Dual-Title PhD

Purdue University is pleased to offer a dual-title PhD linking an established discipline-based program of study with an interdisciplinary perspective on aging. With this degree, Purdue graduates will be uniquely prepared to pursue a wide range of careers in higher education and/or research on aging.

Until now, graduate students at various universities have had to choose between a discipline-based PhD with a specialization in aging and a PhD in gerontology. Although each approach is valid and offers employment opportunities, why not double your career options?

Already recognized as a leader in research and graduate training, the Gerontology Program of the Center on Aging and the Life Course at Purdue University continues its innovative leadership by establishing this exciting new opportnity for graduate study.

Why choose one when you can have both?

Students complete all degree requirements for the discipline-based PhD program, with the dual-title option requiring additional coursework, often without extending the length of time needed to complete the degree.

Advantages of a Dual-Title PhD

  • Enhances employment and research opportunities
  • Addresses challenges of future demographics
  • Maintains disciplinary depth
  • Emphasizes interdisciplinary breadth
  • Jumpstarts research in gerontology with a dissertation focused on aging within a particular field
  • Expands network of contacts through an interdisciplinary dissertation committee
  • Involves students in discipline-specific and interdisciplinary professional organizations studying the aging process
  • Acquaints students with gerontology funding streams
  • Awards students a respected degree from Purdue University with a credential in the emerging field of gerontology

Requirements for a Dual-Title PhD

  • 24 graduate credits in aging-related courses including seven credit hours from and completion of the following courses Biology of Aging, VCS 650
    (1-3 credit hours)
  • Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging, CDFS 565
    (3 credit hours)
  • Research Seminar in Aging and the Life Course, SOC 677
    (1 credit hour, may be repeated)
  • Dissertation on a topic related to aging
  • Dissertation committee: (a) chair is a professor in the student's home department who is also a Faculty Associate of the Center on Aging and the Life-Course and (b) committee includes at least one member from another department



















Courses Approved for the Dual-Title PhD

Click Here For Approved Courses List

The following charter disciplines are prepared to participate in the dual-title PhD

  • Child Development and Family Studies
  • Communication
  • Consumer Sciences and Retailing
  • Foods and Nutrition
  • Health and Kinesiology
  • Psychological Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  • Veterinary Clinical Sciences
  • Veterinary Pathobiology