Programs & Degrees

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• Bachelor of Art Degree
  
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• MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
  
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Master of Science

General Information

The Master of Science degree in gerontology is supported by faculty from several departments. The program is administered by the Department of Gerontology. The program is designed to provide systematic advanced education in gerontology for those planning to enter professions related to higher education, social services, health services, government, or business. The program will provide education for those interested in the area of policy, theory and its applications, health and aging, community services, program development, and biostatistical evaluation. Students will gain a better understanding of, the roles of older people and their contributions to society. The program will also prepare students for entry to doctoral level education.

Admission to Graduate Study

The student must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the University with classified standing, as described in Graduate Bulletin. Students whose preparation is deemed insufficient by the gerontology admissions committee may be admitted as conditionally classified and will be required to complete specific courses in addition to the minimum 36 units required for the degree. Students from other disciplines are encouraged to apply. In addition, students are required to request three letters of reference in support of their application from academic referees, submit a personal statement outlining their goals, background, interests, and abilities, and have a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for verbal and quantitative sections combined. Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last 60 semester units of undergraduate college/university coursework. The grade point average must be in concurrence with Graduate Division requirements for admission. Admission requirements are outlined in the graduate application package for an advanced degree in gerontology at San Diego State University.

Step-By-Step Application Instructions and Materials

Students will be admitted for fall admissions only. All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the University with classified graduate standing, as described in Part Two of the SDSU Graduate Bulletin. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students whose preparation is deemed insufficient by the admissions committee may be admitted as conditionally classified and will be required to complete specific courses in addition to the minimum of 36 units required for the degree.

Advancement

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Part Two of the SDSU Graduate Bulletin. Advancement to candidacy is contingent upon classified graduate status, completion of 12 semester units with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, satisfactory completion of an oral examination with a minimum grade of B, and approval of the Graduate Council. Advancement to candidacy will be conferred prior to graduation.

Specific Requirements for the Master of Science Degree

A minimum of 30 units is required in core courses.

GERO 601	Theory in Gerontology
GERO 602	Policy Development, Analysis & Evaluation
GERO 603	Healthy Aging
GERO 605	Long-term Care
GERO 630	Research Methods & Evaluation
GERO 700A/B	Practicum
GERO 797	Research
GERO 799A	Thesis
PH 602	Biostatistics

Electives

Six units of electives is required. Selected with the approval of the student's adviser, electives must include courses in gerontology or departments related to gerontology. Any gerontology graduate course or 500- to 700-level courses not taken for credit in the core curriculum qualify as electives. The breadth of courses available to supplement the core of required courses will be extensive, and draw on resources from across the University.

Thesis Option/Plan A or Plan B

Students who complete Plan A, Thesis option for the M.S. degree in gerontology must include GERO 797 and 799A (Thesis) in the 30-unit program, and are required to pass a final oral examination on the thesis. Students in Plan B (non-thesis option, Capstone) must include GERO 797 and 798 in the 30-unit program, and pass a comprehensive written examination.

Financial Aid

Scholarships and Financial Aid may be available! All current and prospective students should check the scholarships page.

PLEASE NOTE- Course and graduation requirements for all SDSU programs change periodically. While every attempt is made to present the most current requirements on this web site, it is imperative for all current and prospective students to check the printed registrar-maintained catalogs for the current requirements. Copies are available in the bookstore and may be borrowed from department staff.

last updated: 6/20/08