Human Development/Gerontology, M.A.

The Gerontology program provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding aging as a process of life-long development. The program of study includes courses in the health-related, social-behavioral aspects of aging, and the public policy issues that affect the lives of older adults. The program is designed to provide helping professionals already educated in basic disciplines at the baccalaureate level with the background needed to work in the field of aging and to gain a more in-depth understanding of human development. To accommodate the full-time working professional, classes are scheduled during late afternoon hours, evenings, weekends, and on-line.

Program Outcomes

The student will:

1. Demonstrate grounding in the lifespan human development model and be able to interpret research and theory in relation to this model
2. Master the demographic and political issues related to the aging population and form educated opinions
3. Demonstrate basic familiarity with the systems and networks supporting older adults (regional and national)
4. Demonstrate enhanced self-knowledge of personal development and understand other individuals, families, and communities in relation to lifespan developmental perspective
5. Provide educational resources and materials on the topic of older adulthood to a wide variety of populations
6. Understand current policy and cultural paradigms that enhance and support development of older adults
7. Demonstrate a firm knowledge base to dispel ageism

Matriculation Requirements

1. Admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
2. Sealed transcript of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
3. Two letters recommending the student for graduate work at the University of Saint Joseph
4. Planned program of study (with the Director)
5. An immunization record using the University of Saint Joseph Health Services form available on the USJ Web site