Master in Gerontology
Master of Science
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The Master of Science program combines training in both scientific and applied areas of gerontology. Because various departments across the University participate in the program, the student is able to design a study plan that will meet his or her individual needs. In addition to course work in research and theory, the program provides preparation for work in a variety of settings. It can also be tailored to meet the needs of the student who wants to prepare for a doctoral program.
- Application Deadlines
- Admissions to Graduate Standing: Conditionally Classified
- Admissions to Graduate Standing: Classified
- Study Plan - Download Study Plan (PDF, DOC)
CSUF is using www.calstate.edu and www.csumentor.edu for students to apply for the graduate program. The deadlines for completing online applications are March 1st for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester (see http://www.csumentor.edu). Mailed applications need to be postmarked by the same deadlines. However, deadlines may be changed based upon enrollment projections. Check the university graduate studies website for current information at http://www.fullerton.edu/graduate or http://hss.fullerton.edu/gerontology.
An applicant who meets the following requirements may be considered for conditionally classified graduate standing: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units attempted; submission of the formal application form; submission of two copies of transcripts from all institutions attended; three letters of recommendation; and a letter from the student stating professional objectives. A Gerontology Program Application form (PDF, DOC) must be filed with the Gerontology Program Office.
The baccalaureate must be in gerontology or a related field in conjunction with an undergraduate minor, certificate, or emphasis in gerontology or the equivalent. In the absence of the above, the student should have the following 12 units of upper-division course work in gerontology or their equivalent:
Biology 306 Biology of Aging (3 units)
Kinesiology 454 Physical Dimensions of Aging (3 units)
Psychology 362 Psychology of Aging (3 units)
Sociology 443 Sociology of Aging (3 units)
The following additional criteria may be taken into consideration: research experience, previous paid or volunteer experience in working with elderly people.
It may be possible for applicants who have minimal deficiencies in prerequisite requirements, as detailed above, but who are otherwise highly qualified, to be admitted in conditionally classified graduate standing, with provisions made for removal of deficiencies prior to the granting of classified standing. For further information, consult with the Gerontology Academic Program Coordinator.
Each student, in consultation with the Program Coordinator, will develop a study plan. This will be outlined on an official university Study Plan Form. Students who have met the requirements for conditionally classified standing will be granted classified standing upon submission of an adviser-approved study plan to the Graduate Studies office.
The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 30 units of approved graduate work with a minimum of 21 units at the 500 level.
Core Courses (12 units)
Gerontology 500 Processes of Adult Development and Aging (3)
Gerontology 501 Research Methods in Gerontology (3)
Gerontology 503 Aging and Public Policy (3)
Gerontology 595 Gerontology Internship (3)
Gerontology Electives (6-9 units)
Gerontology 420 Aging and Dementia (3)
Gerontology 425 Successful Aging and Gerotechnology (3)
Gerontology 504T Selected Topics in Gerontology (3)
Gerontology 506 Economics of Aging (3)
Gerontology 507 Professional Issues in Gerontology (3)
Gerontology 508 Social and Ethical Issues in Aging (3)
Gerontology 526 Administration and System Management in Programs for Older Adults (3)
Gerontology 545 Social and Nonprofit Marketing (3)
Gerontology 599 Independent Study in Gerontology (1-3)
Multidisciplinary Electives (6-9 units)
Selected from two or more departments with the program coordinator’s approval:
Electives may include:
Anthro 408 Ethnogerontology (3)
Comparative Religion 402 Spirituality and Aging (3)
Counseling 475T Counseling Special Populations [Older Adults] (3)
Finance 411 Retirement and Estate Planning (3)
Gerontology 413 Oral History/Guided Autobiography (3)
Health Sciences 450 Applied Health Promotion in Aging (3)
Kinesiology 454 Physical Dimensions of Aging (3)
Kinesiology 455 Functional Performance Assessment and
Programming for Older Adults (3)
Philosophy 448 Death, Aging, and Meaning (3)
Psychology 520T Psychology of Aging (3)
Psychology 543 Advanced Life Span Development (3)
Sociology 433 Aging and Social Services (3)
Sociology 443 Sociology of Aging (3)
Sociology 501T Seminar: Topics in Societal Structure and Process (3)
[Topic: Life Span Developmental Sociology]
Women's Studies 410 Women, Health, and Aging (3)
Thesis or Project or Comprehensive Exam (0-3 units)
Take at least one of the following:
Gerontology 597 Project (3)
Gerontology 598 Thesis (3)
Comprehensive Exam (0 units)
If a project or thesis is not done, an additional 3 units of a Gerontology 500-level elective course and a comprehensive examination must be taken.
Gerontology Courses
Courses are designated as GERO in the class schedule - Download Gerontology Course Description (PDF, DOC)
GERO 133 Introduction to Gerontology: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: This course will be a multidisciplinary overview of characteristics, strengths, and problems of older population; diversity presented in the aging process involving factors like gender, race, ethnicity, and subculture; a review of services to older adults; gerontology as an academic discipline and a field of practice.
GERO 410 Women, Health and Aging : Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: (Same as WMST 410) Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Course focuses on the critical analysis of influential gendered images found in literature, painting, films, and advertising that depict disability and other health issues related to aging.
GERO 413 Oral History/Guided Autobiography : Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: (Same as History 413.) Prerequisite: Completion of General Education Category 1, core competence, or equivalents. Instructs students in theories and methods of oral history and guided autobiography and trains them as professional practitioners at community and senior centers, educational institutions, historical agencies, and other settings.
GERO 420 Aging and Dementia: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: completion of GE Section I; satisfied the upper-division writing requirement; Psychology 201 or Sociology 303 or equivalent; or classified graduate standing. Physiological, psychological, social, economic aspects of dementia; its impact on the individual, family and society, with an emphasis on Alzheimer's disease.
GERO 425 Successful Aging and Gerotechnology : Fall 2008 , Spring 2009 Units: (3)
Description: This course is designed to equip students with a good understanding in three major areas: 1) the physical and psychological changes associated with aging that hinder older adults from learning and using technology, 2) how gerotechnology can help older adults maintain quality of life and reduces long-term care costs, and 3) the impact of gerotechnology on aging individuals, their families, and society.
GERO 433 Aging and Social Services: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: (Same as Sociology 433) Prerequisite: Sociology 101. Sociological analysis of social problems of aging with special emphasis on strategies of intervention and barriers to service utilization. Critical examination of community service delivery systems. Review of career opportunities and qualifications required.
GERO 443 Sociology of Aging: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisite for this course is Sociology 101, upper division standing or consent of instructor. Themes covered in this course will include an analysis of population age structure; theories of aging; aging in the family, economics of aging, political, religious, and educational issues of aging; leisure/esthetic institutions, aging and ethnicity, social policy and aging, and the future of gerontology as a discipline.
GERO 450 Applied Health Promotion in Aging Populations : Summer 2007 , Fall 2007
Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: (Same as Health Science 450) Promotion/risk reduction program content, development, implementation, and evaluation for aging populations. Topics include: weight control, stress management, chronic medical condition prevention/management, physical fitness, and accident prevention.
GERO 500 Adult Development and Aging: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisite: graduate standing and/or admission into a master’s program. Overview of theory and research on biological, psychological, and social changes that accompany adult development and aging. May include a service learning component. (Same as Sociology 500)
GERO 501 Research Methods in Gerontology: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisite: admission to M.S. in Gerontology. Overview of research processes and problems in gerontology; more detailed study of applied research, including program evaluation in the field of gerontology.
GERO 503 Aging and Public Policy: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: Gerontology 500, Sociology 443, Political Science 309 or 315, or classified graduate student status. Origin, development, and overview of public policies affecting older persons, families, and service providers. Political administrative, advocacy, and private sector involvements in employment, retirement, income security, health care, social services, and housing of older persons. May include a service learning component. (Same as Political Science 503 and Sociology 503)
GERO 504T Selected Topics in Gerontology: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology Program. A detailed examination of a selected area of gerontology. Emphasis will be both on the relevant literature and on the preparation, presentation (oral and written), and discussion of research papers. May be repeated once for credit with a different topic. (Same as Sociology 504T) Historically, courses that have been taught under this special course are Strategies for Teaching Older Adults; Concepts and Controversies of Aging.
GERO 506 Economics of Aging: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: admission into the Gerontology M.S. Program or classified BAE status and Gerontology 501 or Economics 340. Economic consequences of population aging and the economic status of the aged. Income adequacy in old age: dependency, work income, retirement planning, social security, employer-sponsored pensions, and financing health care. Economic security today and tomorrow. International comparisons. (Same as Economics 506)
GERO 507 Professional Issues in Gerontology: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 ,
Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisite: classified graduate student status. An introduction to the concepts, attitudes, knowledge, skills and ethical issues upon which professional practice in gerontology is based.
GERO 508 Social and Ethical Issues in Aging: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Gerontology, Sociology, or Public Health. Analysis of social and ethical issues facing an aging society. Review of ethical terminology, ethical decision making and social implications of ethical issues related to such topics as nursing homes, caregiving, suicide and intergenerational equality. (Same as Sociology 508.)
GERO 526 Administration and Systems Management: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 ,
Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: Same as Political Science 526. Management oriented analysis of organizational behavior. Treatments of decision making, leadership, communication, group dynamics and ethical aspects of organization. Includes application of theories of administration and systems management to public and volunteer programs and services (Same as Political Science 526).
GERO 595 Gerontology Internship: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology degree program and consent of instructor and Program Coordinator. Supervised experience in organizations that serve older adults and their families. May be repeated once for credit.
GERO 597 Project: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology Program and consent of instructor and Program Coordinator. Under the direction of a faculty member, a topic that integrates learning in the program with an applied area of student interests will be selected, and a major project on the topic will be developed and submitted.
GERO 598 Thesis: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008 Units: (3)
Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology degree program and consent of instructor and Program Coordinator. Individual research under supervision, reported in a thesis and defended successfully in an oral examination conducted by a faculty thesis committee.
GERO 599 Independent Study in Gerontology: Summer 2007 , Fall 2007 , Spring 2008
Units: (1-3)
Description: Prerequisites: completion of the M.S. in Gerontology core courses. Individualized study with an instructor whose recognized interests are in the area of the planned study. Conferences with the instructor as necessary and the work will culminate in one or more papers. May be repeated once for credit.
