As of fall 2021, admission to the graduate program in Gerontology has been suspended.
Applications to the program are not being accepted at this time.
Program Director
Daniel J. Van Dussen, Ph.D.
DePizzo Endowed Chair of Gerontology
Professor of Gerontology
440 DeBartolo Hall
(330) 941-1683
djvandussen@ysu.edu
Program Description
The curriculum is designed from an interdisciplinary perspective of gerontology with a focus on epidemiology and health. This program will provide students with advanced education in issues facing older adults, for the purpose of preparing them for advancement in the field of gerontology. The program allows for a Thesis or a Non-Thesis track based upon the students’ desires and goals. The program consists of 36 semester hours, which may be completed in four semesters of full-time coursework or six semesters part time.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the minimum criteria set by the College of Graduate Studies, applicants must meet the following requirements for full admission:
- A cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the students’ academic or professional background.
- A letter of intent stating their objectives for seeking a Master’s Degree in Gerontology and how this program will help them fulfill their goals.
- A personal interview is optional.
- A Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- A social statistics course at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Graduate Faculty
Daniel J. Van Dussen, Ph.D., Professor
Social and psychological determinants of health among older adults; the family; social support; statistics and methods
Amy Weaver, Ph.D., Professor
Geriatric education; geriatrics; simulation
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Gerontology will consist of 12 courses (36 credit hours) which can be completed over a 2 academic year period.
Thesis Option
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GERO 6915 | 3 | |
| GERO 6905 | Social Gerontology | 3 |
| PSYC 6957 | Advanced Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
| GERO 6906 | Perspectives in Gerontology | 3 |
| GERO 6960 | 3 | |
| GERO 6999 | 3 | |
| GERO 7090 | Field Practicum | 3 |
| GERO 7094 | Selected Topics | 3 |
| Thesis | ||
| GERO 7099 | 3 | |
| Elective | ||
| Select 9 s.h. from the following: | 9 | |
GERO 6998 | ||
PSYC 6959 | ||
GERO 7001 | ||
SCWK 7006 | ||
| Field Practicum | ||
| Selected Topics | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 36 | |
Non-Thesis Option
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GERO 6915 | 3 | |
| GERO 6905 | Social Gerontology | 3 |
| PSYC 6957 | Advanced Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
| GERO 6906 | Perspectives in Gerontology | 3 |
| GERO 6960 | 3 | |
| GERO 6999 | 3 | |
| GERO 7090 | Field Practicum | 3 |
| GERO 7094 | Selected Topics | 3 |
| Non-Thesis Track | ||
| Field Practicum | 3 | |
| Elective | ||
| Select 9 s.h. from the following: | 9 | |
GERO 6998 | ||
PSYC 6959 | ||
GERO 7001 | ||
SCWK 7006 | ||
| Field Practicum | ||
| Selected Topics | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 36 | |
Graduate Courses
GERO 7090 Field Practicum 1-9 s.h.
Students will complete a 200-hour placement in an aging-related workplace. Variable credit 1-6 s.h. May be repeated for up to 9 s.h.
GERO 7094 Selected Topics 3 s.h.
An examination of contemporary topics in the field of gerontology. Examples of subject areas that may be covered: Nutrition, Pharmacology, Legal, etc. variable credit 1-3 hours may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.