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Frequently Asked Questions
MGS/Ph.D. Programs
2. What is the focus of the MGS program?
3. As a master's degree student, am I required to write a thesis?
4. What is the focus of the Ph.D. in Social Gerontology?
5. What is the relationship between the MGS and the doctoral program?
6. What are the disciplinary backgrounds of the departmental faculty?
7. Who is eligible for admission to the doctoral program?
8. How many students will be admitted to the doctoral program?
9. When may I apply for admission to either the MGS or Ph.D. program?
11. Are all international applicants required to take the TOEFL?
12. What are the requirements for the MGS degree program?
13. What are the requirements of the Ph.D. program?
14. Are assistantships available to graduate students?
15. Is distance education offered in the MGS and Ph.D. programs?
1. What is the relationship between Scripps Gerontology Center and the Department of Sociology and Gerontology?
Degrees are granted through Miami University's Department of Sociology and Gerontology. Scripps Gerontology Center provides administrative support to the department's academic programs. Scripps also directs numerous research projects, which provide research experience for graduate students.
2. What is the focus of the MGS program?
The MGS program provides students with a thorough background in theory and research in social gerontology, fundamentals of program management, hands-on experience through an individualized and supervised field practicum, and opportunities to interact with professionals in the field of aging through research experiences and an active mentoring program. This program is designed for students whose interests and career goals include research, or applied work in the field of gerontology. The curriculum is flexible so that students can pursue areas of individual interest.
3. As a master's degree student, am I required to write a thesis?
All MGS students are required to write a critical inquiry paper. This guided independent research is a culminating, integrative experience for all MGS students. Students will design and execute a project that involves original data collection, secondary data analysis, or critical analysis of policies and programs in the field.
4. What is the focus of the Ph.D. in Social Gerontology?
The doctoral program focuses and builds on three rich traditions of gerontology at Miami University:
1. The multidisciplinary approach characteristic of the field;
2. Expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods; and
3. A critical gerontology perspective that emphasizes the social construction of age and aging.
5. What is the relationship between the MGS and the doctoral program?
The Ph.D. program builds upon the rich tradition established with the Master of Gerontological Studies (MGS) program. Although the MGS is offered as a professional degree, some of our MGS students will apply for admission to the Ph.D. in Social Geronotology.
6. What are the disciplinary backgrounds of the departmental faculty?
Departmental faculty are trained in anthropology, demography, psychology, social welfare, social work, and sociology.
7. Who is eligible for admission to the doctoral program?
Admission criteria include undergraduate and graduate grade point averages, performance on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a letter or statement describing career objectives and areas of interest in gerontology, an interview, and letters of recommendation. Applicants to the doctoral program may include those who have earned a B.A. and those who have already earned a master's degree. Those entering with a bachelor's degree are required to begin their studies by fulfilling the current core requirements for the Master of Gerontological Studies (MGS) program. This core consists of 34 semester hours. Prior to completion of the MGS degree, students may apply for competitive admission to the doctoral program. For students entering with a master's degree in gerontology or another discipline, faculty will review their previous coursework to determine which MGS core courses must be taken in preparation for the doctoral program.
8. How many students will be admitted to the doctoral program?
We will admit 3-5 doctoral students a year.
9. When may I apply for admission to either the MGS or Ph.D. program?
Applications are accepted for fall admission only. Completed application and all accompanying materials must be received by February 1.
10. I have a master's degree. Are my GRE scores required for admission into either the MGS or Ph.D. program?
Yes, GRE general test scores are required of every candidate. Only scores from tests taken within the last 5 years will be accepted. International students may request a GRE waiver if extreme hardship can be demonstrated. These decisions will be made on a case by case basis.
11. Are all international applicants required to take the TOEFL?
Yes, without exception, international applicants who have not received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S. institution are required to take the TOEFL.
12. What are the requirements for the MGS degree program?
The program requires 43 semester hours including course work, a practicum in the field of aging, and a critical inquiry paper based on student interest. For full-time students, the MGS degree requires two academic years of study including the summer practicum.
13. What are the requirements of the Ph.D. program?
In addition to the general requirements specified by the Graduate School, requirements for the Ph.D. in Social Gerontology include 60 post-master's credit hours; satisfactory performance on a written and oral qualifying examination; submission of an acceptable dissertation; and satisfactory performance on a final oral examination (dissertation defense).
14. Are assistantships available to graduate students?
Yes, graduate assistantships and doctoral associateships are available each year and are awarded on a competitive basis. Continued funding is contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The application for an assistantship is part of the Graduate School application process.
15. Is distance education offered in the MGS and Ph.D. programs?
No, our programs are based on extensive interaction among faculty and students both within and beyond the classroom.
