Graduate

- Master of Science Program
- Master of Aging Services Management
- Online Masters Program
- Online Master of LTCA
- Dual Degree Program

Academic Programs

Master of Science in Gerontology

The Master of Science in Gerontology prepares graduates to assume major leadership roles in the field of aging, primarily in the planning, administration and evaluation of programs in the private and public sectors, as well as executive positions in the delivery of direct services to older people and their families and in the instruction of older adults and service providers. The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 44 units of course work and field experience. This includes 32 units of required courses, which are available either on-campus or online, and 20 units of specialization courses.

All students take core courses in physiological, psychological, sociological and social policy aspects of aging, research methods and the capstone course.

In addition, a series of courses, selected from a list of skill requirements, 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 course work includes instruction on the processes of aging and professional courses designed to develop the skills needed for practice. Graduate courses available online occur in a blended classroom setting in which distance learning students attend classes simultaneously with classroom attendees. The field practicum includes two semesters of practical experience working in an organizational setting.

Continuous registration in the program is required. 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.

The School also offers an accelerated master’s degree for human development and aging majors. The Advanced Placement Master of Science in Gerontology program allows undergraduate GERO majors to waive several courses in order to complete the master's degree in one year. This program consists of 36 units rather than 44 units for the regular M.S.G. program. Please visit our course catalog (http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat2008/schools/gerontology/graduate/) for more information or contact 213-740-5156 if you are a current gerontology undergraduate interested in this program.

The progressive degree program allows qualified undergraduate students from related fields to begin work on a master’s degree in gerontology while completing requirements for a bachelor’s degree in another subject. Please visit our course catalog (http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat2008/schools/gerontology/graduate/) for more information or contact 213-740-5156 if you are an undergraduate enrolled in another major and interested in this 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.

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 Admission. 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.

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 a minimum of 240 hours of community involvement. Students may elect to take an additional 4 units of GERO 591 Field Practicum as an elective.

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 591 Field Practicum.