http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/artscience/gerontology/index.html
Faculty
Robert J. Calsyn, Professor* of Psychology and Gerontology
Ph.D., Northwestern University
Carl J. Bassi, Associate Professor* of Optometry
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Margo-Lea Hurwicz, Associate Professor* of Anthropology and Gerontology
Ph.D., University of California-Los Angeles
Ann M. Steffen, Director, Associate Professor* of Psychology and
Gerontology
Ph.D., Indiana University
Chikako Usui, Associate Professor* of Sociology and Gerontology
Ph.D., Stanford University
Timothy A. Wingert, Associate Professor* of Optometry
O.D., Illinois College of Optometry
Nanora L. Sweet, Assistant Professor of English
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Kuei-Hsiang (Grace) Hsueh, Assistant
Professor of Nursing
Ph.D., R.N., University of Arizona
Terry Ettling, Senior Lecturer
M.A., Webster University
John Van Emden, Senior Lecturer
M.A., Washington University
Kelly Everard, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Nina Tumosa, Adjunct Associate Professor of Optometry
Ph.D., State University of New York at Albany (SUNYA)
Rosalie Marx, Lecturer
M.A., Social Work, G.W. Brown School of Social Work, Washington University
Robert Sontag, Lecturer
M.A., Social Work, St. Louis University
*members of Graduate Faculty
Faculty from 11 departments and schools are involved in the undergraduate and graduate programs in gerontology.
Master of Science in Gerontology
The master of science degree in gerontology program
is a multidisciplinary program designed to prepare students for management
or direct service positions working with the aged. The program of study
includes courses from a variety of departments including anthropology,
biology, nursing, physical education, political science, psychology, sociology,
social work, English, public policy administration, and optometry. Courses
are offered primarily in the evening to accommodate part-time, as well
as full-time students.
Admission Requirements
Program applicants must have the following:
- Baccalaureate degree.
- 3.0 or B average (students with exceptions should contact the director of the gerontology program).
- Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate/graduate work.
- Three letters of recommendation
In addition, students must meet the other general requirements for admission to the Graduate School as explained in the Graduate Study section of the Bulletin.
Degree Requirements
The students are required to complete 30 credit hours, including 24 hours
in gerontology courses, a 3-hour statistics course, and a 3-hour research
methods course. The required courses are listed below.
Gerontology Distribution Requirements
A. Public Policy and Aging-3 credits from the following:
Ger (PPA, Pol Sci) 6443(443). Health Care Policy
Ger (PPA, Pol Sci) 6417(417), Income and Pension Policy for the Aged
Ger (Soc) 5449(449) Issues in Retirement
B. Health and Physical Aspects of Aging - 3 credits from the following:
Ger 300A (Soc Wk 5610(381A) Mechanics of Aging I: The Aging Body (1 credit hour)
Ger 300A (Soc Wk 5611(381B) Mechanics of Aging II: The Aging Brain (1 credit hour)
Ger 300C (Soc Wk 5612(381C) Mechanics of Aging III: Diseases of Aging (1 credit hour)
Ger (Nur) 6401(401), (5000) Health and Wellness in the Aging
Ger 6441(441) Aging and Health Behavior
Ger 6458(458) (Opt 8650(558), Geriatric Optometry
C. Psychosocial Aspects of Aging-3 credits from the following:
Ger (Psych) 4373(373) Psychology of Aging
Ger (Psych) 4376(376) Mental Health and Aging
Ger (Soc) 4361(361), Sociology of Aging
Ger (Anthro) 5440(440) Cultural Aspects of Aging
Ger (Psych) 4380(380) Psychology of Death, Dying and End of Life Concerns
D. Practica in Gerontology, 6 credits from the following:
Ger 6495(495) Practicum in Gerontology
Ger 6496(496) Advanced Practicum in Gerontology
E. Gerontology Electives - 9 credits
F. Graduate-level statistics course - 3 credits and graduate level
research methods course – 3 credits.
Students should consult Director of Gerontology for approved courses.
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
The graduate certificate in gerontology is designed for students who wish
to receive post-baccalaureate training in gerontology. The certificate
can be taken by itself or in conjunction with pursuit of a graduate degree
in another field. Eighteen credit hours are required.
Admission Requirements
Program applicants must have the following:
- Baccalaureate degree.
- 2.75 grade point average (students with exceptions should contact the director of the gerontology program).
- Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate/ graduate work.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Distribution Requirements
A. Public Policy-3 credits from the following:
Ger (PPA, Pol Sci ) 6443(443) Health Care Policy
Ger (PPA, Pol Sci) 6417(417) Income and Pension Policy for the Aged
Ger (Soc) 6449,5449(449), Issues in Retirement
B. Health and Physical Aspects of Aging-3 credits selected from
the following:
Ger (Nur) 6401,5000(401), Health and Wellness in the Elderly
Ger 6441(441), Aging and Health Behavior
Ger 5610(300A) Soc Wk 5610(381A), Mechanics of Aging II: The Aging Brain (1 credit hour)
Ger 5611(300B) Soc Wk 5611(381B), Mechanics of Aging II: The Aging Brain (1 credit hour)
Ger 5612(300C) Soc Wk 5612(381C), Mechanics of Aging III: Diseases of Aging (1 credit hour)
Ger 6458(458) Opt8650(558), Geriatric Optometry
C. Psychosocial Aspects of Aging - 3 credits selected from the following:
Ger (Psych) 4373(373), Psychology of Aging
Ger (Psych) 4376(376), Mental Health and Aging
Ger (Soc) 4361(361), Sociology of Aging
Ger (Psych) 4380(380), Psychology of Death, Dying and End of Life Concerns
D. Ger 6495(495), Practicum in Gerontology -3 credits
E. Electives in Gerontology - 6 credits
Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontological Studies
A certificate in gerontological studies, a multidisciplinary course of
study, is available at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This program
provides an opportunity for students to obtain a focused specialty in
gerontology in addition to their majors. It utilizes offerings in the
College of Arts and Sciences, Barnes College of Nursing, the College of
Business, and the College of Education. It is appropriate for students
in any of the colleges of the University.
Certificate Requirements
A student may earn the certificate in gerontological studies by completing
a total of 15 hours. Courses must be chosen from at least two of the following
four topic areas. No more than 3 credit hours from Research/ Practicum
Experience courses will be allowed. The student must have the approval
of the director of the gerontology program before enrolling in the course.
Courses taken to fulfill the requirements may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory
basis. New courses continually are added, so it is advisable to check
with the director each term. Many courses are cross-listed and also have
a gerontology designation.
Humanities
Ger (Eng) 1115(15), Images of Age in Film
Ger (Eng) 1116(16), Images of Age in Literature
Ger (Philos) 2256(156), Bioethics
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Ger 5610(300A) (Soc Wk 381A), Mechanics of Aging I:
The Aging Body
Ger 5611(300B) (Soc Wk 381B), Mechanics of Aging II: The Aging
Brain
Ger 5612(300C) (Soc Wk 381C), Mechanics of Aging III: Diseases
of Aging
Social Sciences
Ger (Psych) 2272(272), Developmental Psychology:
Adulthood and Aging
Ger (Psych) 4380(380), The Psychology of Death, Dying, and End-of-Life Concerns
Ger (Psych) 4373(373), The Psychology of Aging
Ger (Soc) 4361(361), Social Gerontology
Ger (ID) 1160(60), Aging in
Ger (ID) 1220(120), Special Topics in Gerontology
Ger (Anthro) 3215(215), Growing Old in Other Cultures
Education
Ger (PE) 1190(190), (Clinical Experience in Physical Gerontology
Ger (PE) 5992(392), Internship in Physical Gerontology
Ger (PE) 5330(330), Prescribing Physical Activity
Career Outlook
The increasing number of elderly in the population has
greatly expanded job opportunities in gerontology in the last decade,
and job prospects for the future are equally bright. Career possibilities
include nursing home administration, administration and planning of community-based
programs for the elderly, recreational programming, and counseling of
the elderly.
Course Descriptions
1115(15) Images of the Elderly in Film (3)
Same as Eng 1150(15). Analysis
of the portrayal of older adults in various films. Class discussions
focus on the style and thematic content of the film, as well as intergenerational
relationships.
1116(16) Images of Age in Literature (3)
Same as Eng 1160(16). Reading and discussion of literature that
portrays aging and old age in various settings. Discussion and
short essays enable consideration of how literature helps in the study
of aging and also how the process of aging can be a creative force within
literature.
1160(60) Aging in
Same as ID 1160(60). An introduction
to the major issues, research, problems, and current service approaches
in the study of the aging process. An overview
of information useful for students in the arts and sciences, business,
education, and nursing schools.
1190(190) Clinical Experience in Physical Gerontology
(3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Same as Phy Ed
1190(190). Early supervised experience in gerontological physical
activity programming. Seminar precedes and accompanies clinical experience.
1220(120) Special Topics in Gerontology (1-3)
Same as ID1220(120). Selected
topics dealing with various aspects of gerontology. The specific
contents of this course will vary from semester to semester. The course
may be repeated for credit with permission of the Gerontology director.
2256(156) Bioethics (3)
Same as Phil 2256(156). An examination of ethical issues in health care practice and clinical
research and in public policies affecting health care. Topics include
abortion, euthanasia, health care, experimentation,
informed consent, and the right to health care.
2272(272) Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (3)
Same as Psych 2272(272) Personality, social, and physiological
development from the onset of early adulthood through maturity and old
age.
3215(215) Growing Old in Other Cultures (3)
Same as Anthro 3125(215). This course examines
the wide ranging variability in the roles of older people across different
cultures and the effects these have on older people, their families, and
their societies.
4361(361) Social Gerontology (3)
Prerequisite: Soc 1010(10) and junior standing or consent of instructor.
Same as Soc 4361(361). Topics include sociological
theories of aging, technological and social change and its effects on
the environment of older people, and prejudice and discrimination against
the elderly.
4373(373) Psychology of Aging (3)
Prerequisite: Nine hours of Psychology or consent of instructor. Same
as Psych 4373(373).This course focuses on the developmental changes associated
with aging including sensation, memory, emotions, and attitudes.
4376(376) Mental Health and Aging (3)
Prerequisites: Psych 2272(272), 4373(373), or graduate student status.
Same as Psych 4376(376) and SW 5600(376) (MSW
students normally take all foundation courses prior to enrolling in this
course.) A survey of recent theory and research in mental health issues
for older populations. The primary focus is on major psychological disorders
prevalent among the elderly and in treatment approaches for elders.
4380(380) Psychology of Death, Dying, and End-of-Life Concerns (3)
Same as Psych 4380(380). Prerequisites: Nine
hours of psychology. This course will address the psychological aspects
of a variety of end of life issues, including death attitudes, funeral
practices, ethics, grief theory, family communication practices, health
care system approaches, and current research regarding these.
4490(390) Directed Readings (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Directed readings
and research or field work. May be repeated for a maximum of three hours.
5330(330) Prescribing Physical Activity (3)
Prerequisite: Phy Ed 3280(280) or consent of instructor. Same
as Phy Ed 5330(330). Prescription of physical activity for individualized
and group programming based upon physical fitness assessment. Health,
nutrition, age, physical fitness, and testing aspects are considered in
developing specialized exercise programming based upon current physiological
and biomechanical research.
5440(440) Cultural Aspects of Aging (3)
Same as Anthro 5440(440). Focuses on the variety of solutions encountered in different sociocultural
contexts for dealing with the problems, challenges, and opportunities
of growing old. It is organized around topics that are of concern
to both anthropology and social gerontology: the status of the aged, intergenerational
relations, aging in modernizing societies, ethnic dimensions of aging
in complex societies, health in later life, death and dying. Both in-depth
case studies and cross- cultural comparisons are examined in an effort
to arrive at a culturally informed assessment of factors affecting aging
and the aged in the
5610(300A) Mechanisms of Aging I:
The Aging Body (1)
Prerequisites: Bio 1012(001) or Bio 1102(110) or equivalent. (Same as SW 381A). (MSW students normally take all foundation
courses prior to enrolling in this course). Introduces
students with a social sciences/ humanities background to the normal changes
in the biology and chemistry of the aging human body.
5611(300B) Mechanisms of Aging II: The Aging Brain (1)
Prerequisites: Ger 5610(300A) or SW 381A or equivalent or consent of instructor.
(Same as SW 5611(381B). (MSW students normally
take all foundation courses prior to enrolling in this course) Provides
students with a social sciences/humanities background a basic introduction
to the biology and chemistry of the aging human brain and nervous system.
5612(300C) Mechanisms of Aging III: Diseases of Aging (1)
Prerequisites: Ger 5610(300A) and 5611(300B) or SW 5610(381A) and 5611(381B)
or equivalents or consent of instructor. Same as SW
5612(381C). (MSW students normally take all foundation courses prior
to enrolling in this course) Provides students with a social sciences/humanities
background with information on how diseases associated with aging exacerbate
the effects of aging on the human body and mind.
5992(392) Internship in Physical Gerontology (1-10)
Prerequisite: Phys Ed/Ger 1190(190) or consent of instructor. Same as Phys Ed 5992(392). Supervised clinical
experience in selected gerontological settings as a physical education
practitioner under the supervision of university and program professionals.
Internship may include two or more separate experiences completed concurrently
or sequentially and involve planning of instruction, participant and program
evaluation, research, and related activities.
6401(401) Health and Wellness in the Elderly (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Same as Nurs 5000(401).
Factors contributing to longevity and health in old age, including genetic
predisposition, lifestyle, culture, and environment are related to aspects
of maintaining health and promoting wellness. Through a holistic approach,
explores aspects of nutrition, exercise and activity, prevention of hazards
to health, maintaining self-responsibility, managing stress, and meeting
continued developmental, emotional and spiritual needs. Considers
cross-disciplinary interventions to promote health and wellness in the
elderly. Introduces the "Putting Prevention
into Practice" model adapted to health promotion in the elderly.
6417(417) Income and Pension Policy for the Aged (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Same as PPA
6417(417), Pol Sci 6417(417), and SW 6417(417) (MSW
students normally take the social policy foundation course prior to enrolling
in this course). Examination of federal, state, and
local policies that affect the economic well being of the elderly.
The development of social security programs and pension programs is explored
within a historical context. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of current
policy problems and proposed solutions.
6441(441) Aging and Health Behavior (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course examines sociocultural influences
on health care practices of older adults. The role of social support and
other social resources in the health behavior of older adults is emphasized.
Topics include self-care decisions, formal service utilization, family
caregiving, and planned interventions for older adults.
6442(442) Minority Aging (3)
Prerequisite: Soc 4361(361) or consent of instructor. Same
as Soc 6442(422). The experience of aging for racial and ethnic
minority elderly will be examined in the context of their families, communities,
and society. Key questions concerning minority elderly frame the course,
such as the relative importance of culture versus social structure, and
the applicability of gerontological theory to the minority aging experience.
6443(443) Health Care Policy (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Same
as Pol Sci 6443(443), PPA 6430(443) and SW 6443(443). (MSW students
will normally take the social policy foundation course prior to enrolling
in this course). Survey course examining current issues in health policy that face
the nation. Policies are placed in a historical context to show
how issues have been influenced by different political and economic conditions.
Secondary consequences and limitations of current trends in health policy
are explored.
6444(444) Seminar in Public Policy and Aging (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Same as PPA 6440(444)
and Pol Sci 6444(444). The study of specialized issues and methods
related to federal, state, and local policies that affect the elderly.
Potential policy areas to be covered include housing, taxation, mental
health, transportation, etc. May be repeated for credit,
provided the subject matter is different.
6445(445) Sociological Dimensions of Chronic Illness (3)
Prerequisite: Soc 5400(400) or consent of instructor. Same
as Soc 6445(445). The consequences of chronic illness for social
roles, family and organizational dynamics, and the functioning of society
are examined. Chronic illness is presented as both a medical problem and
a social phenomenon that is shaped by the changing age structure of society.
6449(449) Issues in Retirement (3)
Same as Soc 5449(449). Prerequisite: Graduate
standing. This course examines macro and micro issues of retirement in
the
6458(458) Geriatric Optometry (2)
Same as Opt 8650(558). Special examination and
management considerations of the geriatric patient will be discussed.
Psychological, physiological, social, and demographic aspects of aging,
as well as ocular changes associated with the aging process will be taught.
6490(490) Directed Study (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Designed to give
the student an opportunity to pursue a more in-depth study of a problem
area in gerontology than is normally covered in more formal courses.
May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours.
6494(494) Integrative Research Seminar in Gerontology (3)
Same as Psych 7494(494). Prerequisite: A graduate
level research methods course (e.g., PPA 6401(401). This seminar requires
students to critically examine research in terms of methodology. Topics
covered include: reliability and validity of measures; internal and external
validity; needs assessment; treatment implementation and process evaluation,
and qualitative methods.
6495(495) Practicum in Gerontology (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Supervised work experience in an
agency that serves older adults. Students are required to complete a minimum
of 150 clock hours at the practicum site.
6496(496) Advanced Practicum in Gerontology (3)
Prerequisites: Ger 6495(495) and consent of instructor. Advanced
practicum experience beyond Gerontology 6495(495). Students must
complete a minimum of 150 clock hours of supervised fieldwork (service
or research) with older adults.
6497(497) Interdisciplinary Geriatric Care (2)
Same as Opt 6497(497). Prerequisite: Consent
of instructor. Interdisciplinary approaches that address the medical and
social needs of the elderly will be examined. Information about geriatric
care and social issues affecting the well being of older adults will be
provided. Clinical, theoretical, and educational perspectives will be
presented.
6498(498) Advanced Seminar in Gerontology (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course will provide in-depth analysis
of specialized topics in gerontology, which are not covered in required
courses. (Course may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits, assuming
topics are different.)
6499(499) Topics in Gerontology (1-2)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Analysis of a current problem in gerontology.
(Course may be repeated for maximum of five credits, assuming topics are
different.)