<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>National University's online Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Gerontology is a non-clinical program that is designed to provide advanced studies that prepare you to work with older adults. Course topics within in the curriculum include the biological and psychological changes associated with aging, psychological aspects of death and dying, coping strategies, and common mental health issues faced by older adults. In addition, you could study caregiver strategies and types of elder care, multicultural influences on aging, and various roles of a psychologist in elder care management. The dissertation process requires you to write and defend an extensive research project addressing a topic that contributes to the field. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Prospective students of this Gerontology program may already have some previous psychology or mental health education or experience. You should also be enjoy helping others and be interested in a career working with older adults. Applicants to National University's online Ph.D. in Psychology programs must have a master's degree from an accredited academic institution. Individuals with a master's degree in a field other than psychology, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work may need to complete additional courses before beginning the Ph.D. curriculum. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>To graduate from this program, you will be required to complete at least 60 credit hours. Requirements include 30 foundation credits, 18 specialization credits, and 12 dissertation credits. </p> <p><u>Courses for a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Gerontology</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7101</td><td> Foundations for Doctoral Study in Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7102</td><td> Scholarly Writing and Professional Communication in Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7103</td><td>Research Methods</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7104</td><td>Statistics I</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7115</td><td> Tests and Measurements in Industrial/Organizational Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7106</td><td>Quantitative Research Design</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7107</td><td>Statistics II</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7108</td><td>Qualitative Research Design</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7109</td><td>Planning Dissertation Research in Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>CMP 9701P</td><td> Pre-Candidacy Prospectus</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Specialization Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8111</td><td> Clinical Survey of Substance Abuse and Dependence</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8112</td><td>Addiction Assessment and Treatment Planning</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8113</td><td>Addiction and Related Disorders</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8114</td><td>Co-Occurring Disorders</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8115</td><td>Family Systems Approaches to Addiction</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8116</td><td>Group Therapy</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Dissertation Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9901A</td><td> Components of the Dissertation</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9902A</td><td>The Dissertation Proposal</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9903A</td><td>Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9904A</td><td>The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterGraduation">What Could I Do After Graduation?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Once you have earned National University's Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Gerontology, you might explore career options in a variety of environments. You could pursue opportunities in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, hospices, or mental health clinics. You could also consider positions with government agencies or community organizations. Examples of some of the positions that you could pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Resident services manager </li><li>Gerontology researcher </li><li>Gerontology program administrator </li><li>Program director</li></ul>