What is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of aging across the life course. It is interdisciplinary in its approach, incorporating information from the fields of biology, psychology, sociology, family studies, health education, nutrition, pharmacy, and many others. Gerontology research projects at Purdue University are helping to understand the basic mechanisms of aging and the maintenance of independence in later life. Current studies of aging cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, health dynamics, cognition, disease prevention, retirement preparation, and financial security.
Why Study Gerontology?
Gerontology represents an intellectually exciting field of study in which students can integrate information from diverse fields of inquiry. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is consistent with recommendations by the National Research Council that schools broaden the education graduate students receive in order to make them more valuable in the workplace.
Why Study Gerontology at Purdue?
Purdue University was founded in 1869 as Indiana's link in the nationwide chain of land-grant universities. With an enrollment of approximately 37,000 students, Purdue is one of the 25 largest universities in America. A variety of distinguished graduate and professional programs are offered at Purdue University ranging from biochemistry and pharmacy to psychology and family studies. Recent national surveys rank many of the University's graduate programs among the country's top 20. An internationally renowned faculty at Purdue University is engaged in research which is supported by over $200 million annually in grants and contracts.
The Center on Aging and the Life Course, founded July 1, 2003, represents a new stage in the evolution of interdisciplinary research and education on aging at Purdue University. The creation of the Center clarifies the research focus on the dynamic changes associated with aging throughout the life course. In addition to continued interest in and commitment to the special needs of older adults, the Center on Aging and the Life Course emphasizes "the long view" in the study of aging.
Purdue University has offered gerontological education, research and service for over 20 years. The Gerontology Program is a campus-wide program involving over 50 faculty in 20 different departments. The program contains sufficient flexibility to accommodate diverse interests, but presents students with a comprehensive overview of the field of gerontology. Departments which offer courses related to aging include:
- Biological Sciences
- Child Development and Family Studies
- Consumer Sciences and Retailing
- Foods and Nutrition
- Speech, Language and Hearing
- Health and Kinesiology
- Psychological Sciences
- Sociology
Beyond classroom instruction, students benefit from working with Purdue University faculty in research projects and/or in supervision of fieldwork activities. Research projects related to aging have been supported by a variety of sources including the National Institute on Aging, Retirement Research Foundation, United States Department of Education, AARP Andrus Foundation, American Federation for Aging Research, and Walther Medical Research Foundation.
What are my options?
At Purdue University, the Gerontology Program of the Center on Aging and the Life Course offers three post-baccalaureate educational opportunities for the study of aging.
Dual-Title PhD in Gerontology
Students may enroll in the groundbreaking dual-title PhD in gerontology. This degree program links the disciplinary depth of a traditional PhD with the interdisciplinary breadth of gerontology. Students are admitted through and meet all course requirements in their home department, while taking courses in aging in at least three disciplines and focusing their dissertation on an aging related issue or problem. For more information, go here.
Graduate Minor in Gerontology
A traditional approach has been to offer a special course of study in addition to a discipline-based degree, resulting in a minor. Students enrolled in the program are required to complete 15 credit hours of approved courses from at least three departments. The gerontology minor is compatible with any masters or doctoral degree offered by Purdue University. By planning ahead, many students are able to obtain a minor in gerontology with no additional expenditure of time and money. For more information, go here.
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Designed for professionals in the field of aging, the graduate certificate introduces the interdisciplinary study of aging through core courses. Practitioners will enhance their knowledge of the aging process and the issues facing an aging population by exposure to the latest research and applications. For more information, go here.
How do I get started?
Admission to the Dual-Title PhD program and Graduate Minor begin with admission to the Graduate School through a home department. For admission to the Certificate Program, contact Ann Howell (calc |at| purdue.edu) or 765-494-3151.