PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The CSU Fullerton Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG) program offers a 30-unit interdisciplinary course of study with an emphasis on administration and policy making. This unique program is composed of dozens of faculty representing diverse academic disciplines, exposing students to a wide variety of course offerings and research opportunities. Students are prepared for rewarding and challenging positions in policy, program planning and evaluation, education, health services, business/marketing, and non-profit administration. 

The MSG program is flexible: Required courses offered during late afternoons and evenings allow our students to pursue the degree full-time or part-time. In addition, students can choose electives from several disciplines to tailor their study plans to meet their career objectives.

Master of Science in Gerontology:

 

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Complete both the admission and scholarship applications by the first Tuesday in April to qualify for several scholarships Opens in new window , totaling over $10,000 exclusively for Aging Studies / Gerontology students.

University / Cal State Apply Application* - Deadline is June 15th for Fall and November 1st for Spring.

*For international students, the deadline for Cal State Apply is April 15 for Fall and October 1st for Spring.

MSG / Departmental Application - Deadline to email materials to the department is June 15th for Fall and November 1st for Spring.

*For international students, the deadline to email materials to the department is October 1st for Spring.

 

Deadlines are firm; applications will not be accepted after due date.

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Our applicants come from a wide variety of majors and have diverse professional experiences. All applicants to the MSG program must satisfy the university’s requirements for admission into graduate degree programs. Additional information for international students is available here.Opens in new window

 
University Requirements for Admission:

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution,
  • Submission of the formal application form through Cal State ApplyOpens in new window
  • Submission of academic transcripts within one month of Cal State Apply application submission.
     

MSG REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION:

In addition to the university application, a separate application packet for the MSG program must also be emailed directly to the Aging Studies Academic Program at AgingStudies@Fullerton.edu. Department application materials include the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in gerontology or in a related field with an undergraduate minor, certificate or emphasis in gerontology, or the equivalent.
    • In the absence of these, the applicant must have 12 units of upper-division coursework in gerontology, or their equivalent, and have completed a statistics course.
    • Grade-point average of at least 3.0 in gerontology-related coursework
  • Application for the Master of Science in Gerontology Program
  • Written Critical Thinking Assessment
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation**
  • Personal Statement (Letter from the student stating professional objectives)
  • A copy of your admission application from the Cal State Apply website
  • Copies of unofficial transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
  • Interview

The following factors will also be taken into consideration:

  • Previous paid or volunteer experience in working with older adults
  • Research experience
     

Applicants who have minimal deficiencies in these requirements, but who are otherwise highly qualified, may be admitted with Conditionally Classified standing, with provisions made to remove deficiencies prior to the granting of Classified Standing.

 

Use this checklist to ensure that you are meeting all requirements: MSG Application ChecklistOpens in new window

 

**Academic Letters of Recommendation are preferred, but letters indicating experience in the field of Gerontology are also accepted.  Letters may be submitted by email to AgingStudies@Fullerton.edu, and they must come from the professional email address of the writer.

 

***In addition to the Letters of Recommendation, we also require a letter of recommendation form. This form is to be filled out by the recommendor and included with the Letter of Recommendation.