Gerontology
Specialization
100% ONLINE PhD-PSY
Complete your studies on your own time.
NEW START DATE EVERY MONDAY
Start your first course when it’s convenient for you.
46 MONTHS TO YOUR PhD-PSY
Finish your PhD-PSY in just 20 courses.
Overview
As the world’s population continues to age, the demand will continue for individuals trained in gerontology, the study of the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging. Gerontology examines the aging process from the biological, economic, psychological, social, and health/fitness aspects. A doctoral degree in psychology with a specialization in gerontology also covers the field of geropsychology, a specialty area within psychology that focuses on the mental health and well-being of older adults, and their families and caretakers.
The Gerontology specialization is designed to train you in supporting, informing, researching, and solving problems working with older adults and their families and caretakers. Coursework in this program prepares you for career opportunities in educational institutions, health facilities (such as VA hospitals/organizations, hospice, or nursing homes), mental health clinics, research institutions, government agencies (such as state and federal health departments), and community organizations.
Note on Licensure: The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.
Benefits
Unmatched Flexibility
NU offers weekly course starts, no scheduled lecture hours, no group assignments, weekly assignments, and the ability to schedule courses around your personal and professional obligations.
100% Doctoral Faculty
No matter the degree level you pursue, you can rest assured that you will be mentored by doctors in your field of study.
One to One Engagement
You won’t have to fight for facetime as one of many within a classroom. At NU, you’ll have the opportunity to interact one to one with your professor, receiving personalized mentoring.
Course Details
PHD-PSY
Credit Hours : 60
Courses: 20
Estimated Time to Complete: 48 months
*Credit hours and courses reflect new students meeting credit requirements and utilizing no transfer credits. Est. Time of Completion reflects new students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for the program.
Learning Outcomes
- Design clear and effective communication for fellow professionals and the public
- Critique diversity issues in professional contexts
- Evaluate ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional issues
- Select psychological principles and research for application to personal, social, and organizational issues
- Evaluate research methods and data analysis in psychology
- Appraise theories and principles in psychology to inform professional contexts
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.