Doctor of Philosophy in Biology of Aging (PhD)

The doctoral program in the Biology of Aging is designed for students who want to become leaders in biogerontology. The focus is on molecular, cellular, and regenerative medicine as well as the integrative biology of aging. This unique doctoral program, the first of its kind in the field, brings together two world-renowned institutions: the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Northern California. Students’ academic research activities take place on both the Southern and Northern California Campuses. Students can choose a mentor and Ph.D. faculty committee from either the Buck Center or USC. Ph.D. candidates take core courses on the molecular and cellular biology of aging and age-related diseases and then select a specialty among neuroscience, molecular, and cellular biology, stem cell, and regenerative sciences, and biomedical sciences.

Requirements: 60 units of work, including courses, seminars, and research credit. At least 24 of the 60 units must be formal graduate coursework (lectures or seminars). Following the completion of core courses, students may choose one of the following four areas in which to focus their elective courses:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Stem cell and regenerative sciences
• Biomedical sciences

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