About
Details at a Glance
Degrees Offered
Our Program
Founded in 1975, the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is the oldest and largest school of its type in the world. We offer the most comprehensive selection of gerontology degree programs found anywhere, a variety of outstanding research opportunities and a challenging yet supportive academic environment. As a small school rooted in a world-class research university located in the heart of one of the most important cities on earth, the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology—and its research and services arm, the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center—are home to today’s leaders in the field, and to tomorrow’s. Our program studies the human lifespan by exploring the biological, psychological, sociological, political, medical and business dimensions of adult life. The curriculum is aimed at equipping future professionals in the field of aging with the specific skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to the needs of an aging population.
Why Choose the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology?
Here are just six of the many reasons. We have:
- The largest selection of gerontology degree programs in the world
- Hands-on training from our internationally-renowned professors
- Master’s level courses available online or onsite
- $500,000 in scholarships given to students annually
- Sophisticated technology, with smart classrooms, a fully connected auditorium, and a new computer lab/lounge
- National conferences on aging and colloquiums on campus, reflecting the school’s prominent position in the field of gerontology
Admissions
Requirements
Additional Requirements
Master's and Graduate Certificate Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
- In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
- 2 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
- Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office. Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
On your university application, include your scholarship application—merit-based scholarships are available to qualified applicants. The GRE may be waived by having strong academics. If the GRE is required, you will be notified during the review process.
PhD Application Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA Minimum
- GRE 297
- Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
- Students are expected to be full time students for the duration of the Ph.D. program, whereas 50% of their time is doing research and 50% on their academic studies.
- In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
- 3 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
- In your university application, you may upload your writing sample or, if it is manuscript length, send it to us separately
- Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office. Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
Application Deadline
PhD Programs:
- December 1 for our Fall start date
Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity:
- January 15 for our Fall start date
Other Master's and Graduate Certificate Programs Priority Deadline:
- The priority application deadlines are: October 15th for our Spring start date, and March 15th for our Fall start date. We will review applications on a rolling basis after these dates. International students applying to a residential program should contact us directly for student visa deadlines.
Student Body
Clubs & Associations
Student Gerontology Association:
Those with interests in gerontology have the opportunity to interact with fellow students, USC faculty, & professionals in the field of aging through SGA. Through engaging in educational, philanthropic and social activities, SGA strives to achieve its mission in a way that enhances the experience of students as they work through their respective programs. SGA is a unique opportunity for gerontology students to promote issues in aging not only within the Leonard Davis School, but throughout the USC campus and surrounding Los Angeles community. https://uscsga.org/?fbclid=IwAR0nBWsE_psbfsGRch1WhKiAByMfCIFG9fW19WJnglUOsKyxUSWwlJwXRcs
What Our Students Say
"If you walk out your front doorand look around, you will see older people everywhere. There is such a need for people educated in aging that the career opportunities are endless."
- Jolene Fassbinder, M.S. Gerontology (Non-Profit Foundation Program Officer)
Jolene Fassbinder, Master of Science in Gerontology ‘97"It's really unique to work here and develop an industry that hadn't existed... I would not have had this opportunity without my masters in aging."
- Josh Johnson, M.A. Gerontology (International Entrepreneur & CEO)
Josh Johnson, Master of Arts in Gerontology ‘09"As an attorney, I deal with aging-related issues on a daily basis. From contacts to litigation, I am constantly impressed by the applicability of my gerontology education to the matters I handle."
- Kim M Bowman Jr., M.A. Gerontology (Corporate Attorney)
Kim M Bowman Jr., Master of Arts in Gerontology ‘11
"If you walk out your front doorand look around, you will see older people everywhere. There is such a need for people educated in aging that the career opportunities are endless."
- Jolene Fassbinder, M.S. Gerontology (Non-Profit Foundation Program Officer)
"It's really unique to work here and develop an industry that hadn't existed... I would not have had this opportunity without my masters in aging."
- Josh Johnson, M.A. Gerontology (International Entrepreneur & CEO)
"As an attorney, I deal with aging-related issues on a daily basis. From contacts to litigation, I am constantly impressed by the applicability of my gerontology education to the matters I handle."
- Kim M Bowman Jr., M.A. Gerontology (Corporate Attorney)