Social Work — M.S.W. with Gerontology — M.S.

Program director
Kimberly Freeman

Social work and gerontology—within a behavioral health framework—address the models of wellness, recovery, and resiliency needed for working with older adults and their caregivers. The program’s multidisciplinary approach considers the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of older adults and provides students with knowledge and skills in providing resources, clinical services, and opportunities to older adults and their families. As such, the combined M.S.W. and M.S. degree in gerontology program offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in working with older adults within a variety of behavioral health settings.

Mission, goals, and objectives

The mission, program goals, and objectives build on elements from both the M.S.W. and M.S. degrees in gerontology.

General overview

The combined M.S.W./M.S. degrees in gerontology program is a seven-quarter, full-time curriculum that begins with the social work core coursework required for all students. Coursework during the first year of study includes the generalist practice curriculum, which is grounded in the liberal arts and the person-in-environment framework. Within this framework, students learn to promote social well-being, and build on the strength and resiliency of all human beings through a range of prevention and intervention practice methods when working with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. During their second year, students complete a clinical practice specialization along with specialized courses in gerontology and geriatric practice. An integrated practicum and specialized seminar class in gerontology typically begins in the summer quarter of the final year.

Liberal arts preparation

The combined M.S.W. and M.S. degrees in gerontology curriculum is built upon a liberal arts perspective. Individual applicants whose undergraduate degrees do not reflect this perspective may be asked to enroll in additional courses.

Please note: Any prerequisite requirements must be completed before admission to the combined degrees M.S.W/M.S. program.

Program options

Alternate program options have been designed to address the varying needs of students. As such, the program offers two-, three-, and four-year options.

Admissions

Students wishing to take the dual degree must be admitted to both the M.S.W. and the M.S. in Gerontology programs separately.  Applicants should refer to the admissions criteria for each program.

The M.S.W./M.S. in Gerontology degrees consists of 90 units of didactic coursework in addition to professional practica experiences. The dual degree program provides the mix of academic, experiential, and research activities essential for master’s degree level students. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale (a letter grade of B) in order to progress successfully though the program and complete the degree. In addition, students must meet the knowledge, skills, and professional performance competencies outlined by the program. Students must meet both course and cumulative G.P.A. standards and course repeat expectations set by the School of Behavioral Health in the general regulations section of this CATALOG. 

¹

Not eligible for waiver.

²

Thesis option is available for students meeting program criteria.

³

Hours: 160 + 20; Not eligible for waiver

⁴

Hours: 200 + 20

⁵

700-numbered courses are not calculated into the total didactic units required for the degree.

⁶

SOWK 695ABC is equivalent to SOWK 695.

⁷

SOWK 678 substitutes 757ABC for Advanced Standing students with approval of the program

Normal time to complete the program

Seven (7) academic quarters (includes didactic courses and practicums) — based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted