The PhD and EdD programs in Leadership: Gerontology provide a multidisciplinary framework from which to respond to existing age-related questions. Rather than relying on a single disciplinary approach to aging and leadership, your knowledge base of research methods and theoretical perspectives will encompass various social and basic science disciplines. This breadth reflects the reality of the field: aging touches health, policy, economics, psychology, sociology, education, and organizational leadership simultaneously — and leaders must be fluent across all of them.

The PhD program produces highly qualified and trained social scientists with training in research methodology and its application in an aging society. If your goal is to generate new knowledge, publish original research, teach at the university level, or lead research initiatives within government or healthcare organizations, the PhD provides the methodological rigor and scholarly grounding to do it. (Standards referenced: AGHE Standards and Guidelines for Gerontology and Geriatric Programs, 2008.)  

The EdD program produces highly qualified and trained stewards of gerontological leadership practiced in applied gerontology. Designed for practitioners who want to lead organizations and improve systems serving older adults, the EdD emphasizes the application of gerontological knowledge to real-world leadership challenges. Candidates of this degree may actively engage in research, teaching, or service in academic or non-academic settings. (Standards referenced: AGHE Standards and Guidelines for Gerontology and Geriatric Programs, 2008.)

Both degrees share the same multidisciplinary foundation and the same commitment to preparing leaders for an aging society. The difference lies in emphasis:

Both PhD and EdD candidates may actively engage in research, teaching, or service in academic or non-academic settings. Admissions advisors can help you determine which pathway best aligns with your professional goals.  

The longevity revolution and the growing numbers of people associated with an aging population are creating urgent need for advanced multidisciplinary study in gerontology. This doctoral program reflects that need — expanding the knowledge base in the field and strengthening training within the profession. Graduates are armed with specialized training and well-positioned to assume leadership roles as gerontologists in government, healthcare, and academic settings.  

Both the PhD and EdD in Leadership: Gerontology are delivered fully online, designed for professionals who want to pursue doctoral study without stepping away from the careers and communities they serve. As a Concordia University Chicago doctoral student, you'll join a Christ-centered learning community where scholarship and service go hand in hand.  

It is a doctoral degree that combines leadership preparation with specialized, multidisciplinary study of aging. Concordia University Chicago offers two pathways — a PhD and an EdD — both providing a framework for responding to age-related questions and intensive training for current supervisors and emerging leaders addressing issues related to aging.

The PhD produces highly qualified and trained social scientists with training in research methodology and its application in an aging society. The EdD produces highly qualified and trained stewards of gerontological leadership practiced in applied gerontology. Both degrees prepare candidates to actively engage in research, teaching, or service in academic or non-academic settings. 

Yes. Both the PhD and EdD in Leadership: Gerontology are offered in an online modality, designed for working professionals.  

Graduates are well-positioned to assume leadership roles as gerontologists in government, healthcare, and academic settings. Career paths include university faculty, research director, policy leader, healthcare administrator, senior living executive, nonprofit director, and applied gerontology consultant.  

Applicants submit an objective statement, two letters of recommendation, a free online application, a writing sample, a resume or CV, and transcripts from each institution attended.  

No. Concordia University Chicago offers a free online application for both the PhD and EdD in Leadership: Gerontology.  

Aging is not a single-discipline phenomenon. The doctoral candidate's knowledge base of research methods and theoretical perspectives encompasses various social and basic science disciplines rather than relying on a single disciplinary approach to aging and leadership. This breadth is what enables graduates to lead effectively across healthcare, policy, education, and community sectors.  

The programs are designed for those already serving as supervisors as well as those who want unique preparation for leadership roles addressing issues related to aging — including healthcare leaders, government professionals, senior living administrators, nonprofit directors, and future university faculty.  

CUC combines multidisciplinary doctoral training with a Christ-centered mission and a flexible online format built for working professionals. With two doctoral pathways, a free application, and a program designed around the realities of the longevity revolution, CUC prepares graduates to lead with both scholarly rigor and a heart for service.