Social Gerontology, MS (53-760) (30 hours)

Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Science degree in Social Gerontology will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the social, psychological, economic and physical aspects of aging;
• Identify the impacts of social policies on an older adult, his/her family, professionals in the field of aging, and the organizations for which they work;
• Identify the key management issues facing administrators of aging related organizations and/or facilities that serve older adults;
• Identify the major issues associated with each stage of life with special focus on the older years;
• Identify the key problems for older adults as they move from independent living to institutionalization;
• Differentiate between research methodologies and be able to apply the appropriate strategy to a given problem;
• Apply the knowledge he/she has learned in the classroom within organizations and facilities that serve older adults; or if doing a thesis, demonstrate an ability to formulate an independent research question and conduct a project assess the question;
• Communicate effectively in both written and oral form;
• Act ethically in research and professional practice.

This program is an interdisciplinary course of study designed for students seeking to prepare themselves for one of the many opportunities in the growing field of service for older adults. UCM offers both an on-campus program in Warrensburg and off-campus at the UCM Summit Center.

To be accepted into this program a student must have minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 and at least one upper-level course in research methods. If the student meets the GPA requirement but does not have the upper-level course in research methods, the student will be required to take an additional methods course before graduation.

Following admission to the degree program, the student must file a program of study that has been approved by the program coordinator. Eligibility for an internship course must be approved by the program coordinator prior to beginning the practical experience.