The Master of Science Degree in Gerontology is designed (1) to provide professionals concerned with enhancing the quality of life of older adults, and (2) to prepare persons who aspire to be administrators, researchers or educators with a thorough background in existing theory and research in gerontology, advanced principles of program management, and a supplement to their existing pre-professional baccalaureate background in their professional discipline.

Students who complete the M.S. in Gerontology will accomplish the following objectives:

a. Develop the desired competencies necessary for success in administrative roles related to the aging population.
b. Acquire advanced education and professional training in gerontology in order to become administrators of state and federal programs, senior centers, retirement homes, and heads of programs in higher education.
c. Enhance understanding of the concepts and application of administrative skills relative to various minority and ethnic populations.
d. Acquire expertise in planning, developing and implementing innovative programs to meet the needs of the older populations.
e. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research focusing upon the myriad of problems in administration and of gerontological programs.
f. Acquire an understanding of the values and ethics pertinent to the gerontological discipline.

RETENTION CRITERIA
1. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 in all work completed at CSULB or all graduate work transferred to meet graduate requirements.
2. Continued satisfactory progress toward the degree objective.

ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY
1. Satisfy the general university requirements for advancement to candidacy and departmental criteria for admission.
2. Satisfactory completion of the CSULB Writing Proficiency Examination.
3. Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all Graduate work completed at CSULB and transfer courses.
4. Completion of a minimum of six units of graduate work.
5. Enrollment in the semester or summer session in which advancement takes place.
6. Filing of the student program for the Master of Science Degree in Gerontology after completion of 4 above.
7. A written program approved by the Director of Gerontology and the College of Health & Human Services Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN GERONTOLOGY
1. A minimum of 37 units with at least 28 units of 500 and/or 600 series courses in Gerontology including 696, 697, and 698 (thesis), or
2. A minimum of 37 units with at least 24 units of 500 and/or 600 series courses in Gerontology, including 696, 697, and a written comprehensive examination.
3. With the thesis option a maximum of six units may be elected outside the major. With the comprehensive option, a maximum of 10 units may be elected outside the area. Specified upper division courses completed after the Bachelor's Degree may be counted.


Effective: Spring 1993