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.
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).
Program Curriculum
The 36 credit hours required for the master of arts (M.A.) degree must
include the following courses for a major in gerontology:
GERN 5000 Gerontology (Requisite Course)
GERN 5600 Economic Issues for Older Adults
GERN 5620 Physiology of Aging
GERN 5630 Psychology of Aging
GERN 5640 Management of Programs for Older Adults
GERN 5660 Research and Assessment in Gerontology
GERN 5670 Social and Political Perspectives in Gerontology
GERN 5680 Practicum in Gerontology
GERN 6000 Integrated Studies in 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) (3)
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 (1–3)
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 (3)
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 (3)
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 discussed. Additional emphasis is placed on the implications
of physiological change on the psychological functioning of the aging
individual.
GERN 5630 Psychology of Aging (3)
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 (3)
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 5650 Counseling for the Aged (3)
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the mental health
needs of older persons and counseling-related services that help to
meet some of these needs. Counseling theories and methods are discussed,
with emphasis on the role of the paraprofessional counselor.
GERN 5660 Research and Assessment in Gerontology (3)
The 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. This course is cross-listed with HRDV 5750.
GERN 5670 Social and Political Perspectives in Gerontology (3)
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 (3–6)
Professional training is provided by gerontological specialists in aging
network, business, social service, and health care industries. Field
placement is dependent upon the student's discipline or profession.
A formal practicum proposal must be submitted to the program mentor
before a student can register for the practicum. A minimum of 3 credit
hours of practicum is required for the M.A. in applied 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 credit hours.
GERN 5690 Issues in Gerontology (3)
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 (3)
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. Techniques used to accomplish these goals may
vary. Prerequisite: completion of all other required courses in this
major.
