has granted more doctoral degrees in gerontology than any other institution globally. Gerontology is a fast-growing academic discipline centered on the study of aging processes and elderly populations. This advanced field combines interdisciplinary approaches, integrating theories, concepts, and research methodologies from social and behavioral sciences.

Our PhD program equips students for leadership positions in education, research, planning, and policy development. The coursework provides graduates with comprehensive expertise in aging studies and social policy while training them to conduct sophisticated research that advances the field. The program particularly emphasizes addressing the concerns of economically disadvantaged seniors and matters of racial and ethnic diversity. Through collaborative work with faculty, research centers, and community organizations, students obtain hands-on experience as researchers, policy evaluators, and educators.

In this program, you will:

Master sophisticated research techniques in gerontology, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, data interpretation, and theoretical models, empowering you to perform innovative studies that enhance our comprehension of aging
Gain profound insight into the social, psychological, biological, and economic dimensions of aging, equipping you to thoughtfully examine and tackle the multifaceted issues and prospects confronting older individuals and society
Refine superior communication, leadership, and instructional abilities, enabling you to share research outcomes, guide developing scholars, and propel the evolution of gerontological theory and application