Gerontology, M.A.

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This program is offered partially online.

Degree Information

Priority Admission Application Deadlines: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors

Minimum Total Hours: 30
Level: Masters
CIP Code: 30.1101
Dept Code: GEY
Major/College Codes: GEY BC
Approved 1967

Contact Information

College: Behavioral & Community Sciences
Department: School of Aging Studies (GEY)

Contact Information: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors

Gerontology is the study of the process of human aging in all its aspects: physical, psychological, and social. In the School of Aging Studies, particular emphasis is placed on educating Gerontology students who, in their professional careers, will work to sustain or improve the quality of life of older people. Many of our graduates are employed in agencies providing services for older adults. For information about the interdisciplinary Ph.D., please see the separate listing for Aging Studies Ph.D.

The School offers the M.A. in Gerontology. Students are advised to meet with the Graduate Director to select courses appropriate to their professional goals. Internships are recommended and available for students who need practical experience in the field of aging. Students interested in internships should see the school’s internship director.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

The GRE examination is optional for applicants who either have a 3.25 or higher GPA for all work completed as an undergraduate student, a 3.50 or higher in a completed master’s degree program, or a completed doctoral degree (including professional degrees such as the JD and MD), all from a regionally accredited institution.
For students submitting a GRE score, a preferred GRE score of at least 149V (41st percentile), 142Q (16th percentile), 3.5 A.W.
Statement of Purpose in pursuing a MA in Gerontology
Current Resume
2 letters of references

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours - 30

Required courses - 12 credit hours
Electives - 15 credit hours
Capstone - 3 credit hours

Core Courses (12 Credit Hours)

GEY 5476 Program Evaluation in an Aging Society Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6600 Human Development and Aging Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6613 Physical Change and Aging Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6626 Health, Ethnicity, and Aging Credit Hours: 3

Electives (15 Credit Hours Minimum)

The remaining 15 hours of coursework must be selected from other graduate courses in gerontology. Under certain circumstances, students may be able to substitute other graduate classes as part of the elective courses required for the degree with permission from the Graduate Director.

GEY 5503 - Assisted Living Facility Management Credit(s): 3
GEY 5630 Economics and Aging Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6206 Family Caregiving in Aging and Chronic Illness Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6614 Aging and Mental Disorders Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6616 Mental Health Assessment and Intervention with Older Adults Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6617 Gerontological Counseling Theories and Practice Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6222 Elder Abuse Assessment and Intervention Credit Hours: 3
GEY 6901 Directed Reading Credit Hours: 1-4 (1-3 credits in this program) (Directed Readings in Gerontology)

Capstone Requirement (3 Credit Hours)

Following completion of the necessary coursework, students enroll in GEY 6910 Directed Research , and complete a capstone applied research project designed to integrate key knowledge, concepts, and information in the field of gerontology. This course is pass/fail and must be taken and passed by all students in the M.A. major to meet requirements for the degree.

GEY 6910 Directed Research Credit Hours: 1-4 (3 credits for this program)

Comprehensive Exam

Students complete the Capstone requirement in lieu of a comprehensive exam.

Internship

Internships are available for students local to USF who need practical experience in the field of aging.

University of South Florida

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