The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, the nation's leader in the field of gerontology, has consistently pioneered innovative educational programs including the world's first Ph.D. in Gerontology, the first joint Master's degree in Gerontology and Business Administration, and the first undergraduate Health Science Track in Gerontology. The Andrus Gerontology Center’s distinguished faculty represents the major professional and disciplinary fields related to gerontology. They are the leaders in social, behavioral, neurological, and policy research. Stay up to date with the latest news in gerontology and aging. A gift to the Andrus Gerontology Center supports the quality of life as we age. When you make a gift to the Center, you have tremendous flexibility in determining how the funds will be used, as well as many options for making your gift.
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David A. Peterson Fellowships
   About the Fellowships
   Applicant Profile
   Application Procedures
   Tuition Support
David A. Peterson, Ph.D.
Research Opportunities

David A. Peterson Fellowships in Aging

Support for master’s and doctoral students of exceptional ability to work with leaders in the field of aging.


About the Fellowships

Starting in the Fall, 2004, up to 5 doctoral and 10 master of science students annually will be provided financial support for full-time study in aging at the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California through the David A. Peterson Fellowships in Aging.

The purpose of the fellowships is two-fold: first, to honor the leadership and scholarship of the School's former director, David A. Peterson, Ph.D.; second, to offer substantial financial support to students with exceptional academic ability who want to become leaders in research and service to older persons.

Students in the Davis School of Gerontology come from many different backgrounds, across the social, biological and health sciences. Alumni from the Ph.D. program are leaders in research in academic, corporate and government settings across the nation. Graduates of the Master of Science program are also national leaders in administration, advocacy, and direct services to older persons.


Applicant Profile

To be considered for the Peterson fellowships, applicants must meet admission criteria that are significantly above minimums for the Davis School of Gerontology published in the USC Catalogue. Applicants to the Master of Science (MSG) program should have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate work , and have obtained scores of at least 550 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Ph.D. program applicants should have cumulative GPAs of at least 3.5 for undergraduate work, and 3.6 or better for graduate work. Ph.D. applicants are expected to have obtained scores of at least 650 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.


Application Procedures

A separate application is not required for fellowship consideration. Applicants meeting the above criteria for the Master of Science and Ph.D. in Gerontology programs will be considered upon completion of their application files. Preference is given to applicants who complete their application files no later than December 10 for the Ph.D. program, and February 1 for the Master of Science Program. Application forms are available on line at: http://www.usc.edu/gero. Fellows will be notified of their awards by the Davis School beginning February 1 and no later than April 1.


Tuition Support

Funding for the David A. Peterson Fellowships in Aging is sustained through the general endowment fund of the Davis School, or through research assistant positions available with faculty. Fellows receive tuition assistance for full-time study toward the Ph.D. or Master of Science in Gerontology in recognition of their academic achievement and potential, and as support for their commitment to pursuing a career in the field of aging. Fellowship awardees will be linked with a faculty mentor and expected to work in research activities for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Tuition support is provided equivalent to that of a 50 percent research assistant appointment.

Masters and Ph.D. students in Gerontology generally register for twelve units (3 classes) during the Fall and Spring semesters. For the 2007-2008 school year, Graduate Tuition is $17,606 per semester, covering 15 to 18 units each semester. Fellows may also receive tuition support for coursework completed during the summer term. Fellows are responsible for mandatory student fees, student health insurance, special fees, and parking fees. Students at the Davis School receive financial support (up to $300) for expenses related to presenting at a professional conference. Tuition support continues for Fellows who make satisfactory academic progress toward either the Ph.D. (4-6 years), M.S.G. (2 years), or dual-degree Master of Science (2-3 years).
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