Gerontology (Code FCS_MS02)
Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Gerontology. It is designed to prepare you with a thorough background in theory and research in gerontology, as well as advanced principles in program development, management, and evaluation, to prepare you to assume a leadership role in aging in public or private sectors.
Our Mission Statement and Degree Objectives
The California State University, Long Beach, Gerontology Program is dedicated to 1) improving the lives of middle age and older adults in California and around the world by preparing individuals to work with diverse older individuals, families, service providers, businesses, educators, and legislators; 2) providing timely, high quality consultation and other educational services; and 3) conducting research designed to inform planning and implementation of activities that promote optimal well-being of older adults and their families.
Students who complete the M.S. in Gerontology will accomplish the following objectives:Our History
The Gerontology Program at CSULB began in 1977. The Master’s program has been admitting students since 1993. In that same year the Center for Successful Aging was established at CSULB to promote aging-related research, training, and community service. The Gerontology Programs and Center are supported by over 40 faculty in more than 20 departments throughout the campus who offer more than 35 courses related to aging. Age-related master’s degrees are also available in Health Care Administration, Nursing, and Social Work for qualified applicants.
Please refer to Universtiy Catalog for degree descriptions.
What is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow from middle adulthood through later life. It includes the study of the physical, mental, and social changes in older people as they age; the investigation of the changes in society resulting in our aging population, as well as how society influences how people age; and the application of this knowledge to policies and programs.
Why Study Gerontology?
Populations are aging. People are living longer. These trends are evident in the United States, and worldwide. The growth of the elderly population will continue into the future and will result in a demand for professionals with knowledge and expertise in aging. In addition, studying gerontology will also help you to better understand how you can age successfully. As we say in the field, the goal is to "add life to your years".
Program Highlights
What Can I do as a Professional Working in the Field of Gerontology ?
Career options in the field of aging include work in a variety of settings:
Some professionals work directly with culturally diverse older persons, in areas such as:
Some professionals work indirectly with older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and on their behalf in areas such as
Some of these careers require post-baccalaureate education in a specialty field or in Gerontology. Knowledge about aging enhances almost every career and discipline
What Does the Field of Aging Offer Me Personally?
People working in the aging field experience great personal satisfaction from knowing they are making a true difference. You can help to improve the quality of older persons lives, influence agencies and organizations serving older persons, help to change legislation and policies effecting older adults, educate the community on aging related topics, and serve as a leader/advocate for older adults. Studying aging also gives you a more realistic perspective on your own aging and insight into the aging of your family members.
Sigma Phi Omega: The National Academic and Professional Society In Gerontology.
How can I get involved?
SIGMA PHI OMEGA
Sigma Phi Omega is the National Academic andProfessional Society in Gerontology. Its purpose is to promote scholarship, professionalism, friendship and services to older persons and to advance the education of those individuals in aging related fields.
Membership is open to undergraduates with a GPA of at least 3.3 and to graduatelevel students with a GPA of at least 3.5. Alumni and professionals in aging related fields are also welcome to join.
For more information, contact the CSULB SIGMA PHI OMEGA faculty advisor, Dr. Melanie Horn Mallers.
Thanks for your interest in Sigma Phi Omega (SPO)!! Our purpose is to promote professionalism, friendship, scholarships and service to older persons.
We also support/participate in the on campus "Relay for Life" for the Cancer foundation and "Memory Walk" (November 3rd) for the Alzheimer's foundation. We create awareness throughout the year for specific nationally recognized awareness days, and we have a fundraiser to support our organization (TBA, and maybe through Golden Spoon).
Sigma Phi Omega Link: Click Here
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
GERONTOLOGY PROGRAM
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (FCS_MS02)
37 units
1. Application
2. Completion of any needed prerequisite courses
3. Upper division statistics course (may be completed in year 1 of the master’s degree)
4. Five core courses (15 units)
5. Five elective courses in gerontology and related fields (15 units) *
6. Thesis or Directed Project (7 units)
Directed Research (GERN 697) (3 units)
Thesis (GERN 698) (4 units) OR Directed Project (GERN 692) (4 units)
* Internships and elective courses are tailored to the goals and needs of the individual student
Requirements for admission to the Master’s Program include:
1. Complete the CSULB Graduate or Post-Baccalaureate Application.This is available at any CSU admissions office or you may download it on-line at http://www.csumentor.edu.
(NOTE:if you have transcripts from a non-U.S. school, admission to the University should be initiated through the Center for International Education, on campus at (562) 985-5476) or Center for International Education
2. Send complete transcripts of all college work (one copy each) to
a.The Office of Admissions and Records(Official transcripts required)
b.The Gerontology Program Director.(Unofficial transcripts accepted)
3.In addition to the above, send the following to the Gerontology Program Director:
a. Three (3) letters of recommendation from age-related career professionals and college professors, reflecting your academic potential and personal qualifications, as well as your ability, sensitivity, and motivation to work with older adults and professionals in the field of aging
b. A current resume
c.A personal statement of interest in aging and your career goals in aging.
4.Deadlines:Fall admission, July 1; Spring admission, December 1
a. GERN 400 I Perspectives on Gerontology
b. PSY 365 Psychology of Adult Development and Aging OR
HDEV 357 I Approaches to Adulthood Through Aging
c. ANTH 454 Culture and Aging
d. BIOL 301 Biology of Human Aging
e. Approved upper division statistics course (e.g. HSC 403 or 503, ED P 419 or 519, PSY 310): May be completed during the first year in residence.
Approved Elective Courses for the
Master of Science in Gerontology and
Gerontology Certificate
Elective Courses:
-The following elective courses must be pre-approved by the Gerontology Program’s Director for application to your Master’s degree or Certificate program.
- 300 and 400 level courses may be taken by undergraduate Gerontology Certificate students to fulfill elective requirements. 500 and 600 level courses may not be taken by undergraduate students unless a formal petition is filed with the University. See Program Director for details.
-Post-baccalaureate certificate and Master’s students may take 400 level courses with asterisks (*) and/or 500-600 level courses. (note: 400 level courses will only fulfill graduate requirements if designated with an * during the catalog year in which you advance to candidacy).
- All course projects must be age-related.
CAFF 429/529: Consumer Protection CAFF 420/520: Personal Finance for the Aging CDFS 412:* Family Interaction CRIM 492:* Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Violence Ed P 640: Computer Applications in Counseling & Human Services FIN 531: Estate Planning GERN 420/520: Personal Finance for the Aging GERN 424:* Independent Living for Disabled & Elderly Persons GERN 439: Nutrition and Aging GERN 469/569: Disability, Culture and Society GERN 474:* Aging and Diversity in California GERN482/582: Health Assessment of the Aging Client GERN 485:* Mental Health and Aging GERN 497: Direct Studies GERN 499:* Special Studies GERN 550: Social Policy & Aging GERN 569: Disability, Culture and Society GERN 597: Independent Study HCA 402/502: The Health Care System HCA 505: Organization & Systems of Health Care HCA 515: Advanced Financial Management in Health Care HCA 530: Strategic Planning & Marketing in Health Care |
HCA 538: Long Term Care Management HCA 539: Management Challenges in Long Term Care HCA 540: Long Term Care in Action HDEV 300I: Death and Dying HIST 402: Oral History Methods HRM 463:* Organizational Training & Development HRM 465:* Personnel Selection & Appraisal HSC 535: Health Promotion & Risk Reduction KIN 367: Fitness and the Aging Process KIN 552: Physiology of Exercise Testing & Training NRSG 482* Health Assessment of the Aging Client NRSG 557: Nursing Interaction with the Elderly NUTR 439:* Nutrition & Aging PROF 435:* Principles of Adult Education PPA 510: Public Administrative/ Management Process PPA 525: Non- Profit Management PPA 540: Grants Administration & Management REC 454/554: Leisure Counseling REC 473/573: Aging & Leisure SW 406 A and/or B Applications of Social Work (group work at Leisure World) |
Sample Program Plan: MS Gerontology (37 units)
Full Time Student
1st Year
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
GERN 400I (3) Prerequisite |
GERN 600: Seminar in Administration of Family & Consumer Sciences/Gerontology Programs |
GERN 696 Research Methods |
GERN 500 Introduction to the Professional Practice of Gerontology (3) |
GERN Elective (3) |
GERN 563 Program evaluation |
Writing Proficiency Exam |
Elective (3) |
**Advancement to Candidacy |
Upper Division Statistics (3) EDP 419/519 HSC 403/503 PSY 310 |
||
Total Units: 9 (3 in program) |
Total Units: 9 |
Total Units: 6 |
** Advancement to Candidacy (after completion of a minimum of 6 units as a matriculated student, following successful completion of the Writing Proficiency Exam)
2nd Year
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
GERN Elective (3) |
GERN 692 or 698 (2) |
GERN 692 or 698 (2) |
Elective (3) |
GERN 592 Internship (3) |
|
GERN 697: Directed Research (3) |
GERN 610 or 550 (3) |
|
Total Units: 9 |
Total Units: 8 |
Total Units: 2 |
Sample Program Plan: MS Gerontology (37 units)
Part time Student
1st Year
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
GERN 400I (3) Prerequisite |
GERN 600: Seminar in Administration of Family & Consumer Sciences/Gerontology Programs |
GERN 696 Research Methods |
GERN 500 Introduction to the Professional Practice of Gerontology (3) |
Statistics: EDP 419/519 HSC 403/503 PSY 310 |
GERN 563 Program evaluation |
Writing Proficiency Exam |
**Advancement to Candidacy |
|
Total Units: 6 (3 in program) |
Total Units: 6 (3 in program) |
Total Units: 6 |
** Advancement to Candidacy (after completion of a minimum of 6 units as a matriculated student, following successful completion of the Writing Proficiency Exam)
2nd Year
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
GERN Elective (3) |
GERN 697: Directed Research (3) |
GERN 692 or 698 (2) |
GERN Elective (3) |
Elective (3) |
GERN 592 Internship (3) |
Total Units: 6 |
Total Units: 6 |
Total Units: 5 |
3rd Year
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
GERN 610 or 550 (3) |
Elective (3) |
VACATION! |
GERN 692/698 (2) |
||
Total Units: 5 |
Total Units: 3 |
Advancement to Candidacy
The formal process of setting your master program's requirements is known as "Advancement to Candidacy." This establishes your "catalogue rights." Part of the process is to file paperwork that lists your program coursework. Your program requirements are set based upon the Catalogue year you Advance.
The university requires fulfillment of four requirements to be eligible to Advance to Candidacy: successful completion of the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) requirement (either the WPE exam itself or documentation of a 4.0 or higher score on the GRE Analytical Writing exam), minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.0 GPA in all units undertaken for the program (min. 6 units), classified status, and enrollment in regular session (at the time of Advancement). From the university web site on the WPE:
Our students typically Advance during their second, or if necessary after their second, semester. The university requires students to have Advanced prior to or during the first semester they register for thesis units. Also, students must Advance prior to the semester in which they graduate, and prior to filing the Request to Graduate form (AKA "grad check").
The department Graduate Advisor completes the paperwork with the student, and then files it with the university. As it takes approx. 30-45 minutes to complete the form and discuss requirements, students should schedule an appointment with the Graduate Advisor.
Occasionally, a student will not take a course listed on the Advancement to Candidacy form. A substitution, if it meets the requirements of that student's program (as set at the time of Advancement), may be made via a "Change of Program" form. Contact the Graduate Advisor to file the paperwork. (This is more likely to happen to a MAR student rather than IO.)
If a student breaks continuous enrollment (that is, goes two consecutive semesters (not including summer or winter) without being enrolled), the student loses all rights to the program set by the Advancement to Candidacy procedure. See GS 700 for additional information regarding continuous enrollment. Also, additional information regarding university Advancement to Candidacy regulations may be found in the Catalogue.
California State University, Long Beach
Gerontology Program
Required Internship
California State University, Long Beach
College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)
Gerontology Program
Campus Graduate Student Resources
Faculty Contacts
Program Director: Barbara White, DrPH, APRN, BC
FCS-FA Office 14; and NRSG Office 10
Phone: (562) 985-1582 or 985-4471
Fax: (562) 9855-4414
Office hours: Vary by semester
Program Faculty: Maria Claver, PhD, MSW
FCS FA 11
Phone: (562) 985-4495
Fax: (562) 985-4414
Office hours: Vary by semester
Melanie Horn-Mallers, PhD
FCS FA 13
Phone: (562) 985-7494
Fax: (562) 985-4414
Office Hours: Vary by semester
Graduate Assistant: (562) 985-1582
Office Hours: Vary by semester
Librarian: Tracey Mayfield
(562) 985-8877
Bulletin Boards:2nd floor FCS: first boards right/left up the stairs
Beach Board Sites:Master’s in Gerontology Student Website
Gerontology National Honor Society (Sigma Phi Omega)
Associated Center: Center for Successful Aging
Graduate Student Resources:
Graduate Student Handbook: http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/projects/grad/handbook/
University Graduate Student Website:
Testing Office: Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
Library: http://www.csulb.edu/library/
Research guides, workshops, plagarism tutorial, “TurnItIn”
Thesis Office (Also for Directed Project information): http://www.csulb.edu/library/guide/serv/thesis.html
University Research: http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/research/our/
Human Subjects (IRB): http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/research/our/compliance/irb/
Japanese Garden: http://www.csulb.edu/~jgarden
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Gerontology Scholarship Application
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Websites of Interest to Gerontology
Professional Organizations
American Society on Aging: http://www.asaging.org/index.cfm
Alliance for Aging Research: http://www.agingresearch.org/
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry: http://www.aagponline.org/
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging: http://www.aahsa.org/
American College of Healthcare Administrators: http://www.achca.org/
American Federation for Aging Research: http://www.afar.org/
American Geriatrics Society: http://www.americangeriatrics.org/
American Healthcare Association: http://www.ahcancal.org/Pages/Default.aspx
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists: http://www.ascp.com/
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education: http://www.aghe.org/site/aghewebsite/
Center to Advanced Palliative Care: http://www.capc.org/
The Gerontological Society of America: http://www.geron.org/
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA): http://www.naela.org/
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (NAAAA): http://www.n4a.org/
National Association of Professional Geriatirc Care Managers (NAPGCM): http://www.caremanager.org/
National Clearinghouse on the Direct Care Workforce: http://www.directcareclearinghouse.org/index.jsp
National Council on Aging (NCOA): http://www.ncoa.org/
Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR): http://www.rcmar.ucla.edu/
Sacred Seasons a Project of Hiddur the Center for Aging and Judaism: http://www.sacredseasons.org/site/c.hoJTIZOuElH/b.1533039/k.BED6/Home.htm
National Association for Professional Gerontologist: http://www.napgerontologists.org/
Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization (ESPO): http://www.geron.org/StudentOrg/student.htm
Newsletters
Agenda: Aging Services in California: http://www.aging.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
Gerontology News, the Newsletter of the Gerontological Society of America: http://www.geron.org/newsletter/news.htm
Advocacy
Access America for Seniors: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml
Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/index.asp
American Association of Retired Persons: http://www.aarp.org/
The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives: http://brainweek.dana.org/
American Public Health Association: http://www.apha.org/membergroups/sections/aphasections/gh/
Families USA: http://www.familiesusa.org/
Grey Panthers: http://graypantherssf.igc.org/
Innovations in End-of-Life-Care: http://www2.edc.org/lastacts/
Medicare Rights Center: http://www.medicarerights.org/
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM): http://www.ncpssm.org/
National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA): http://www.nhcoa.org/
National Indian Council on Aging: http://www.nicoa.org/
National Senior Citizens Law Center: http://www.nsclc.org/
United Seniors Health Cooperative (USHC): http://www.ushc-online.org/
Aging Services of California: http://www.aging.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
Medicare Rights Center: http://www.medicarerights.org/
USA.GOV: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml
SAGE Service and Advocacy for LGBT Seniors: http://www.sageusa.org/
US Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Disability, Aging and Long Term Care Policy: http://aspe.hhs.gov/_/office_specific/daltcp.cfm
National Center on Women and Aging: http://iasp.brandeis.edu/womenandaging/
National Alliance for Caregiving: http://www.caregiving.org/
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging: http://www.aahsa.org/default.asp
Career Opportunities:
Los Angeles County HR Site: http://easier.co.la.ca.us/jobs/cfscripts/search_body.cfm
Orange County HR Site: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oc/default.cfm?
GSA Agework: http://www.agework.com/agework/
AGHE Jobs Link: http://www.careersinaging.com/careersinaging/finding_your_job.htm
The Community-Based Enterprise Education Program (C-BEEP): http://dhr.lacounty.info/CBEEP.asp
Exploring Careers in Aging: http://www.exploringcareersingerontology.com/
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging: Careers: http://www.aahsa.org/careers/work_at_aahsa/aahsa_opps.asp
American Society on Aging Job Board: http://www.asaging.org/asav2/jobboard/
Reference Sources:
Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology: http://www.iog.wayne.edu/GeroWebd/GeroWeb.html
Stanford School of Medicine Geriatric Education Center: http://sgec.stanford.edu/
USC Library: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/locations/gerontology/
CSULB Library Link: http://www.csulb.edu/library/eref/gerontology.html
Ethnic and Diversity Issues:
Health Finder: http://www.healthfinder.gov/espanol/
Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research: http://www.mcuaaar.wayne.edu/index.php
NAPCA National Asian Pacific Center on Aging: http://www.napca.org/
National Caucus and Center for the Black Aged: http://www.ncba-aged.org/
National Hispanic Council on Aging: http://www.nhcoa.org/
National Indian Council on Aging: http://www.nicoa.org/
Schedule of Classes
http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/fcs/schedules/
Program Director:
Dr. Barbara White
Phone Number: (562) 985-1582
Office: FCS-FA-14
Personal Webpage: http://www.csulb.edu/~bwhite
