Graduate Catalog  |  School of Graduate Studies  |

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•  |  Graduate Programs
•  |  Graduate Course Descriptions
•  |  Admissions Information
•  |  Alphabetical Index

Gerontology Graduate Programs (GERO)

Offered through the Department of Community Studies
in the College of Social Sciences
365 Stewart Hall
Phone: 320.308.3947
Fax: 320.308.5413

Department Chairperson: Dr. Luke Tripp
Department Secretary: Ms. Brenda Tritz

Program Director: Dr. Rona Karasik
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Phyllis Greenberg

Specific Track Advisers:
MS in Gerontology - Dr. Phyllis Greenberg
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology - Dr. Phyllis Greenberg
Graduate Faculty: DeVoe, Greenberg, Havir, Karasik, Litterst, Preble, Whitford

The Program

A Master of Science in Gerontology prepares graduates to assume professional leadership roles in the delivery of service to older people and their support networks, in the planning of services, in the administration of services, and in the training and instruction of older people and service providers.

• Students select from core courses in psychology and sociology of aging, as well as courses in community policy, and research methods. Additional courses will be selected to assist the student in attaining specific professional skills and knowledge.
• An internship assures that these skills can be utilized in agencies and institutional settings. All students are expected to complete a three to six credit internship as part of the master's program.
• Those students who have experience in service-delivery to the aging must complete their internship in a different program or setting in order to diversify their educational backgrounds. Exceptions to this restriction may be approved by the graduate adviser.
• The Master of Science in Gerontology requires nine credits in core courses, three to six credits in internship. Plan A requires six thesis credits and 12 credits of electives. Plan B requires GERO 697 and 15 credits of electives. At least one-half of the master of science degree program must be earned in courses in which enrollment is limited to graduate students.

Employers

Graduates seek employment in local, state, and federal levels of government, private sector, voluntary organizations and institutions serving older people.

Admission Requirements Specific to the Program

• Admission decisions are made as completed application files are received.
• Students must have met the requirements for admission to graduate school at St. Cloud State University.
• A student's statement of interest, background in employment and volunteer work, as well as previous academic performance are closely examined.
• Undergraduate course work in gerontology, or equivalent, along with statistics and research methods are highly recommended before enrollment in relevant advanced course work.
• Students are encouraged to enter his/her graduate studies during fall semester but applications are accepted throughout the year.

Length of Program — Measured by Semesters

• Part-time student: six semesters taking six credits per semester.
• Full-time student: three to four semesters taking 12 credits per semester.
• The program has been designed to accommodate both part-time and full-time students.

Graduate Assistantship Overview

• Two graduate assistantship positions are generally sponsored each year, and are available both fall and spring semesters.
• Graduate assistants do a variety of activities, including assisting faculty with courses, newsletters, Web page maintenance and research.

Degrees and Plans Offered

• Master of Science: Gerontology, Plan A (Thesis) at 34 credits
• Master of Science: Gerontology, Plan B (Starred Paper) at 36 credits
• Master of Science: Gerontology, Plan C (Portfolio) at 36 credits

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

• The department also offers a graduate certificate providing specialized training in aging studies.
• The certificate complements and supplements other graduate majors.
• Individuals who have a master's or professional degree or who currently are enrolled in a master's degree program other than gerontology may enroll.
• The multidisciplinary certificate program provides knowledge that can be utilized across numerous agencies, institutional settings and professions.
• A graduate certificate in gerontology requires a specific curriculum of 12 to 15 credits. Further details are available at the end of this section.

Master of Science — Gerontology

Plan A (Thesis), 34 credits; Plan B, (Starred Paper), 36 credits; Plan C, (Portfolio), 36 credits

Research courses
9-12 credits

• CEEP 678. Introduction to Graduate Statistics, 3 credits (or equivalent) Plan A, B & C
• GERO 696. Practicum, 6 credits (Plan C only)
• GERO 697. Starred Paper Preparation, 1-6 credits (Plan B only)
• GERO 699. Thesis, 6 credits (Plan A only)
• ED 615. Introduction to Research, 3 credits
• OR    
• SOC 679. Advanced Research Methods, 3 credits (or equivalent)

Core courses
9 credit minimum

• GERO 565. Health and Aging, 3 credits
• GERO 620. Advanced Policy Issues in Gerontology, 3 credits
• GERO 630. Aging and Community, 3 credits
• GERO 545. Health and Aging, 3 credits
• PSY 647. Psychology of Aging: Theory and Research, 3 credits
• SOC 650. Sociology of Aging and the Life Course, 3 credits

Internship course
3-6 credits

• GERO 644. Gerontology Internship, 3-6 credits

Elective courses
Plan A, 12 credits
Plan B or Plan C, 15 credit minimum

• BIOL 502. Biology of Human Aging, 3 credits
• CEEP 646. Counseling Older Persons, 3 credits
• CDIS 540. Communication Disorders of the Aged, 2 credits
• CMST 531. Communication and Aging, 3 credits
• FIRE 579. Social Insurance, 3 credits
• GERO 505. Aging and Diversity, 3 credits
• GERO 511. Aging Policy and Programs, 3 credits
• GERO 515. Women and Aging, 3 credits
• GERO 525. Dementia and Aging, 3 credits
• GERO 535, Housing Options for Older Adults, 3 credits
• GERO 540. Seminar (topical),* 1-3 credits
• HLTH 511. Advanced Nutrition, 3 credits
• PSY 543. Psychology of Adult Development and Aging, 3 credits
• SOC 573. Family Relationships in Later Life, 3 credits
• SOC 575. Sociology of Health and Illness, 3 credits
• SW 530. Social Work Practice of the Aging, 3 credits

* NOTE: May be repeated with different topics.

Other suitable electives may be selected with the approval of the gerontology graduate adviser. For students with an undergraduate specialization in gerontology, appropriate substitutions may be made in consultation with the adviser.

• A student completing the Plan A option must pass a final oral examination on the thesis submitted to the student's final evaluation committee.
•  A student completing the Plan C option must pass a final oral examination on the portfolio submitted to the student's final evaluation committee.