Permission to register for a limited number of courses as a non-matriculating student
may be given by the Assistant Dean to a qualified applicant who is not degree seeking
but wishes course credit only. Admission as a non-matriculating student implies no guarantee
for admission to a degree program. Courses taken by a non-matriculating student
may be credited toward a master’s degree if approved and authorized by the Assistant
Dean.
Admission to Candidacy
Degree-seeking students in the Gerontology Program must apply for admission to candidacy after successful completion of 12 graduate credits. Candidacy status will be granted to those students who have maintained a minimum cumulative index of B (3.0) in Graduate Gerontology courses. Students are expected to demonstrate professional attributes such as emotional stability and social competence. This is assessed in the classroom and/or through the fieldwork experience. Division Faculty review may be required in cases where doubts are raised about professional competence. Students not accepted to candidacy will be asked to withdraw from the program. A student who does not apply for candidacy will not be considered a degree candidate.
M.S. Degree Program in Gerontology – 36 Credits
The Master of Science degree program requires the completion of 36 credits with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0). A maximum of five years is allowed for the completion of degree requirements.
The curriculum provides a cluster of required Core Courses (15-18 credits), reflecting the interdisciplinary view of aging and providing the conceptual framework needed to explore and plan career goals. Two Professional Specializations are offered:
Administration or Counseling. Electives from a variety of fields and disciplines round out the credit requirements in accordance with individual needs and interests. Special arrangements can be made for students interested in combining gerontology with art therapy. The College-supervised internship requires a minimum of two half days or one full day per week during the student’s last semester in a choice of community agencies and facilities deemed appropriate to the choice of professional option. Students also attend a regularly scheduled seminar with the field placement supervisor.
Degree Requirements
Students must achieve satisfactory completion of 36 appropriate course credits, reflecting competencies in the Core Courses, the selected professional specialization, and the supervised field experience. (Students lacking prior experience with the elderly are required to take GRT 509.) The student must also achieve an overall index of B (3.0).
M.S. Degree in Gerontology – 36 credits
Students may choose from one of two Professional Specializations: