Gerontology, M.S.

Interested students should contact Dr. Maria Carpiac at Maria.Carpiac@csulb.edu

This program is designed to prepare students with a thorough background in existing theory and research in gerontology, advanced principles of program management, and preparation for their professional discipline.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete the application form to be admitted to the university with graduate standing;
2. Submit the following materials through the online application process:
   • Three letters of recommendation reflecting academic potential, personal qualifications, sensitivity, and evidence of ability and motivation to work with older adults and professionals in the field of aging,
   • A current resumé, including education, employment, and volunteer activities,
   • A personal statement of interest in aging and career goals in the field.

Admission to the program is contingent on approval by the Gerontology Program Director.

Prerequisites

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Evidence of a 3.0 or better grade point average in all undergraduate work. Students with less than a 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 undergraduate semester or 90 quarter units attempted but with evidence of professional promise and experiential background may be admitted conditionally by action of the Program Director.
3. Successful completion of the following courses or their approved substitutes. These courses can be taken during the first year of the program:

• GERN 400 - Perspectives on Gerontology (3 units)  
• An approved upper-division statistics course

Retention

1. Maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average in all graduate work completed at CSULB and all approved graduate work transferred to meet graduate requirements.
2. Continuous satisfactory progress toward the degree objective.

Advancement to Candidacy

1. Satisfy the general University requirements for advancement to candidacy.
2. Complete a minimum of six units of graduate level coursework in gerontology. 
3. Be enrolled during the term in which advancement to candidacy takes place.
4. Obtain approval for one’s individual program plan from the Gerontology Program Director and then from the Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Services.