Doctor of Pharmacy/Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

This integrated program in pharmacy and gerontology prepares students with an interest in geriatric pharmacy to assume leadership roles at academic, administrative or policy levels within the profession.

The program involves the completion of 16 units of core courses in physiology, psychology, sociology and social policy aspects of aging offered by the School of Gerontology. In addition, students are required to complete 8 units of approved elective courses in gerontology or geriatric pharmacy to be credited toward the requirements for the PharmD and the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology.

Required Courses in Gerontology

GERO 508 The Mind and Body Connection through the Lifespan Units: 4
GERO 510 Physiology of Development and Aging Units: 4
GERO 520 Life Span Developmental Psychology Units: 2 or 4 or
GERO 522 Counseling Older Adults and Their Families Units: 2 or 4
GERO 530 Life Span Developmental Sociology Units: 4 or
GERO 585 The Aging Family Units: 2 or 4
GERO 540 Social Policy and Aging Units: 4

Electives in Gerontology and Geriatric Pharmacy (8 Units)

GERO 554 Evaluation: Incorporating Evidence-Based Practices Units: 4
GERO 555 Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach Units: 4
PHRD 655 Geriatric Pharmacy I Units: 3
PHRD 656 Geriatric Pharmacy II Units: 3
PHRD 731 Advanced Geriatrics APPE Units: 6

Completion

It is expected that the program can be successfully completed by candidates taking electives in geriatric pharmacy or gerontology during the regular semester and completing one core course in gerontology during each summer in the four year PharmD program.

Admission Requirements

Students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university must submit separate applications to the USC School of Pharmacy and the USC Davis School of Gerontology. All requirements for admission to the regular PharmD program must be fulfilled by the candidate. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program.