The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology offers an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Science in Gerontology), a graduate degree (Master of Science in Gerontology) and a Ph.D. in Gerontology (Public Policy). In addition, undergraduate students in the university may earn a minor in gerontology. Non-degree graduate students may complete 24 units of gerontology and be awarded a graduate level certificate in gerontology.

Master's degree students may pursue one of five dual degrees which are jointly offered with other professional schools. These are the Master of Science in Gerontology/Master of Business Administration (M.S./M.B.A.) with the Graduate School of Business Administration; Master of Science in Gerontology/Master of Public Administration (M.S./M.P.A.) with the School of Public Administration; Master of Science in Gerontology/Master of Health Administration (M.S./M.H.A.) with the School of Public Administration; Master of Science in Gerontology/Master of Social Work (M.S./M.S.W.) with the School of Social Work; Master of Science in Gerontology/Master of Planning (M.S./M.Pl.) with the School of Urban Planning and Development; and Master of Science in Gerontology/Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Services (M.S./M.A.) with Hebrew Union College.

In addition to the degree, minor and certificate programs, overview courses in aging are offered for undergraduates enrolled in other units of the university. Certain gerontology courses may be used to fulfill general education requirements. Many gerontology courses can also be credited as elective units toward graduation.

The Gerontology Research Institute

The Gerontology Research Institute initiates, designs and executes basic research on the many phases of aging, and provides for graduate and post-graduate training in the biological, social and behavioral sciences. Specific areas of study include neurobiology, cognitive development, histopathology, social organization behavior, human service delivery, demography and social policy.

The institute offers a multidisciplinary research training program in gerontology. The program is directed toward graduate students pursuing the Ph.D. as well as a limited number of post-doctoral fellows who develop research and academic careers in specialized areas of gerontology. Research training is carried out within individual disciplines.

In addition to the Ph.D. in Gerontology (Public Policy), programs are available through the various disciplines of the university in cooperation with faculty in the research institute. Persons interested in this level of education should contact the Gerontology Research Institute, Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191.

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