Master of Arts (MA) in Gerontology

Welcome to the Gerontology Program
Program Description
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Welcome to the Gerontology Program

The Gerontology Program began a new partnership with the School of Social Work in January, 2009. The Master of Arts degree program is very well-positioned to meet the aging population challenges of California, the nation, and globally.

The Gerontology Program is interdisciplinary and professional in nature. This applied gerontology degree program is designed for students preparing for a career in the field of aging or in a related human service field. Coursework is designed to: 1. Emphasize the broad, interdisciplinary nature of issues which relate to and influence older adults; 2. Provide students with the academic background, professional experience, and research capabilities necessary to pursue advanced study at the doctorate level; and 3. Prepare students for professional practice and leadership positions in the public and private sectors where gerontological knowledge is required.

The field of aging is one of the most exciting and dynamic fields of study. We hope you will find our program to be an exciting next step in launching your career or furthering your gerontological research interests that result in your becoming a leader and state-of-the-art service provider/administrator working to improve the lives of elders throughout society.

Sincerely, Darlene Yee-Melichar, Ed.D., CHES

Professor and Coordinator, Gerontology Program

Gerontology Program Overview

A prospective student must fulfill the general university requirements as stated in the section of the Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Admissions of the SFSU Bulletin. To be considered for unconditional admission to the MA in Gerontology, a student must have completed an undergraduate major in an appropriate field with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students whose undergraduate major did not include Gerontology courses should consult the Faculty Advisor about making up coursework in Gerontology. If the student's undergraduate record meets the basic requirements and gives promise of a successful pursuit of graduate work, the program will recommend that the student be admitted to graduate classified status or graduate conditionally classified status specifying the conditions and time limit within which they must be met.

For a more detailed overview of the program, click here.

Application Form

The deadline for Fall 2013 admissions has been extended to June 15, 2013. All required materials must be received by the Division of Graduate Studies and the Gerontology Program by June 15, 2013.

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Arts in Gerontology program at San Francisco State University. We are currently accepting applicants for the Fall 2013 semester. Please submit your application as soon as possible. Please note that the application procedure involves the submission of two application packages: one to the Gerontology Program and one to the Graduate Division of the University. The application to the university should be submitted, along with transcripts, as soon as possible.

Detailed directions for how to apply to the Gerontology Programs follow:

Submit the completed department application, along with a statement of purpose for pursuing the M.A. in Gerontology, three letters of recommendation, and copies of unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities to the address below. The program application may be filled out online, then printed.

SFSU Gerontology Programs

MA Admissions Committee

1600 Holloway Avenue, HSS 227

San Francisco, CA 94132-4151

The California State University Graduate application is online only. Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities should be sent to the address below. Be sure to include the $55.00 processing fee with this material. Please submit your application materials for the Fall 2013 semester by June 15, 2013.

Graduate Division San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132

Once we have received both the Program application package and the evaluation of your CSU application from the Graduate Division, we will review your file and notify you of your admission status. It has been our experience that the university application process may be lengthy and the Program may not know of your admission status until the beginning of the semester. In addition, as part of the evaluation process, please plan on a personal interview by one of the Gerontology Program faculty. Please keep in touch with us to ensure the smooth and timely processing of your application.

Thank you again for your interest in our Program. We look forward to the prospect of working with you. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions on the enclosed materials.