Master of Arts in Gerontology

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:

  1. A cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  2. Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the students’ academic or professional background.
  3. 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.
  4. A personal interview is optional.
  5. A Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
  6. 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., Associate 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 69153
GERO 6905Social Gerontology3
PSYC 6957Advanced Adult Development and Aging3
GERO 6906Perspectives in Gerontology3
GERO 69603
GERO 69993
GERO 7090Field Practicum3
GERO 7094Selected Topics3
Thesis
GERO 70993
Elective
Select 9 s.h. from the following:9
GERO 6998
PSYC 6959
GERO 7001
SCWK 7006
Field Practicum
Selected Topics
Total Semester Hours36

Non-Thesis Option

COURSE TITLE S.H.
Core Courses
GERO 69153
GERO 6905Social Gerontology3
PSYC 6957Advanced Adult Development and Aging3
GERO 6906Perspectives in Gerontology3
GERO 69603
GERO 69993
GERO 7090Field Practicum3
GERO 7094Selected Topics3
Non-Thesis Track
Field Practicum3
Elective
Select 9 s.h. from the following:9
GERO 6998
PSYC 6959
GERO 7001
SCWK 7006
Field Practicum
Selected Topics
Total Semester Hours36

Graduate Courses

GERO 6905    Social Gerontology    3 s.h.

Social Gerontology. Integration and application of gerontological theories; major conceptual issues regarding life span development; and contemporary gerontological concepts and research.

GERO 6906    Perspectives in Gerontology    3 s.h.

Focus on the major theoretical perspectives of aging and aging related research with a focus on health. Theories from gerontology, epidemiology, sociology, and psychology will be covered.

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.