Graduate & Professional Degrees

The MA in Gerontology provides an opportunity to acquire skills and formal training in gerontology. Most courses are offered online and on campus.

Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit.

In order to participate in the online courses, students will be required to have access to a laptop or desktop computer with broadband (high speed) internet capability including a web browser, word processing software and presentation software, as well as a printer. Specific details regarding the computer requirements will be provided by the department.

Admission standards and prerequisites are the same as listed for the Master of Science in Gerontology with the exception that students in the online MA program are expected to have a significant amount of experience working in human services, health care, business or similar settings. Students are not required to have taken an approved additional course.

The Master of Science in Gerontology prepares graduates to assume major leadership roles in the field of aging, primarily in the planning, administration and evaluation of programs in the private and public sectors, as well as executive positions in the delivery of direct services to older people and their families and in the instruction of older adults and service providers. The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 44 units of course work. This includes 32 units of required courses and 12 units of electives. As part of this curriculum, a field practicum assures that these skills can be applied in agencies and institutional settings.

All students take core courses in physiological, psychological, sociological, social policy and professional issues relating to aging, as well as research methods and the capstone course.

The course work includes instruction on the processes of aging and professional courses designed to develop the skills needed for practice. The field practicum includes one or two semesters of practical experience working in an organizational setting.

Continuous registration in the program is required. There is a five year completion time limit for the degree. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit. A maximum of two absences (one year each) is allowed. Most courses are offered on campus and online.

Prerequisites for Admission

Students applying for admission to the Master of Science in Gerontology program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In selecting applicants for admission, the School of Gerontology considers both academic potential (as reflected in undergraduate study or scores on the Graduate Record Examinations) and professional potential (as reflected in experience, references and career goals). The school requests information from applicants to supplement that supplied by the USC Application for Graduate Admission. Such supplemental information usually includes a resume, statement of interest in gerontology and letters of reference. Interviews may be required.

Probation and Disqualification

Probation and Warning: Any graduate student whose cumulative or semester grade point average in the university falls below B (3.0) will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student whose semester average falls below B (3.0) but whose cumulative grade point average in the university is 3.0 (A = 4.0) or higher will be placed on academic warning.

Disqualification: A graduate student on academic probation will be disqualified if his or her cumulative record accumulates more than 12 units of C work. A graduate student, whether on probation or not, will be subject to disqualification if the Student Affairs Committee of the USC Leonard Davis School at any time determines deficiency in academic achievement.

Common Requirements

All candidates for the Master of Science degree must complete the following common requirements:

The online graduate certificate in gerontology program provides an opportunity for those with a bachelor's degree in another profession or discipline who are employed in the field of aging to acquire a greater understanding of gerontology theory and research. The program consists of 16 units of gerontology courses designed to familiarize the student with several areas of the field that relate to professional practice.

Students complete the introductory course, GERO 500, two of the four required core course areas (GERO 508 or GERO 510 or, GERO 520 or GERO 522, GERO 530 or GERO 585, and GERO 540), and one elective course in a particular area of interest.

The required courses are delivered via the Internet. The courses are offered in sequential order and are restricted by availability. Continuous registration in the non-degree program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit. Entering students are encouraged to begin their course of study by taking GERO 500.

In order to participate in the online courses, students will be required to have access to a multimedia computer with modem, printer and CD-ROM drive; an Internet provider with email and an Internet browser; and word processing software. The department will provide specific details regarding the computer requirements.

The purpose of the PhD in Gerontology is to provide research training in the multidisciplinary field of aging. The program is designed to enhance the potential of able students to make scholarly and professional contributions to the field of gerontology through research and teaching. To obtain this goal, the PhD in Gerontology provides (1) high level rigorous research training, (2) the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge in the field of aging and (3) the development of leadership skills.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the doctoral program must meet the following requirements:

1. Recipient of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university by anticipated enrollment date.
2. Academic promise, as evidenced by above average achievement in previous undergraduate and graduate education. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in an appropriate undergraduate major and a baccalaureate degree are required.
3. Personal qualities compatible with high level performance in gerontology and indicating a potential for leadership in the field. This includes a strong commitment to developing a scientific research program. Applicants to the PhD program must submit a resume of professional and academic experience, three letters of reference (academic and professional), a statement of objectives and examples of written work.
4. Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examinations — existing test scores may be submitted if the GRE has been completed no more than five years prior to the date of application. A satisfactory score on the Verbal and Quantitative GRE is required. Students should also provide scores from the Analytic exam.
5. Submission of application materials as required. Instructions for application to the Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology may be obtained by contacting the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 60 units of course work (with at least 24 of these units being completed in residency at USC), as well as additional dissertation units (at least 4 units) as required. All students will take courses in three areas: a set of required core courses, research courses and elective courses.

Students will be advised about course selection during the first year by the PhD committee. As soon as a student has selected a specialization (e.g., psychology, sociology/demography, policy), an advisory committee of appropriate faculty will be appointed. The purpose of the advisory committee is to help the student in the selection of courses and a research agenda; to monitor the student's progress; and to insure preparation for the qualifying examination.

Application deadline: December 1

The purpose of the PhD in the Geroscience with an emphasis in the Biology of Aging is to provide interdisciplinary research training in an age-centric environment. Students will focus on basic mechanisms of aging as well as translational research related to medical applications. Students will approach aging as a major risk factor for disease.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferably in one of the biological sciences. Applicants are evaluated by their transcripts and GPA, scores on the GRE General Test, three letters of recommendation and a statement of interest.

Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

The program requires GERO 600, GERO 601, GERO 602a, GERO 602b, GERO 603, plus 8-10 units from the list of suggested electives or other department-approved courses. A minimum of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture or seminar courses).

Screening Examination

After completion of the core course work during the first year, the student's degree progress is discussed and evaluated by a screening committee composed of members of the gerontology faculty and the Buck Institute as well as the student's faculty adviser. The purpose of this written and oral evaluation is to determine competence to continue graduate study and identify areas to be strengthened prior to the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

By the end of the third semester, students should choose a guidance committee consistent with the requirements of the graduate school composed of gerontology faculty, Buck Institute faculty and one outside member. This committee will conduct the qualifying exam and provide guidance during dissertation research. The chair of the committee will serve as the principal adviser. Students should consult extensively with each committee member regarding subjects to be covered in the exam.

The qualifying exam consists of written and oral parts. Both parts must be finished before the end of the fifth semester. For the written exam, the adviser will consult with each of the members of the qualifying exam committee. The written part will incorporate evaluation and synthesis of existing knowledge related to the topic areas, creation of a set of experiments to test a relevant hypothesis, and interpretation of anticipated results. The oral exam consists of an oral defense of the written part and will be conducted with a month of the written part of the qualifying exam.

Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Upon admission to candidacy, a dissertation committee is established which consists of three members of the faculty, some of whom may be from the guidance committee, one of whom must hold his or her primary appointment outside of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

The dissertation committee is responsible for providing guidance and consultation during the research process, approving the dissertation, conducting the final oral examination, and recommending the candidate for the PhD degree.

A master's degree in the Biology of Aging is a terminal degree for students admitted into the Geroscience PhD program who cannot complete the PhD program for personal or medical reasons. Enrollment of graduate students as master's degree candidates is not encouraged and is reserved for special circumstances that must be approved by the Gerontology Curriculum Committee. The master's curriculum includes all course work required of PhD students for a minimum of 40 units.

Foreign Language Requirements

There are no foreign language requirements for the PhD in Geroscience.

Transfer Credits

Students with a master's degree of prior graduate course work in biology can petition to apply the credit toward required courses. Petition for credit will be based on the Graduate School's policies and requirements for transfer of credit and on approval by the doctoral advisory committee. Transfer credits toward the PhD requirements will be limited to 20 units and must be taken within 10 years of entering the program.

Aligned with USC Rossier's mission to serve high-need students in urban centers, the certificate in Gifted Education was designed to provide candidates concurrently enrolled in MAT programs with the competencies to respond to the needs, interests and abilities of gifted students in either homogeneous or heterogeneous regular classrooms or specific school environments defined for gifted and high-ability students.

The certificate in Gifted Education enables MAT candidates to recognize the manifestations of giftedness among cultural, linguistic and economically diverse students in urban schools, to facilitate the identification of underrepresented students as gifted and to provide differentially appropriate curriculum for them.

The Global Executive EdD prepares tomorrow's transformational educational leaders, policy makers, administrators and change agents for their challenging task of improving individual and national educational outcomes. The curriculum is designed to enhance the professional experience of senior educational leaders and policy makers by:

• Increasing their understanding of global trends and the implications of those trends for their work;
• Challenging them to utilize evidence and theory-based approaches in problem solving;
• Developing their capacity to effectively use complex data in decision making; and
• Providing access to key leaders and leading education scholars.

The program will focus on achieving large-scale improvements across educational systems through strategic use of policy, innovative practice and assessment. The curriculum stresses the examination of educational solutions from around the world as participants work with their own, local challenges.

Classes are delivered in Los Angeles and international locations. The total units required for the degree is 60. A maximum of 4 project units (EDUC 764a, EDUC 764b, EDUC 764c, EDUC 764d) may be applied toward the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing complete a minimum of 50 units.

Preliminary Review:

The Global Executive EdD preliminary review must be passed before the student has completed more than 18 units. Passing the preliminary review is prerequisite to continuing in the program.

The online certificate in Global Health and Human Rights Leadership provides interdisciplinary leadership training in key aspects of global health, human rights, law, management and leadership for global health professionals. Training is aimed at professionals in or seeking leadership positions in health, including within the private non-profit and public sectors. Participants are introduced to key concepts and trends in global health, the application of human rights to health, management and leadership skills in public health and how to develop compliance programs. Courses are taken online through both the Keck School of Medicine (12 units) and the Gould School of Law (2 units) for a total of 14 units. The program can be completed in as few as three semesters or over the course of three years.

Applicants for the certificate must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program and provide transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (if applicable), a resume and a statement of purpose. The GRE is not required. 

This certificate program can serve as a possible "stepping stone" toward the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. Up to 12 units may be applied toward both the certificate and the core or electives in the MPH. Note that students must apply and be admitted to the MPH program and must earn a grade of "B" or better in a course to be eligible to transfer that course toward the degree program. Completion of the certificate does not automatically guarantee admission to the MPH program.

The certificate in Global Health and Human Rights Leadership is also open to students who are currently enrolled in another graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. These students only need to submit the appropriate paperwork, which may be obtained from the student services adviser, and pay associated tuition costs for adding the certificate program.

The online graduate certificate in Global Health Communications provides interdisciplinary training in key aspects of global public health and communications for public health professionals. Training is aimed at professionals in or seeking communications or public relations positions in health, including within the private non-profit and public sectors. Participants will be introduced to key trends in global health and the application of communications theories, strategies and methodologies to improve global public health. Courses are taken online through both the Keck School of Medicine (8 units) and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (4 units) for a total of 12 units. The program can be completed in as few as three semesters or over the course of three years.

Applicants for the certificate must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program and provide transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (if applicable), a resume and a statement of purpose. The GRE is not required. 

This certificate program can serve as a possible "stepping stone" toward the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. Up to 12 units may be applied toward both the certificate and the core or electives in the MPH. Note that students must apply and be admitted to the MPH program and must earn a grade of "B" or better in a course to be eligible to transfer that course toward the degree program. Completion of the certificate does not automatically guarantee admission to the MPH program.

The certificate in Global Health Communications is also open to students who are currently enrolled in another graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. These students only need to submit the appropriate paperwork, which may be obtained from the student services adviser, and pay associated tuition costs for adding the certificate program.

The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism collaborates with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to provide the course work necessary for students to become fully engaged with the phenomenon of global communication through this dual master's degree program. Upon satisfaction of all program requirements, students will be awarded a Master of Arts (MA) in Global Media and Communication by USC as well as a Master of Science (MSc) in Global Media and Communications by the LSE.

Residence

This is a two-year program during which students spend their first year at the LSE and their second year at USC.

Foreign Language/Research Tool Requirements

There are no foreign language requirements. Students take a one-term research methods course as part of their course work at the LSE.

Course Requirements

The Master of Arts in Global Media and Communication requires 42 units; the equivalent of 18 units earned at the LSE and 24 units earned at USC.

Year One at LSE: The LSE academic year has three terms. Students will complete classes approved by faculty at the LSE. Students must earn at least 3 units at the LSE, which articulates as 18 units at USC.

Year Two at USC: Students must complete COMM 597 or COMM 598 as well as 20 elective units (5 courses) from the School of Communication graduate curriculum, excluding COMM 525, COMM 526, COMM 550 and COMM 552. All students are required to complete an internship/practicum during their year at Annenberg.

Students may take one four-unit course from a department outside Annenberg with the approval of their advisers.

Students have two options for their mandatory thesis course. In COMM 597, students extend the research they began at LSE for their dissertation. In COMM 598, students participate in a group-based research project about global media industries.

Additional Requirements

All master's degree candidates in the Annenberg School of Communication are required to complete the Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations training during their enrollment at USC. This non-credit, professional skills training is offered online by USC Annenberg every fall, spring and summer term and is designed to foster students' ability to create, sustain and thrive within diverse work environments. Modules include: fostering connection and inclusive cultures; managing implicit biases and power; understanding the impact of technology on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA); creating representative and inclusive content; and developing habits and strategies to effect lasting change. To learn more about this training please visit our website.