Graduate

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

Academic Programs

Master of Aging Services Management

The Master of Aging Services Management (MASM) provides the opportunity for current and future aging services managers to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to respond to a rapidly growing population of older people. The program, which is available in its entirety to distance learning students and also to those who are able to attend classes on campus, aims to prepare a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to successfully offer products, services and programs to older persons.

The aging services industries include residential care facilities, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, hospice care, home care and other home delivered services, as well as emerging services such as lifelong creative therapy programs and home modification programs. Students will be prepared to utilize their skills and respond effectively to changes in the economic, legal and regulatory environments in which they are employed.

The Master of Aging Services Management requires 32-units of coursework. A minimum of 12 units of core courses provides theoretical framework and specific management skills related to the aging services industries. In addition, students will be required to take 20 units of elective courses from a broad range of gerontology courses, which include relevant subjects such as environmental design and emerging technologies.

The curriculum encourages students to apply academic research into professional applications.

All MASM classes are taught in a “smart classroom,” which allows them to be “blended,” meaning they are available for both onsite students and also available to distance learning students via webcast.  Online master of aging services management students can complete their entire MASM degree without setting foot on the USC campus.  The webcasts and additional web-based discussions and assignments allow students from remote locations to complete the coursework at a time of optimal convenience, and will also be available to onsite students and also available to distance learning students via webcast.  Online students can complete their entire MASM degree without setting foot on the USC campus.  The webcasts and additional web-based discussions and assignments allow students from remote locations to complete the coursework at a time of optimal convenience, and will also be available to onsite students

In order to participate in online courses, students will be required to have access to a computer with multimedia capability including a modem, printer and CD-ROM drive; an Internet provider with email and an Internet browser; and word processing software. Specific details regarding the computer requirements will be provided by the department.

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.

Academic Programs

Master of Aging Services Management

The Master of Aging Services Management consists of a minimum of three core courses from the following five courses:

GER 500: Perspectives on a Changing Society: An Introduction to Aging (4)
This course examines the bio/psycho/social model of aging as well as the implications of population aging trends for individuals and society. Students will learn about changing demographics and health disparities, understand the importance of cultural competency, and learn how multiple disciplines can inform decision-making related to delivering programs and services for older people.

GER 501: Applied Legal and Regulatory Issues in Aging (4)
This course provides an analysis of shifting legal and regulatory issues affecting the delivery of aging services. Topics include: common operational structures, employment and labor laws, and best practices in administration and leadership.      

GER 502: Marketing and Shifts in Consumer Decision Making (4)
This course will explore the unique challenges of marketing aging services. Students will learn about branding, marketing, and consumer behavior by examining established, transitioning and emerging aging services and organizations in their efforts to capture the senior market.

GER 589: Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management (4)
This course reflects on the shifts in consumer preferences for aging in place as well as the market ramifications of new innovations in science and technology on the older consumer and the service provider. Recommended for mid-level administrators, managers and executives.

GER 504: Current Issues in Aging Services Management (4)
This course focuses on the basic skills needed for an executive working in an aging services environment. Topics include: budgeting and finance, conflict management, program development and proposal writing. Recommended for entry level administrators and managers

ELECTIVE COURSES: In addition to 12 units of core coursework, students must take five elective courses (for a total of 20 units).