This program consists of three core courses, two electives, comprehensive examinations and a thesis. Students may be required to complete up to two additional courses if deemed necessary by the admissions committee. Students may substitute up to three courses from other programs with departmental approval. Students may also complete one directed studies (GERO 889).
Required Courses
- GERO 803-4 Analytical Techniques for Gerontological Research
- GERO 804-4 Advanced Qualitative Methods in Gerontology
- GERO 806-4 Interdisciplinary Theories in Gerontology
Students who have completed equivalent courses in their graduate degree, may be permitted to substitute these courses with electives.
Students who complete all three required courses, will complete at least two courses from the electives listed below:
Elective Courses
- GERO 802-4: Development and Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs for the Elderly
- GERO 810-4: Community Based Housing, Health and Support Services for Older People
- GERO 811-4: Institutional Living Environments
- GERO 820-4: Principles and Practices of Health Promotion/Population Health
- GERO 822-4: Families, Communities, and Health (can be used for either concentration)
- GERO 823-4: Mental Health and Illness in Later Life
- GERO 830-4: Aging in a Technological World
- GERO 840-4: Special Topics
Comprehensive Examinations
After completion of all coursework, students will write two comprehensive examinations based on reading lists developed with their supervisory committee.
Thesis Proposal // Thesis Defense
When both comprehensive examinations are satisfactorily completed, the student must develop and successfully defend a thesis prospectus before being officially admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.
For a full description of the program requirements please visit the SFU Academic Calendar
