Specialization in Gerontology 

Students in this specialization will learn the principles of health services research and policy and then apply them to the study of all aspects of health and health care of the aging population. This specialization integrates gerontologic content into health policy in general and health services research in particular. The required course work prepares students for leadership positions in agencies and institutions that administer services and research positions that address the health and well-being of older populations.

Students must complete the course requirements for the PhD in Health Services Research and Policy and take five additional courses to earn the School’s Certificate in Gerontology; four are required and one is elective.

The required courses are:

• 1st Term: 309.605 Health Issues for Aging Populations (3)
• 2nd Term 309.607 Innovations in Health Care for Aging Populations (3)
• 3rd Term 309.608 New Frontiers in Gerontology (3)
• 4th Term 340.616 Epidemiology of Aging (3) *

The elective course (3 credits) is chosen from among the following options:

• Biological Basis of Aging (260.665)
• Managing Long-Term Care Services for Aging Populations (309.606)
• Mental Health in Later Life (330.618)
• Dynamics of Population Aging (380.753).

* Note that 340.616 can serve as one of the two required distributional methods courses. Students in this concentration will need to take at least one of the other distributional methods courses above.