University Of Southern California - Leonard Davis School Of Gerontology

The Master of Science in Applied Technology and Aging (MSATA) is designed for those who are interested in applying technology to the challenges faced by an increasingly aging population. The program may be an ideal fit for those with engineering, design or healthcare backgrounds or for those whose career objectives lead to application of technology in senior living or service organizations.

The Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG), our flagship and most popular graduate program, positions graduates to pursue their passion for policy and research while studying the mechanics and mysteries of longevity, aging, and population health. Additionally, this program offers an internship as well as research methods and grant writing in its capstone course. Joint programs are also available in law, business, social work, pharmacy, urban planning, and public administration.   

The Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG) is geared toward busy professionals who already have five or more years of experience in the field of aging but were educated in other areas such as social work, public health, business, or medicine. The MAG program will supplement their education so graduates can better accommodate the special needs of older adults. Students in the MAG program will complete a total of 28 credit hours, either online or on campus.

The Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality (MASLH) is designed to train current and future senior living executives in managerial functions, nutrition, health, and social engagement within a gerontological framework. Students will focus on the physical, emotional, and social needs of customers 55 years and older.  This customer-centered approach in this industry is essential to improving the lives of older people. This program is offered in collaboration with Cornell University, The School of Hotel Administration.  Students will receive an MA in Senior Living Hospitality from USC as well as a certificate from Cornell University! Students will complete 43 units…

Our Master of Arts in Long Term Care Administration (MALTCA) program is the perfect solution for working professionals who have not had formal education in aging. The curriculum blends an exploration of the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging with training in the administration and management of long-term care organizations. MALTCA graduates are prepared in-depth for accommodating the needs of older adults. 

The Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG) allows healthcare professionals and others interested in the health and medical care of older adults to expand upon existing knowledge of the aging process. This program allows students to analyze the complexities of treating and managing multiple chronic conditions. Students are familiarized with the whole-person approach to aging which includes examining the environment in which older persons live in, nutritional practices, and the care team that provides services. Students in the MAMG program will complete a total of 33 credit hours online or on campus.

The Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics (MAFMD) will prepare students to communicate principles and practices of lifespan nutrition related to health and longevity as well as evaluate principles and practices related to wellness.  At the end of this program, graduates will be able to implement best practices in personnel management related to food service systems and sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam.

The Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS) prepares graduates with advanced knowledge, skills, and intellectual maturity to become innovative leaders in healthspan and longevity.  This program gives students who have completed an undergraduate degree in nutrition an opportunity to earn a master’s degree with an emphasis on aging and wellness.   

The Master of Science Lifespan, Nutrition, and Dietetics (MSLND) program’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals by addressing the global need for professionals trained to provide nutrition and dietetics advice, information, and recommendations. Our graduates will distinguish themselves with specialized knowledge of the nutritional needs of a global aging population. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam.   

The Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity (MSNHL) program is aimed at equipping future registered dietitians with the specific skills and knowledge necessary to provide evidence-based, personalized nutrition services. The program summative experience will be an electronic portfolio, including research completed throughout the program. Students will be required to present their work at a local, state, or national dietetics conference and/or in a peer-reviewed publication as a requirement of graduation.  To learn more about the program and its prerequisites, please visit the following page to view the Nutrition Program Summary.  Please note that all unit requirements are on the semester…

The graduate certificate in gerontology provides an opportunity for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to obtain a greater understanding of gerontology theory and research. The program consists of 16 units (4 courses) of study in gerontology designed to offer a broad range of knowledge, which relate to professional practice. Students in the certificate program also have the option to take classes residentially or through our internet-based courses. There is no internship requirement for the certificate program. 

The doctoral program in Geroscience is designed for students who want to become leaders in biogerontology. The focus is on molecular, cellular, and regenerative medicine as well as the integrative biology of aging. PhD candidates take core courses on the molecular and cellular biology of aging and age-related diseases, and then select a specialty among neuroscience, molecular, and cellular biology, stem cell and regenerative sciences, and biomedical sciences.

Students learn about the physiology of human development and aging, examining social policies related to aging as well as the psychological, behavioral, and sociological impact on lifespan development. Working closely with a faculty mentor, they concentrate on a specific area of interest and begin the process of discovering and shaping their own academic specialization. They work closely with faculty on research and publications, participate in colloquia, attend and present at national organization meetings, acquire teaching experience, and develop a rich academic, personal, and professional network.

The Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences (DLAS) is a unique program designed for individuals who wish to immerse themselves in the science of the human lifespan in all its dimensions.