Graduate Degrees

Master of Science in Gerontology

The Master of Science in Gerontology prepares graduates to assume professional leadership positions in the delivery of services to older people and their families, in the planning and evaluation of services, in administration of programs and in the instruction of older people and service providers.

All students take core courses in physiological, psychological, sociological and social policy aspects of aging, as well as courses in professional issues in gerontology and research methods. In addition, a series of courses in an area of specialization is chosen to assist the student in developing specific professional practice skills. A field practicum assures that these skills can be applied in agencies and institutional settings.

The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 52 units of course work and field experience. This includes 32 units of Required coursesand 20 units of specialization courses. The course work includes instruction on the processes of aging and professional courses designed to develop the skills needed for practice. The field practicum includes two semesters of practical experience working in an organizational setting.

Continuous registration in the program is required through completion of the thesis or comprehensive examination. There is a five year completion time limit for the degree. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit. A maximum of two absences (one year each) is allowed.

Prerequisites for Admission

Students applying for admission to the Master of Science in Gerontology program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In selecting applicants for admission, the School of Gerontology considers both academic potential (as reflected in undergraduate study and scores on the Graduate Record Examinations) and professional potential (as reflected in experience, references and career goals). The school requests information from applicants to supplement that supplied by the USC Application for Graduate Admissions. Such supplemental information usually includes a statement of interest in gerontology and letters of reference. Interviews may be required.

An approved statistics course is required of all students entering the program.

Probation and Disqualification

Probation and Warning

Any graduate student whose cumulative or semester grade point average in the university falls below B (3.0) will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student whose semester average falls below B (3.0) but whose cumulative grade point average in the university is 3.0 (A = 4.0) or higher will be placed on academic warning.

Disqualification

A graduate student on academic probation will be disqualified if his or her cumulative record accumulates more than 12 units of C work. A graduate student, whether on probation or not, will be subject to disqualification if the Student Affairs Committee of the Davis School at any time determines deficiency in academic achievement or upon failure of the comprehensive examination after two attempts.

Specialization

Students in the master's program select a specialization consistent with their major career interest. The choice of specialization primarily determines which elective courses, field placement, thesis topic or comprehensive examination questions are included in the program. Specializations are designed in consultation with the student's faculty advisor and other faculty as appropriate. Examples of specializations include: direct service, administration, policy, health services, industrial, etc.

Direct Service Students in this specialization are expected to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide direct service to older people. Program requirements for the specialization are determined in conjunction with the student's advisor.

Administration/Policy Students in this specialization are expected to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective management and supervision of human service programs and involvement in policy-making positions affecting formulation, adoption and implementation of decisions and actions affecting an aging society.

Students in the policy area may apply for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Andrus Foundation Policy Internship program. Students may also specialize in health services administration or earn a Long Term Care Certificate in conjunction with the Health Services Administration Program of the School of Public Administration.

Industrial Gerontology In this specialization, students gain knowledge of the major issues confronting business and industry in relation to older workers, retirees and the mature consumer population. Program requirements for the specialization are determined in consultation with the student's advisor.

In addition to these formal specializations, students may, in consultation with their advisors, design an individualized emphasis or specialization. Possible areas include the education of older adults and individualized study.

Common Requirements

All candidates for the Master of Science degree must complete the following common requirements:

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 589	Professional Issues in Gerontology	4
GERO 591z	Field Practicum	8
GERO 593ab	Research Methods	4
		____
		32

In addition, each candidate must complete the 20 units required for the selected specialization.

Specializations are designed using courses offered by the School of Gerontology as well as courses offered by other schools and departments on campus such as Public Administration, Urban and Regional Planning, Education, Business Administration, etc.

Field Practicum

The field practicum provides the opportunity for the student to gain valuable experience and develop needed skills by working in a community agency or institution. It involves 480 hours of community involvement, generally over two semesters.

Field placement assignments are made by the internship coordinator of the school in consultation with the student and in accordance with the resources available in the community. Every effort is made to secure placement which will reflect the student's capacity to assume the responsibilities of a professional in gerontology. Evaluations of the student's performance are sent to the school by the community agency; the student receives a grade of credit/no credit in GERO 591z Field Practicum.

Thesis and Comprehensive Examinations

Students in the Master of Science in Gerontology program may choose to complete their studies by either writing a thesis or taking a comprehensive examination. For those students choosing the thesis, a research project is expected to be completed within two semesters. Four units of credit may be earned by completing the thesis project. A committee of two faculty members is appointed to assist the student. Instructions for initiating the thesis project are available from the School of Gerontology office.

Those students who choose the comprehensive examination will not be required to complete a thesis. The examination will be written and will cover several areas of course work as well as the multidisciplinary aspects of gerontology. Questions will require knowledge of relevant theory and current developments using specific examples. The exam is offered in a two-day sequence in two parts. Students are permitted a maximum of two attempts at passing the exam. Failure on two attempts results in disqualification from the program. Students need only repeat the failed day sequence for the second attempt. Instructions for taking the comprehensive examination are available from the school's student services coordinator. The exam is offered each semester. Students must apply to take the exam during the first week of the semester in which it is to be taken.

Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
Joye Day
day@mizar.usc.edu