PhD, Leadership, specialization in

Gerontology

Explore our 100% online gerontology programs from Concordia University Chicago

Advance Your Career Serving Older Adults

Become an expert in your field with our 100% online programs.

Application Deadline: May 3, 2023
Classes Start: May 8, 2023

Tuition Guarantee 

Your tuition is guaranteed not to increase while continuously enrolled

Small Class Size

Individualized attention with fewer than 18 students per class.

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Online PhD in Leadership, Specialization in Gerontology

The PhD in Leadership with a specialization in Gerontology provides a multidisciplinary framework from which to respond to existing age-related questions, and intensive, in-depth training for those who want unique preparation for leadership roles for addressing issues related to aging. The doctoral candidate’s knowledge base of research methods and theoretical perspectives encompasses various social and basic science disciplines rather than relying on a single disciplinary approach to aging and leadership.

This PhD program in leadership and gerontology produces highly qualified and trained social scientists that have training in research methodology and its application in an aging society. (Source: AGHE Standards and Guidelines for Gerontology and Geriatric Programs, 2008)

The longevity revolution and growing numbers of people associated with an aging population is creating the need for advanced multidisciplinary study in gerontology. This doctoral program in gerontology reflects the need for expanding the knowledge base in the field and training in the profession.

Graduates of our program will be armed with specialized training and will be well-positioned to assume leadership roles as a gerontologist in government, healthcare or academic settings.

Curriculum

Doctoral Specialization: Gerontology (30 credit hours)

  • GERO 7560 Sociocultural Aspects of Aging
  • GERO 7505 The Psychological Aspects of Aging
  • GERO 7805 Issues in Aging Policy
  • GERO 7000 Gerontological Theory
  • GERO 7500 The Physiology of Aging
  • GERO 7800 Demography and Epidemiology of Aging
  • GERO 7810 Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Gerontology
  • GERO 7820 Leadership, Applied Ethics, Aging & Global Change
  • GERO 7900 Diversity in Aging Societies
  • GERO 7905 Professional Seminar in Gerontology

Leadership Courses (12 credit hours)

  • EDL 7120 Research‐Based Decision Making
  • EDL 7141 Organizational Change (non-K12)
  • FPR 7300 The Philosophy of Scientific Knowledge
  • EDL 7210 Policy Analysis (non-K12)

Research Courses (16 Credit Hours)

  • RES 7900 Research Design
  • RES 7800 Mixed Methods Research
  • RES 7605 Quantitative Analysis
  • RES 7700 Qualitative Research

Choose One Course Below

  • RES 7710 Advanced Qualitative Research
  • RES 7620 Advanced Topics in Statistics

Dissertation/Comprehensive Exam (min. nine dissertation credit hours)

  • COMP 7000 Comprehensive Exam
  • DISS 7010, 7020, 7030 Dissertation
  • DISS 8000 Dissertation Supervision

Admission Requirements

  • Master’s degree in human services or related field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale
  • GRE/MAT testing requirement currently waived.
  • letters of recommendation
  • Free online application
  • Writing sample
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Transcripts from each institution attended

Marcus Wolfe, Sr.

PhD, Leadership, Gerontology

“When I started the program, I thought I had an idea of what gerontology was about. After taking classes and interacting with my instructors and classmates, I learned that there was a great deal more to know about the field. I have been working and interacting with various colleagues at other universities and I am confident when I speak to them and have been able to inform them with regards to theories, practices, and policies, thanks to Concordia University Chicago.”

Deadline to Apply

May 3, 2023

Start Date

May 8, 2023

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