Graduate Opportunities

• To promote dialogue among the many faculty and graduate students throughout the university who have research interests in adult development and aging;
• To provide a forum for the exchange and interaction among the multiple and diverse perspectives on aging issues within the university;
• To promote interdisciplinary collaboration among the many faculty and graduate students interested in meeting the increased demand for research and instruction that crosses traditional disciplines; and
• To provide an organized curriculum of courses related to topics addressing adult development and health.
• The Portfolio in Aging & Health conveys an understanding of:
  • the nature and scope of social, economic, physical, educational, and behavioral issues of aging;
  • conceptual, theoretical and institutional bases for the analysis of issues facing an aging population;
  • key methodological issues in the study of age related processes. 

• Completion of three (9 semester hours) courses in the list of approved graduate-level Aging & Health courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in these courses. At least one of these courses must be offered in the department outside of the student’s home department. In addition to courses listed above, relevant methods courses that directly advance a student’s thesis or dissertation research in the field of aging may also be counted toward this requirement, pending approval from the portfolio advisor.
• Electives cannot be taken as a conference course.
• Completion of a course in the critical evaluation of research methods is also strongly recommended, but not required.
• Candidates for the master’s portfolio will be encouraged to engage in an aging-related practicum or scientific research as part of their regular degree program coursework.
• If a student is enrolled in a master’s program that requires a thesis or report, the student must conduct a supervised research project on a topic in the field of aging and health.
• Students must submit a 1-page essay describing the focus of their current and future research or work on aging. Please include a description of how your master’s thesis addresses topics in the field of aging. Students in master’s program that do not include a thesis may describe internships or other requirements that pertain to aging.

• Completion of four (12 semester hours) courses in the list of approved graduate-level Aging & Health courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in the course. In addition to the courses listed above, relevant methods courses that directly advance a student’s dissertation research in the field of aging may also be counted toward this requirement, pending approval from the portfolio advisor.
• Of the four courses, no more than one course may be taken as an independent study, except in unusual circumstances. Taking more than one independent study course requires permission of the Aging & Health adviser.
• Students interested in developing a portfolio in Aging & Health must complete an application form which will be reviewed by the Aging & Health adviser. The application must also include the signature of the student’s graduate adviser. An integral part of the application process is the submission of a one-page essay describing the importance of the work in aging and health to the student’s doctoral program and career goals. This one-page essay must describe the focus of your current and future research or work on aging. Please include a description of how your dissertation addresses topics in the field of aging.
• Students can enter the portfolio program at any point in their doctoral work; the application will typically be submitted in the student's final semester.
• Doctoral students in the portfolio program in Aging & Health must attend at least 4 lectures sponsored by the Aging Center (please keep track of lectures and dates and report those on the form) OR participate in the Graduate Council for at least 3 semesters.
• A written scholarly report must be presented to the Aging & Health adviser, and be approved by the Aging & Health faculty, before the program is complete.

To apply for the Portfolio in Aging & Health, please complete the appropriate application through the online DocuSign PowerForm linked below.

Students should keep track of their coursework and portfolio requirements throughout their graduate program and submit their application early in the final semester of their degree program, ideally within the first month. Students enrolled in programs that confer both master’s and doctoral degrees should apply during the final semester of their doctoral program.

As part of the application, you will be asked to provide the required materials, including your completed portfolio application information and essay. Please have all required materials ready before beginning the submission process.

Submitting your materials early in your final semester allows sufficient time for the portfolio adviser to review your eligibility and follow up if any additional information is needed. Once your materials have been reviewed and approved, the portfolio adviser/administrator will submit the formal application to the Graduate School toward the end of the semester.

• Master’s Portfolio Application
• Doctoral Portfolio Application
• List of Approved Courses in the Portfolio of Aging & Health

For questions about the application process or portfolio requirements, please contact aging@austin.utexas.edu.