DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN
BIOLOGY OF AGING
G E R O. U S C . E D U • 2 1 3-74 0 - 5 1 5 6 • L D S G E R O @ U S C . E D U 3 7 1 5 M C C L I N TO C K AV E N U E , L O S A N G E L E S , C A 9 0 0 8 9 - 0 1 9 1
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
T
he University of Southern California Doctor of Philosophy in Biology of Aging program—the first degree of its kind in the U.S.—emphasizes research and education on the molecular, cellular, regenerative medicine, and integrative biology of aging. The program gives graduates the unparalleled opportunity to be trained by some of the world’s foremost experts in the field at both the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology in Los Angeles and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California.
Together, these institutes host over 100 scientists performing aging research, with more than 40 of them focusing on the cellular and molecular biology of aging. The combined knowledge and expertise of both organizations results in a unique graduate program that meets the growing need for education and research on the biology of aging and age-related diseases. Biology of Aging Ph.D. students will: ▪▪ Conduct state-of-the-art research ▪▪ Attend seminars ▪▪ Attend and present at local, national, and international biogerontology meetings ▪▪ Acquire teaching experience ▪▪ Begin developing an academic, personal, and professional network
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The Ph.D. in Biology of Aging program is completed at both USC and the Buck Institute, typically within four to five years. A minimum of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars, and research credit; students conduct dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture or seminar courses). Following the completion of core courses, students may choose one of the following four tracks in which to focus: ▪▪ Neuroscience ▪▪ Molecular and cellular biology ▪▪ Stem cell and regenerative sciences ▪▪ Biomedical sciences
ADMISSION Admission to USC is competitive and is handled through the USC Graduate Admission Application (gradadm.usc.edu). Prospective gerontology students must complete the Gerontology Supplemental Application section of the Graduate Application in order to be eligible for merit-based financial aid. For more information or to start the application process, visit gero.usc.edu or contact the Davis School at (213) 740-5156 or ldsgero@usc.edu.