FUNDAMENTALS OF GERONTOLOGY: This course introduces students to the field of gerontology and focuses on all aspects of aging. Four major areas are being covered: Biology of Aging, Psychology of Aging, Sociology of Aging, and Policy of Aging. Career paths for gerontologists are explored, as well as the future of countries based on the aging of their population. Start >>>

STRESS, HEALTH AND AGING: This course is an interdisciplinary introductory course in geriatrics which examines the processes of normal human aging as well as the common diseases and disorders that affect older persons. Lectures reflect the knowledge and contributions of geriatric experts from the fields of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, and social work. Particular attention is given to preventive strategies that maximize function to help more individuals achieve a healthy old age. As an introduction to the field, it does not attempt to cover all the possible areas in geriatrics. Instead it will highlight areas of importance and interest to those who will be working with older adults. Start >>>

COUNSELING OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES: This course explores the theory and application of assessment and intervention techniques with older adults and their families. Topics include: treatment modalities, psychopathology, ethical and legal issues, brain disorders. Start >>>

COMPLIMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: This course provides an overview of alternative healing practices and complementary medicine approaches being used with increasing frequency by Americans to improve their health and increase their longevity. Start >>>

SOCIAL POLICY AND AGING: This course discusses major legislation and programs that relate to aging. The focus is to examine and analyze policy-making and political processes affecting development and implementation of programs for older persons. Start >>>

DIVERSITY AND AGING, THE ROLES OF ETHNICITY, GENDER AND CULTURE: This class uses a multidisciplinary approach show the impact of ethnicity, gender, and culture on the aging of populations and individuals.
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LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: In this course students examine the uniquely social aspects of old age. They are taught to abandon any preconceived notions that aging is universally experienced in the same way by all people, and investigate how aging over the adult life course is shaped by the social, cultural, economic, political, and historical contexts within which we live our lives. Start >>>

New online master's degree program in Long Term Care Administration

In response to the current emerging demands for long term care services from people of all ages who need assistance with their activities of daily living, the University of Southern California has established a new online master's degree program in Long Term Care Administration. With close to 8 million older Americans using long term care services, there is a growing need for trained professionals in the field. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the new degree program will provide professionals with graduate training in the social, psychological and physical aspects of aging, as well as with administration and management of businesses and organizations providing long term care services.

The web-based distance learning program for the Master of Long Term Care Administration is a joint effort between the USC Marshall School of Business, the School of Policy, Planning, and Development, and the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, a pioneer in offering the nation's first gerontology degree programs, as well as the first online Master's degree program in gerontology.

Geared toward professionals and interested individuals in the field of long term care who wish to further their educational background and enhance their work experience, the degree requires the completion of seven 4-unit courses or a total of 28 credit hours, with the same admission criteria, academic quality, and faculty involvement as on-campus programs.

Click here to learn more or register.