Gerontology: Graduate Programs
Overview
"Our intent is to build the students' academic scholarship, to treat them as if they are growing and undergoing a transformation in their personal development. We tell them they are the leaders in this field and so they are."
- Mary Alice Wolf, Ed.D. Director, Gerontology Program
Graduate Degree
Master of Arts, Human Development/Gerontology
The Gerontology program provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding aging as a process of life-long development. The program of study includes courses in the health-related, social-behavioral aspects of aging, and the public policy issues which affect the lives of older adults. The program is designed to provide helping professionals already educated in basic disciplines at the baccalaureate level with the background needed to work in the field of aging and to gain a fuller understanding of human development. To accommodate the full-time working professional, classes are scheduled during late afternoon hours, evenings, and weekends. A summer institute is offered each year.
View our course offerings.
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology (18 credits)
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A. Required courses (9 credits) |
Credits |
|
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HDGE501 |
Systems and Networks Supporting Human Development |
(3) |
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HDFS580 |
Human Development I |
(3) |
|
HDGE581 |
Human Development II |
(3) |
|
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|
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B. Nine credits from electives listed above. A practicum is required for students new to the field. |
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Degree Requirements (30 credits)
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A. Core Human Development Courses (15 credits) |
Credits |
|
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HDFS508 |
Research Methods |
(3) |
|
HDFS518 |
Human Services Administration |
(3) |
|
HDFS555 |
Families and Development |
(3) |
|
HDFS580 |
Human Development I |
(3) |
|
HDFS585 |
Integrating Seminar |
(3) |
|
B. Required Gerontology Courses (6 credits) |
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HDGE501 |
Systems and Networks Supporting Human Development |
(3) |
|
HDGE581 |
Human Development II |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
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C. Gerontology Specialization (9 credits) from: |
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HDGE 500 HDGE502 |
Health of Aging Psychology of Older Adults |
(3) (3) |
|
HDGE503 |
Social Issues and Aging |
(3) |
|
HDGE504 |
Law and the Elderly |
(3) |
|
HDGE510 |
Practicum |
(3-6) |
|
HDGE512 |
Spiritual Care and Counseling |
(3) |
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HDGE522 |
Gerontological Studies |
(3) |
|
HDGE530 |
Nutrition of Aging |
(1) |
|
HDGE540 |
Health and Community |
(3) |
|
HDGE560 |
Older Adult as Learner |
(3) |
|
HDGE562 |
Sexuality and Aging |
(3) |
|
HDGE590 |
Special Topics |
(1-3) |
|
HDGE593 |
Gerontological Seminar |
(1-3) |
|
HDGE595 |
Independent Study/Research |
(1-3) |
|
HDGE598 |
Continuing Project Advisement |
(1) |
C. Comprehensive examination. All students must pass a comprehensive examination after completing 21 credits in the program.
