Gerontology

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Graduate Information

OFFICE: Hepner Hall 119
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6865 / FAX: 619-594-5991

Faculty

Jong Won Min, Ph.D., Professor of Social Work, Director of School
Mario D. Garrett, Ph.D., Professor of Social Work
Eunjeong Ko, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Social Work
Yawen Li, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Social Work

Assistantships

Graduate teaching and research assistantships in gerontology are available to a limited number of qualified students. Information regarding the availability of funds and the process for application may be obtained from the School of Social Work.

General Information

The Master of Science degree in gerontology is supported by interdisciplinary faculty from several departments. The program is administered by the School of Social Work. The primary goal of the Gerontology Graduate Program is to offer high-quality interdisciplinary education and training that focus on the core areas of gerontology such as theories of aging, aging policy, long-term care, research methodology, design, development, administration, and evaluation of programs for the aged. The program is committed to preparing students to enter positions in administration and management in a variety of organizations serving older adults. This goal will be accomplished by offering coursework and field experience aimed at providing the necessary knowledge and skills to encourage/promote gerontology competencies and evidence-based administration and management as related to older adults.

Admission to Graduate Study

The student must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified standing, as described in Part Two of this bulletin. Students whose preparation is deemed insufficient by the gerontology admissions committee may be admitted as conditionally classified and will be required to complete specific courses in addition to the minimum 36 units required for the degree. Students from other disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last 60 semester units of undergraduate college/university coursework. The grade point average must be in concurrence with Division of Graduate Affairs requirements for admission. Admission requirements are outlined in the graduate application package for an advanced degree in gerontology at San Diego State University.

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply along with the $55 application fee.

All applicants must submit admissions materials separately to SDSU Graduate Admissions and to the School of Social Work.

Graduate Admissions

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions

Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

1. Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended;
   
   NOTE:
   • Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
   • Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
2. GRE scores (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682);
3. English language score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682).

School of Social Work

The following materials should be submitted by March 1 for the fall semester to:

School of Social Work
(Attention: Gerontology Graduate Adviser)
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4452

1. Three letters of reference in support of your application from academic references;
2. Personal statement outlining your goals, background, interests, and abilities;
3. Curriculum vitae or resume.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must pass the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Part Four of this bulletin. Advancement to candidacy is contingent upon classified graduate status, completion of 12 semester units with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, satisfactory completion of an oral examination with a minimum grade of B and approval of the Graduate Council. Advancement to candidacy will be conferred prior to graduation.

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