Applied Gerontology Program Introduction
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in applied gerontology. Within this framework, students are provided with a broad educational base concerning the impact of aging on individuals and cultures. The courses in the program draw upon a variety of disciplines such as management, the behavioral and social sciences, economics, political science, and the natural sciences. The applied gerontology core courses as well as the program electives are concerned with maximizing the application of gerontological knowledge particularly in areas of direct service, consulting, program development, management and administration.
As the population of the United States and other parts of the world ages, the need for individuals in all aspects of society and business with knowledge of aging will only increase. Those who prepare for this change in demographics by developing an expertise relative to gerontological issues and concerns will by quite marketable as professionals. The applied gerontology curriculum is designed to provide students with the requisite core knowledge regarding aging individuals and the impact of this "age wave" on social, economic, and political structures.
Applied gerontology courses may be taken as electives in conjunction with other graduate programs.
Careers in Applied Gerontology Powerpoint
The Program Mentor has varied responsibilities within the Applied Gerontology Program (GERN). First, the Mentor acts as the area/faculty advisor for the program. The Mentor is involved in faculty selection, faculty orientation, guidance of faculty syllabus preparation, and general leadership of the program faculty.
The Program Mentor is available to meet with students, individually or as a group, at any time during their educational careers at Webster University. The Program Mentor is available for advising relative to the gerontology area of concentration (career discussion, professional organization opportunities, etc.). Advising on matters of academic performance and conflicts in class is done by the Academic Advisor.
The Mentor for GERN is William HuddlestonBerry. Mr. HuddlestonBerry is a full-time faculty member and chairperson of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Individuals wanting to speak to Mr. HuddlestonBerry should call 314-968-6970 or email hudberry@webster.edu
The 36 credit hours required for the master of arts (M.A.) degree must include the following courses for a major in applied gerontology:
In addition, the student chooses elective courses offered in this major and/or from the program curricula of other majors. If the requisite course is waived, the student must choose an elective course from this major or from the program curriculum of another major. Students pursuing dual majors who have the requisite course(s) waived will complete only the remaining required courses for the dual majors. The required courses and electives listed in this core may be taken as directed studies, subject to the conditions stated in the Directed Studies section listed under Academic Policies and Procedures.
Course Descriptions
GERN 5000 Gerontology (Requisite Course)
This course introduces the student to the gerontology specialty area. The course provides the student with an overview of the psychological, sociological, political, and physiological processes related to aging and the elderly. This course includes an examination of basic theoretical perspectives, problems, and the future of gerontology.
GERN 5500 Professional Seminars
Students participate in seminars designed to examine contemporary issues in gerontology. The professional seminar supplements the core and elective courses in the area of gerontology by focusing on issues of current and special interest. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs. Graduate students may apply a maximum of 3 credit hours of these seminars as electives to meet the credit hour requirements for graduation. This course may not be completed by directed study.
GERN 5600 Economic Issues for Older Adults
This course focuses on the economic issues relevant to middle-aged and older adults. The student examines topics related to pre- and post retirement planning, such as financial planning, housing options, and legal concerns. Particular emphasis is placed on what gerontology specialists can do to assist middle-aged and older adults in facing later life transitions. The course includes an examination of the economic impact of the older adult on society.
GERN 5620 Physiology of Aging
This course provides the student with an overview of the changes that occur in the human body as a function of age. All of the major systems within the human body are discussed, ranging from the cardiovascular system to the central nervous system. This course focuses on normal, age-related physiological changes; however, age-related dysfunctional changes are also discussed. Additional emphasis is placed on the implications of physiological change on the psychological functioning of the aging individual.
GERN 5630 Psychology of Aging
This course provides the student with an introduction and analysis of current knowledge and concerns related to psychological aging. It addresses the theoretical and empirical foundations relevant to the psychological study of the later part of the life span. The course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective and focuses on topics related to perceptual, cognitive, personality, and interpersonal social development. Issues related to psychological adjustment and the topic of death and dying are examined.
GERN 5640 Management of Programs for Older Adults
The student examines the theory and practices relevant to the management and administration of organizations. Particular focus is placed on organizations providing services for the elderly. The economic, political, legal, and social issues that affect these organizations are studied in the context of the effect these issues have on the administration of services. Identification of deficiencies in current programs and the proposing of alternative modes of care for the elderly are explored.
GERN 5660 Research and Assessment in Gerontology
This course introduces the student to basic statistical methods, methods of research, and methods of assessment. The research aspect of the course includes the empirical research process, the deductive method, the inductive method, the survey, the field experiment, the field study, and program evaluation. In addition, the student is introduced to the basics of statistics as these apply to research and assessment. Basic research methods in gerontological administration and programming are examined and applied.
GERN 5670 Social and Political Perspectives in Gerontology
Social and political realities confronting older adults are explored in this course. Social issues such as ageism, homelessness, and poverty as they relate to the older adult are examined. In addition, issues affecting particular groups such as older women and members of minority groups are discussed. Students examine the historic and current legislative programming relevant to the elderly and strategies of political involvement, advocacy, and influence building.
GERN 5680 Practicum in Gerontology
Professional training provided by gerontological specialists in aging network, business, social service, and health care industries. Field placement dependent upon student's discipline or profession. A formal practicum proposal must be submitted to the program mentor before a student can register for the practicum. Minimum of 3 hours of practicum required for Master of Arts in Gerontology. Practicum may be waived by the program mentor for those students with extensive prior gerontological experience. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours.
GERN 5690 Issues in Gerontology
Current and significant issues in gerontology are examined. The course focuses on existing theories and practices, with emphasis given to new and emerging topics in the field. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.
GERN 6000 Integrated Studies in Gerontology
The student is expected to synthesize and integrate the learning experiences acquired in gerontology and to evaluate the research and current topics relative to this major. Thechniques used to accomplish these goals may vary. Prerequisite: completion of all other required courses in this major.
All GERN students are required to take, as their first GERN course, the GERN 5000 course. The only exception to this must be handled by special petition initiated by the academic advisor. In addition to GERN 5000, the student is required to complete the following courses:
GERN 5600, 5620, 5630, 5640, 5660, 5670, and 5680 are considered core courses and must be completed before registering for GERN 6000. There is no required sequence for the GERN 5600 - 5670 courses. However, you may find it useful to complete GERN 5660 early as you will be studying and evaluating research relevant to gerontology in all of your core courses.
Suggestions for Electives
It is difficult to suggest electives to individuals in the GERN program due to the fact that our students come from varied backgrounds and have a variety of specific areas of interest within the area of applied gerontology. Thus, the student should consider his/her specific needs, interests, and goals within the area of applied gerontology in the selection of electives.
Additional Recommendation
It is the student's responsibility to familiarize themselves with the various opportunities and policies outlined in the graduate school catalog. Every graduate student at Webster University should have a copy of this catalog. If you do not have a copy, one can be obtained through the Enrollment Services Center (107 SV).
 | Every year, the GERN Program develops and sponsors a day-long workshop related to a current gerontological issue. This workshop provides students and professionals in the St. Louis area a chance to network and learn about a specific elder-related issue. Past workshops have dealt with Seniors, in a Cyberage, Elder Abuse and Neglect, Housing Options for the Elderly, Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Gerontology, Financial Issues Related to Elder Health Care, Caregiving, and Sexuality,Intimacy, and Aging. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this unique educational and networking opportunity. |
Information concerning admission to the Graduate Program in Applied Gerontology can be obtained by writing:
Graduate Admissions
Webster University
470 East Lockwood
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
or
Click here for more information: Graduate Admissions
Feel free to drop William HuddlestonBerry a line with any questions or comments you may have. Thanks.
