University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

Our interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on biological and social development across the lifespan. Students have two options: the Social Science track or the Health Science track.

Social Science Track: The Social Science track is for students who want to pursue a graduate degree and/or a career in law, policy, psychology, sociology, or health administration. The core curriculum offers a broad view of human development in the behavioral sciences.

Health Science Track: The Health Science track is designed for students who want to continue on for a graduate degree and/or have a career in medicine or other health-related fields. The core curriculum meets general education and medical school entrance requirements.

This degree is for students who plan to get a graduate degree and/or career in medicine, pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or related fields. The curriculum covers the biological and medical aspects of health, including disease prevention, detection, and treatment.

You could not get more cutting edge! Our newest degree is designed for students who want to become leaders in biogerontology. The focus is on molecular, cellular, and regenerative medicine as well as the integrative biology of aging.

This unique doctoral program, the first of its kind in the field, brings together two world-renowned institutions: the USC Davis School and the Buck Institute for research on Aging in Northern California. Students can choose a mentor and Ph.D. faculty committee from either the Buck Center or USC. Students’ academic and research activities take place on both the Southern and Northern California Campuses.

PH.D. candidates take core courses on the molecular and cellular biology of aging and age-related diseases, and then select a track among neuroscience, molecular, and cellular biology, stem cell and regenerative sciences, and biomedical sciences.

Requirements: 60 units of work, including courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the 60 units must be formal graduate course work (lectures or seminars).

Bonus Points: You are prepared, and profoundly marketable, for a career in the biomedical field.

Students learn about the physiology of human development and aging, examining social policies related to aging as well as the psychological, behavioral, and sociological impact on lifespan development. Working closely with a faculty mentor, the concentrate on a specific area of interest and begin the process of discovering and shaping their own academic specialization.

They work closely with faculty on research and publications, participate in colloquia, attend a and present at national organization meetings, acquire teaching experience, and develop a rich academic, personal, and professional network.

Requirements: 60 Units of course work and at least four additional dissertation units.

Bonus Points: This degree from this institution opens doors!

If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field or major, our certificate program gives you a greater understanding of gerontology theory and research.

Requirements: 16 units of course work.

Bonus Points: You will supplement and enhance your existing career or skill set and expand your professional opportunities.

The MASM is designed to give current and future aging services managers the knowledge and skill set to offer services, programs, and products to older adults.

Requirements: 32 units of coursework

Bonus Points: Opportunities in the aging services industry are abundant. They include residential care facilities, assisted living, retirement communities, home care and home services, creative therapy initiatives, home modification programs, and hospice care.

The MAG offers current professionals in the field a chance to acquire superb skills and format training in gerontology.

Requirements: 28 units of coursework

Bonus Points: The MAG complements real-world experience, offers executive polish, and helps graduates boost their career potential.

The MLTCA is a multi-USC school program that combines the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging with training in the administration and management of long term care organizations.

Requirements: 28 units of coursework

Bonus Points: You will be participating in a joint program between the USC Davis School of Gerontology, the USC Marshall School of Business, the USC Leventhal School of Accounting, and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

This flagship program prepares graduates to take on major leadership roles in the private and public sectors, working in planning, evaluating, and administering programs. It is also designed for graduate students who want to assume executive positions that deliver direct services to older people and their families or teach older adults and service providers.

Requirements: 44 units of coursework and experience in the field. It includes 32 units of required courses and 12 units of specialization courses.

Bonus Points: In conjunction with the MSG, we offer dual-degree programs. Among them are business administration, health administration, planning, public administration, law, dentistry, pharmacy, and social work.

This degree is for those who want to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics. It can lead to working in health care facilities, long-term care and supported living environments, tertiary and community hospitals, university and school food service programs, a business involving personal wellness, private practice, scientific research on nutrition’s role in health and longevity, or in policy and advocacy. The program promotes health and longevity based on scientific evidence, integrating academic study with professional practice experience.

Requirements: 46 units of coursework and 1200 hours of supervised practice in hospital, community, and food service settings. Before applying, prerequisite courses are required as well as 40 hours of paid or volunteer work experience with at Registered Dietitian.

Accreditation:The program is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. You are eligible to take the Commission of Dietetics Registration’s national registration examination once you receive the master’s degree diploma. Once you pass, you receive the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

Some undergraduate students prefer to focus on another field or subject area and minor in gerontology. They have two options: our Individuals, Societies, and Aging minor or the eScience, Health, and Aging minor.

Individuals, Societies, and Aging: Rooted largely in behavioral and social science, Individuals, Societies, and Aging is geared to students working toward careers in business, engineering, communication, arts and sciences, or cinema/television.

Science, Health, and Aging: Science, Health, and Aging is designed for students who want careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biological sciences, public health, or other health-related fields. This program focuses on the neurology, physiology, and health issues of aging.

The USC Davis School’s long history of leadership in gerontological education continues into the 21st century. We were the first school to offer a gerontology degree over the internet and now we are proud to offer blended graduate courses, which means all master’s level students can take classes either online or on-campus.

All of our online courses are designed and taught by USC Davis School faculty members. Classes consist of weekly lectures, interactive exercises to further enhance the student’s understanding of the subject matter, and assignments that are sent via email to the instructor to monitor progress and integration of the subject matter.

Coursework can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sunday afternoons might be the best time for you, or maybe you work better at night. You may choose to read a lecture all at once or spread it over a couple of days or come to campus to take a class if it is possible. In the traditional classroom setting, students spend three hours per week in class and four to six additional hours completing outside assignments and readings. Students should expect to spend a similar amount of time for an online class. However, as an online student, you choose those hours.

Our online graduate programs include:
Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG)
Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG)
Master of Aging Services Management (MASM)
Master of Long Term Care Administration (MLTCA)

We have joined forces with six other professional schools at USC to offer programs in which graduates will earn two master’s degrees, gaining the knowledge and skills of gerontology as well as those of an additional professional field.

In tandem with the Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG), you can also earn:
Master of Business Administration (MS/MBA) with the USC Marshall School of Business
Doctor of Dental Surgery (MS/DDS) with the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC
Juris Doctor (MS/JD) with the USC Gould School of Law
Master of Public Administration (MS/MPA)
Master of Health Administration (MS/MHA)
Master of Planning (MS/M.Pl.) with the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
Master of Social Work (MS/MSW) with the USC School of Social Work
Doctor of Pharmacy (M.S./PharmD) with the USC School of Pharmacy