1. Maintain a B average
or better.
2. Students are required
to take each of the following eight courses (24 credits). although
titles vary somewhat across participating campuses, we have
current course numbers for all core courses.
Requirements
1. Perspectives
in Gerontology 3 credits
2. Adult development and aging 3 credits
3. Aging in the family context 3 credits
4. Environments and aging 3 credits
5. Program evaluation and Research methods in aging 3 credits
6. Physical health and wellness, nutrition 3 credits
7. Economics, public policy and aging 3 credits
8. Professional Seminar in Gerontology 3 credits
During the final
year of study, students will have a choice of the following
requirements:
A. Three credits
of Master's paper
B. Six credits of Master's thesis
Electives. Additional electives would be used to fulfill
a 36-credit degree program. Potential electives to be developed
or offered online include:
Global aging 3
credits
Gender 3 credits
Grandparent-grandchild relations 3 credits
Adult learners 3 credits
Study tour (all universities) 3 credits
Leadership in aging organizations 3 credits
Intergenerational issues and programs 3 credits
Statistics 3 credits
Arts and humanities 3 credits
Advanced theories on aging 3 credits
Current topics 3 credits
Community services and aging 3 credits
Mental health, cognition 3 credits
Ethics 3 credits
Rural aging 3 credits
Retirement planning 3 credits
Estate planning 3 credits
Practicum 3 credits maximum
Proposed Course Schedule
Academic Year 2003-2004:
Perspectives
Adult Development
Physical Health
Environments
Program Evaluation
Academic Year 2004-2005:
Economics and Public Policy
Perspectives
Aging in the Family
Adult Development
Professional Seminar
Academic Year 2005-2006:
Physical Health
Perspectives
Environments
Adult Development
Professional Seminar
Program Evaluation
Academic Year 2006-2007:
Economics and Public Policy
Perspectives
Adult Development
Aging in the Family
Professional Seminar
Course Descriptions
Under Construction - Will have descriptions
soon.
Frequently asked Questions about Gerontology
Do you offer graduate programs, certificate programs, or
undergraduate programs?
We offer a 36-credit master's degree program and a 21-credit
graduate certificate program, which consists of a subset of
cources from the master's program. The certificate program has
been designed for students whose goal is a credential in gerontology
and who do not need a master's degree. We do not offer a web-based
undergraduate program in gerontology.
How much does the program cost? Does that amount include
books, tests, and other fees?
The program is offered in collaboration with six other institutions.
By agreement among the institutions, beginning in Fall, 2003,
when the first on-line Gerontology course will be offered, fees
will be $350 per credit, or $1050 for a three-credit course.
Books and other materials are not included. No other fees are
assessed.
How long does it take to complete?
Students typically complete the master's program in three years
if they are employed full time and taking only one course each
semester. Students who participate in full time study can shorten
the time from start to finish. The certificate program can be
completed less than two years.
How do you schedule courses? How often are courses offered?
The courses are being phased in over a two-year period, beginning
in the fall of 2003. All courses will be available 2004-2005.
After the first offering, each course will be offered once a
year with sustaining enrollment. Students have maximum flexibility
about when to begin their program and in scheduling courses.
Do I have to be admitted into all the graduate programs at
the participating universities?
You only need to be admitted to the university you select as
your "home" university, which is the university from
which you will receive your degree or certificate. You will
need to register for the appropriate classes at your "home"
university. The admission fees will be waived at all but the
"home" university.
What are the credentials of your faculty?
All the faculty members have been certified as Graduate Faculty
members at their respective universities. The faculty members
were chosen because of their expertise in the area related to
the course they are teaching.
Does your program offer internships or job placement services?
A practicum (up to 3 credits total) is offered through each
degree-granting campus. Career placement services offered by
the university will be available for your use. The Gerontology
program does not have a separate job placement office.
Is financial aid available?
It depends. In most cases, students must be enrolled in at least
4 credits to be eligible for a partial scholarship, although
some institutions are piloting projects aimed at providing financial
aid for distance education students. Graduate assistantships
are usually awarded to on-campus students, because such assistantships
require involvement in teaching on-campus class or assisting
a professor with on-campus research. Students enrolled for seven
or more credits may qualify for the maximum scholarship award.
Are the gerontology programs covered under the VA benefits?
According to the Registrar's Office at Iowa State University,
if you are registered as a student, and still have active benefits,
then the classes you take will be covered by VA benefits. The
process goes like this:
The student registers for classes.
The student requests a certification be sent to the VA Office.
The Registrar's Office sends a certification of the classes
to the VA Office.
The VA issues a check directly to the student.
It is the student's responsibility to pay the tuition and fees.
The tuition and fees are due in three installments for fall
and spring semesters. Often times, because of the processing
time needed by the VA, payment will not get to the student until
after the tuition is due. In that case, it is the student's
responsibility to take care of the tuition and fees and then
be reimbursed by the VA.
