How Are Gerontology Doctoral Graduates Viewed in the Academic Job Market? Findings From an Exploratory Study

Although doctorally trained gerontologists have unique types of expertise as a result of their interdisciplinary training, research exploring perceptions of their hirability in faculty positions is lacking. This exploratory study examined the perceptions of administrators and faculty at institutions identified as having a doctoral program in gerontology or a doctoral program in another aging-related area. A short, semistructured 27 question survey was disseminated online. Twenty-five (N = 25) deans, associate deans, or other faculty participated in this study. Results indicate varying views of the attractiveness of hiring doctorally trained gerontologists, who or what is a gerontologist, and the value of having a doctorally trained gerontologist as a faculty member.