The PhD in gerontology program at Simon Fraser University provides advanced research training in gerontology grounded in an interdisciplinary theoretical foundation, current and prospective substantive issues, a range of research methods and statistical techniques, and knowledge to translate research into practice and policy.
Program Requirements
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).
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in 18 terms.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Vancouver Campus
Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver,
British Columbia,
V6B 5K3, Canada
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
January 2025
Vancouver Campus
Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver,
British Columbia,
V6B 5K3, Canada
Admission to the doctor of philosophy (PhD) program will require a gerontology master's degree or a master's degree from another discipline in which a significant amount of course work and/or thesis/project research deals with aging or the aged. Applicants will be evaluated on an individual basis. Those not meeting these requirements will need to complete preparatory course work that is equivalent to a master's in gerontology or aging studies. It is recommended that applicants have a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA). In addition, there must be supervisory capacity in the department to support the candidate's thesis research.
English Language Requirements:
Internet-based TOEFL: 93 with minimum of 20 in each category
Paper-based TOEFL: 580 and TWE 5
IELTS (academic): overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section
CAEL: overall 70; minimum 60 in each section
Pearson Academic (PTE): overall 65; minimum 60 in all of their sections
Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193; C2 Proficiency - minimum score of 200
Duolingo English Test (DET): Provisionally through the Fall 2026 admission cycle - Duolingo English Test (DET) 130 overall with a minimum of 120 in each section.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
SFU has established itself as a leading research university over 60 years, consistently ranking in the top 1-2 percent of universities worldwide.
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