Gerontology - Programs

College of Health and Human Services

Master of Science in Gerontology (code FCS_MS02)

Interested students should contact Dr. Barbara White at 562-985-1582 or bwhite@csulb.edu

The Master of Science Degree in Gerontology is designed to prepare students with a thorough background in existing theory and research in gerontology, advanced principles of program management, and an enhancement to their baccalaureate preparation for their professional discipline. Students who complete the M.S. in Gerontology will accomplish the following objectives:

1. Acquire advanced education and professional training in gerontology in order to become administrators of state and federal programs, services such as senior centers and retirement homes, businesses, and intergenerational programs.
2. Enhance cultural competence regarding age, cohort, gender, race and ethnicity, and/or diverse abilities.
3. Acquire expertise in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative programs to meet the needs of older persons.
4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct appropriate research.
5. Exercise sound professional judgment based on high ethical standards and expectations.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete the application form to be admitted to the university with graduate standing;
2. Send the following materials to the Gerontology Program, in addition to those sent to the Office of Enrollment Services:
a. Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work,
b. Three letters of recommendation reflecting academic potential, personal qualifications, sensitivity, motivation, and evidence of ability and motivation to work with older adults and professionals in the field of aging, and
c. A current resume,
d. A personal statement of interest in aging and career goals in the field.

Admission to the program is contingent on approval by the Gerontology Program Director.

Prerequisites

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Evidence of a 3.0 or better grade point average in all undergraduate work. Students with less than a 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 undergraduate semester or 90 quarter units attempted but with evidence of professional promise and experiential background may be admitted conditionally by action of the Program Director.
3. Successful completion of the following courses or their approved substitutes: a. GERN 400I; b. BIOL 301; c. PSY 365 or HDEV 357I; d. ANTH 454; e. An approved upper division statistics course.

Retention

1. Maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average in all graduate work completed at CSULB and all approved graduate work transferred to meet graduate requirements.
2. Continuousd satisfactory progress toward the degree objective.

Advancement to Candidacy

1. Satisfy the general University requirements for advancement to candidacy.
2. Fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) (to be taken during the first term).
3. Complete a minimum of six units of graduate level coursework in geronology.
4. Enroll during the semester or summer session in which advancement to candidacy takes place.
5. Obtain approval for one's individual program plan from the Gerontology Program Director and then from the Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

Requirements

Thesis Option: Completion of a minimum of 37 units, with at least 28 units of 500 and/or 600 series courses in Gerontology, including GERN 563, 592, 600, 610, 696, 697, and 698. A maximum of six units may be taken outside of the major.

Directed Project Option: Completion of a minimum of 37 units with at least 28 units of 500 and/or 600 series courses in Gerontology, including GERN 563, 592, 600, 610, 697, and 692. A maximum of six units may be taken outside the major.

Certificate in Gerontology (code FCS_CT03)

Interested students should contact Dr. Barbara White at 562-985-1582 or bwhite@csulb.edu
The Certificate program is designed to train individuals as gerontology specialists within a major area of study. Alumni work in community programs, health services organizations, government agencies, and the private sector.
The Certificate in Gerontology may be earned in conjunction with a baccalaureate degree or awarded subsequent to earning a bachelor’s degree. Up to six units of courses taken in the student's major department may be approved to satisfy certificate requirements as may general education and elective courses also used to complete the bachelor’s degree if they contain appropriate gerontology content.

Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree in any major (may be taken concurrently)
2. A minimum overall GPA of 2.5
3. Submit to Enrollment Services the intent form to add the Certificate in Gerontology to the major program of study (requires the signature of the Gerontology Program Director).
4. Complete the Certificate Program Planner in consultation with the Gerontology Program Director
5. Complete with a grade of “C” or better 24 units of coursework distributed as follows:
a. Core courses: GERN 400I (meets GE Capstone requirement), ANTH 454, BIOL 301, PSY 365 or HDEV 357I (meets GE Capstone requirement)
b. A minimum of six units of elective course work chosen in consultation with the Gerontology Program Director from a list of approved courses.
c. Three units of independent study (GERN 497/597) on a topic related to gerontology, or an additional elective chosen in consultation with the Gerontology Program Director from a list of approved courses.
d. Three units of approved field experience (GERN 492/592) in a setting with older adults
6. Apply and pay fees to Enrollment Services for issuance of the Certificate before the posted deadline in the semester prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree and/or Certificate.