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Master of Science (MS) in Human Services

School of Public Service Leadership

Gerontology specialization

The number of people ages 65 and older is expected to double in the next few decades, creating a demand for health and human service professionals with gerontology skills. Capella's online degree specialization in Gerontology offers a comprehensive examination of the impact of aging on individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum covers such topics as the biological, epidemiological, psychological, and social changes caused by the aging process; cultural and social attitudes toward the aging; care and services that promote productive aging; multigenerational relationships; and the impact of an aging demographic on public policy. Individuals with degree specializations in gerontology can attain careers in many fields. People who choose this specialization may wish to pursue careers in management, education, or research with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or health care facilities that work with an aging population.

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Total Program: 48 quarter credits
Up to 12 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
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Next Start Date: June 4, 2012
Credit: $456 §

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Gain more value from your degree

Expand your educational and career opportunities by choosing one of Capella's degree enrichment options.

  • Add a concentration to gain deeper expertise

    Delve more deeply into a specific knowledge area by earning a concentration that will be included on your transcript and can enhance your career opportunities. If you have elective courses in your degree program, you may be able to use them to fulfill both your degree and concentration requirements at the same time. However, completing a concentration may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree.

    Concentrations available as part of this specialization include:
    • Fire Service Administration
    • Forensics
    • Health Policy and Management
    • Homeland Security
    • Public Administration
    • Public Health
    • Public Policy and Management
    • Nonprofit Management and Leadership
  • Expand your career options with additional specializations

    Increase your knowledge and career options by earning multiple specializations as part of your bachelor's or master's degree program at Capella. If you have elective courses in your program, you may be able to use them toward earning another specialization. However, completing additional specializations may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS5002 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior
  • HS5007 - Introduction to Research Methodology
  • HS5597 - Human Service Professional Development*
  • HS5993 - Human Services Integrative Project*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS5510 - Survey of Current Issues in Gerontology
  • HS5514 - Social and Cultural Aspects of Aging
  • HS5518 - Biological and Health Aspects of Aging
  • HS5522 - Psychology of Development and Aging
  • HS5526 - The Family in Later Life
  • HS5531 - Community Advocacy for Aging Populations
  • HS5534 - Leading Across the Continuum of Care

One Elective Course, 4 quarter credits

  • Choose any graduate course(s).
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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November 22, 2010Debra I am new to Capella and am finishing up my first class in Survey of Human Development. Thus far I am impressed with Capella's Library resources. I have never had such a vast array of articles at hand. I recently attended another university on-line and they could only make excuses about why their library resources were so limited. I am enjoying being in class with persons from all over the country and from all persuasions and disciplines. It makes the discussions so much more interesting when you have people who have so many different work and school experiences. I am looking forward to my next class at Capella.
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