Graduate Degrees
Dual Degree Programs
The Davis School of Gerontology cooperates with six other professional schools at USC and Hebrew Union College in offering programs in which the student receives two master's degrees. These degrees provide the student with the knowledge and skills of gerontology as well as those of the other professional field. The dual degrees require more course work than the M.S. alone, but offer the graduate greater breadth of education and employment options.
Dual degrees currently available are the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Business Administration (M.S./M.B.A.) with the Marshall School of Business; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Doctor of Dental Surgery (M.S./D.D.S.) with the School of Dentistry; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Juris Doctor (M.S./J.D.) with the Gould School of Law; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Public Administration (M.S./M.P.A.); the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Health Administration (M.S./M.H.A.); and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Planning (M.S./M.Pl.) with the School of Policy, Planning, and Development; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Social Work (M.S./M.S.W.) with the School of Social Work; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Doctor of Pharmacy (M.S./Pharm.D.) with the School of Pharmacy. The School of Gerontology in cooperation with Hebrew Union College offers the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service (M.S./M.A.). Students must apply to both schools simultaneously and, if accepted to both, participate in specially designed programs combining the courses of each school.
Admission to Dual Degree Programs
Applicants to any of the dual degree programs must submit two application forms to the Office of Admissions; one indicating gerontology as the major and one indicating the other degree as the major. Each of the schools must accept the student for admission. Acceptance into one school's degree program does not imply acceptance into the dual degree program.
Gerontology and Business Administration
The M.S./M.B.A. dual degree combines knowledge of the older population with the skills of business management. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations including the marketing of products or services to seniors, human resource development with older workers and retirement benefits.
Gerontology Requirements
The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 30 units of course and field work which covers the core content of the M.S. program.
| Required courses | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| Gerontology electives | | 6 |
| | 30 |
Business Administration Requirements
The Master of Business Administration will require 48 units of credit. Required courses include: all courses required in an M.B.A. core program; MOR 548 Competitive Advantage Through People (3 units); one marketing elective chosen from among MKT 512 Marketing and Consumer Research, MKT 525 Consumer Behavior, MKT 560 Marketing Strategy and Policy, and MKT 569 Contemporary Marketing Problems (3 units); and additional graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
Program Adaptation
The Davis School of Gerontology will waive 12 units of skill related courses and 6 units of electives, plus GERO 593 Research Methods (4 units), which are required in the regular M.S. program.
Gerontology and Dentistry
The M.S./D.D.S. dual degree program extends over five years and is offered cooperatively by the USC School of Dentistry and the Davis School of Gerontology. The program addresses the challenges facing oral health care providers as the number of older persons needing dental care increases. With the evolution of care toward patients who live longer lives, graduating dentists will be better prepared to provide service to the aging population in community settings and health care facilities.
The student spends the first year taking required D.D.S. courses in the School of Dentistry. Gerontology course work will be introduced in the second year and continues through the fifth year.
Gerontology Requirements
The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 38 units of course and field work taken in the School of Gerontology which covers the core content of the M.S. program.
| Required courses | Units |
|---|
| GERO 475 | Ethical Issues in Geriatric Health Care | 4 |
| GERO 513 | Stress, Health, and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 6 |
| GERO 593 | Research Methods | 4 |
| Elective Courses | Units |
|---|
Choose one from the following list in consultation with an advisor: |
| GERO 522 | Counseling Older Adults and Their Families | 4 |
| GERO 550 | Administration and System Management in Programs for Older Adults | 4 |
| GERO 554 | Program Evaluation | 4 |
Dentistry Requirements
See the
Dentistry section for a listing of School of Dentistry requirements for the D.D.S./M.S. dual degree program.
Program Adaptation
The Davis School of Gerontology will waive 14 units of credit: GERO 510 Physiology of Development and Aging (4); GERO 589 Professional Issues in Gerontology (4); GERO 591z Field Practicum (2) and GERO electives (4). These requirements will be replaced by INTP 651 (4), INTP 502ab (2-2), GSPD 610 (1), GSPD 612 (1) and INTX 502e (1).
Gerontology and Pharmacy
The emerging impact of the elderly on the health care system has created a need for health care providers who understand the unique needs of the elderly. As drug therapy remains the primary therapeutic option for chronic disease, the demand for prescription drugs will continue to rise. There is a demand for pharmacists who are equipped to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of this population. Geriatric pharmacy is becoming increasingly recognized as a specialty. Pharmacists with expertise in gerontology and geriatrics are in an excellent position to play a leading role in health policy and direct patient care. The Pharm.D./M.S., Gerontology program will provide extensive education and training in the unique health care needs of older adults. It will allow student pharmacists with a career interest in geriatrics or gerontology to work with health care planning or delivery organizations to develop and implement progressive pharmaceutical care programs for the elderly.
Application and Admissions Requirements
Students applying for the dual degree program must meet the respective admission requirements for each program. This includes having completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 and a minimum GRE score of 1000. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students may apply to the dual Pharm.D./M.S. degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their Pharm.D. application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students, who elect this approach, must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the Pharm.D. and will be offered admission to the dual degree program contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the Pharm.D. with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students who are accepted by only one program may choose to attend that program, but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the M.S. in Gerontology program during their first year of enrollment in the Pharm.D. prior to the M.S., Gerontology published application deadline. Students, who elect this approach, must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the M.S. program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the Pharm.D. with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in their gerontology and Pharm.D. courses.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete all requirements for the Pharm.D. and M.S. degrees as listed in the catalogue with a minimum cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. Students must complete 44 Gerontology units as indicated. The Pharm.D. degree course requirements are listed in the
School of Pharmacy section.
| Gerontology requirements | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum (480 hours) | 8 |
| GERO 593 | Research Methods | 4 |
Gerontology and Public Administration
The M.S./M.P.A. dual degree offers the student interested in management of agencies and institutions the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the administrative and organizational processes and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of services to older persons.
In the M.S./M.P.A. dual degree, students spend their first year taking the required courses in the School of Gerontology. The research course (GERO 593) and the capstone course (GERO 555) are taken in the School of Gerontology. The student begins courses in the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development during the second semester of the first year.
Two versions of this dual degree are available, one with a general orientation and one with an emphasis on health services administration. Students must apply to both schools and, if accepted to both, participate in a specially designed program combining course work from both schools.
| Gerontology Requirements | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 550 | Administration and System Management in Programs for Older Adults | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 8 |
| GERO 593 | Research Methods | 4 |
| Gerontology skills related elective | | 4 |
| | 40 |
| Policy, Planning, and Development Requirements | Units |
|---|
| PPD 500 | Cross Sectoral Governance | 4 |
| PPD 501 | Public Sector Economics | 4 |
| PPD 540 | Public Administration and Society | 4 |
| PPD 541 | Public Financial Management and Budgeting | 4 |
| PPD 542 | Policy and Program Evaluation, or |
| PPD 557 | Quantitative Analysis I, or |
| PPD 666 | Administrative Research and Analysis | 4 |
| PPD 545 | Human Behavior in Public Organizations | 4 |
| PPD 546 | Professional Practice of Public Administration | 4 |
| | 28 |
Program Adaptation
For the M.S. in Gerontology, 8 units of skill related courses and 4 units of electives are waived. For the Master of Public Administration, 12 units of gerontology courses are used as the substantive specialization.
Gerontology and Health Administration
The Davis School of Gerontology provides the opportunity for students to specialize in health care administration (profit and non-profit) through the dual degree with the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development's Health Administration Program.
| Gerontology Requirements | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 550 | Administration and System Management in Programs for Older Adults | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 8 |
| GERO 593 | Research Methods | 4 |
| | 36 |
| Policy, Planning, and DEvelopment Requirements | Units |
|---|
| PPD 509 | Problems and Issues in the Health Field | 4 |
| PPD 510a | Financial Management of Health Services | 4 |
| PPD 513 | Legal Issues in Health Care Delivery | 4 |
| PPD 514 | Economic Concepts Applied to Health | 4 |
| PPD 515 | Strategic Management of Health Organizations | 4 |
| PPD 516x* | Financial Accounting in the Public and Non-Profit Sectors | 4 |
| PPD 545 | Human Behavior in Public Organizations | 4 |
| PPD 557 | Quantitative Analysis I | 4 |
| PPD 601 | Management of Long-Term Care Organizations | 4 |
| | 36 |
Any course substitutions are done by petition on an individual basis and should be part of a carefully developed course of study. The USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development should be consulted concerning this program of study.
Gerontology and Law
The M.S./J.D. dual degree combines the knowledge of the older population with understanding of the legal system. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations. Students are required to complete 110 units of course work, 74 from the USC Gould School of Law and 36 from the Davis School of Gerontology. The first year is devoted to required law courses, and the second, third and fourth years combine gerontology and law courses. To earn the J.D., all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to the rule for students enrolled in the Law School honors program.
Gerontology Requirements
The Master of Science in Gerontology will require 36 units of course and field work which covers the core content of the M.S. program.
| Required courses | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 8 |
| GERO 593 | Research Methods | 4 |
The Davis School of Gerontology will waive 16 units of electives which are required in the regular M.S. program.
Law School Requirements
The Law School requires 76 units of credit.
| Required Courses, First Year | Units |
|---|
| LAW 502 | Procedure I | 4 |
| LAW 503 | Contracts | 4 |
| LAW 504 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 505 | Legal Profession | 3 |
| LAW 507 | Property | 4 |
| LAW 508 | Constitutional Law I | 4 |
| LAW 509 | Torts I | 4 |
| LAW 515 | Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy I | 2 |
| LAW 516 | Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy II | 2 |
| LAW 512 | Law, Language, and Ethics | 3 |
Elective Course Work The second and third years of law study are primarily elective with one requirement. Students must satisfy the upper division writing requirement, either by completing a major, faculty-supervised writing project such as a dissertation, or by taking a course with a substantial writing component.
The Law School will waive 14 units of electives which are required in the regular J.D. program.
Gerontology and Social Work
The M.S./M.S.W. dual degree offers the student interested in direct service or community organization the credentials most valued in clinical and therapeutic practice. Taken in connection with the social work degree, the M.S. focuses course and field work on the older person and prepares the student for social work with older persons and their families.
In the M.S./M.S.W. dual degree program, the student enrolls primarily in the first year program of the USC School of Social Work. During the summer session, courses are taken in the School of Gerontology. Second year courses are taken in both schools and field work during the second year is taken in the School of Gerontology. The research course is taken through the School of Social Work in the student's concentration area. The research course and capstone course of the School of Gerontology are waived.
| Gerontology Requirements | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 8 |
| Gerontology electives | | 8 |
| | 32 |
| Social Work Requirements | Units |
|---|
| SOWK 503 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment I | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment II | 3 |
| SOWK 534 | Policy and Practice in Social Service Organizations | 3 |
| SOWK 543 | Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families | 4 |
| SOWK 545 | Social Work Practice with Groups and Complex Cases | 2 |
| SOWK 562 | Social Work Research | 3 |
| SOWK 586ab | Field Practicum | 3-3 |
| SOWK 587ab | Integrative Learning for Social Work Practice | 2-2 |
| SOWK 611 | Leadership in the Social Work Profession and Organizations: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| | 31 |
In the second half of the social work program, students may enroll in one of four concentrations: Health; World of Work; Mental Health; or Community Organization, Planning and Administration (COPA). All students are required to take SOWK 611 Leadership in the Social Work Profession and Organizations: Theory and Practice. Required courses are selected based on the chosen concentration as follows:
| Health | Units |
|---|
| SOWK 631 | Advanced Theories and Clinical Interventions in Health Care | 3 |
| SOWK 632 | Program Planning and Evaluation in Health Care | 3 |
| SOWK 636 | Social Policy: Health Care | 3 |
| world of work | Units |
|---|
| SOWK 671 | Clinical Intervention and Advanced Theories in Work Settings | 3 |
| SOWK 672 | Improving Work Life Through Social Policy and Managing Organizational Development and Change | 3 |
| SOWK 673 | Program Development, Training, Grant Writing and Program Evaluation in Work Settings | 3 |
| Mental Health | Units |
|---|
| SOWK 605 | Human Development and Mental Health | 3 |
| SOWK 625 | Evaluation of Research: Mental Health | 3 |
| SOWK 645 | Clinical Practice in Mental Health Settings | 3 |
| community organization, planning, and Administration (COPA) | Units |
|---|
| SOWK 629 | Evaluation of Research: Community Organization, Planning and Administration | 3 |
| SOWK 639 | Social Policy for Managers, Planners, and Community Organizers | 3 |
| SOWK 648 | Management for Community and Social Services | 3 |
Course selection is done only with an academic advisor's approval.
Program Adaptations
The School of Gerontology waives 12 units. The research course is taken through the School of Social Work in the student's concentration area, and GERO 593, the research course, and GERO 555 are waived as well as one elective. The School of Social Work waives 12 units.
Gerontology and Planning
The M.S./M.Pl. dual degree is one of few in the nation which combines the knowledge of the older population with the skills needed to plan services for older people. The M.Pl. prepares the graduate for the responsibilities involved in development of public and private institutions and programs. The M.S. indicates a special focus on the older person and the skills to analyze and design programs for this growing population.
Requirements
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 66 units including 26 units in gerontology, 36 units in planning from the School of Policy, Planning, and Development and a minimum of four units of thesis in gerontology or planning, as follows:
| Gerontology | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 6 |
| Policy, Planning, and Development | Units |
|---|
| PPD 500 | Cross-Sectoral Governance | 4 |
| PPD 524 | Planning Theory | 2 |
| PPD 525 | Statistics and Arguing from Data | 2 |
| PPD 526 | Comparative International Development | 2 |
| PPD 527 | The Social Context of Planning | 2 |
| PPD 528 | The Urban Economy | 2 |
| PPD 529 | Legal Environment of Planning | 2 |
| | 16 |
Specialization Methodology: A 4-unit course selected from list shown in the Master of Planning program.
Laboratory/Workshops: PPD 531L (4, 4) and/or PPD 532L (4, 4) to total 8 units.
Electives: 8 units of electives taken in the School of Policy, Planning, and Development.
Thesis: A thesis is required on a subject interrelating gerontology and urban planning and development. Students must register in a minimum of 4 units of PPD 594abz (2, 2, 0) or GERO 594abz (2, 2, 0). Students must maintain continuous registration until completion of the thesis.
Gerontology and Jewish Communal Service
The M.S./M.A. dual degree provides the student the opportunity to combine training in gerontology with a perspective on human services in the Jewish community. It prepares students for the delivery, planning and administration of services to older people in primarily Jewish settings. Students must apply for admission to both USC and Hebrew Union College.
| Gerontology Requirements | Units |
|---|
| GERO 510 | Physiology of Development and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 520 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| GERO 530 | Life Span Developmental Sociology | 4 |
| GERO 540 | Social Policy and Aging | 4 |
| GERO 555 | Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach | 4 |
| GERO 591z | Field Practicum | 8 |
| GERO 593 | Research Methods | 4 |
For information about Jewish Communal Service requirements contact the Office of Admissions, Hebrew Union College -- Jewish Institute of Religion, 3077 University Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007-3796.
Program Adaptations
The School of Gerontology waives 12 units of gerontology electives. Thesis units for the Jewish Communal Service degree are taken at Hebrew Union College.
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