Master of Science, Gerontology/Master of Business Administration (MS/MBA)

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The MS/MBA dual degree combines knowledge of the older population with the skills of business management. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations including the marketing of products or services to seniors, human resource development with older workers and retirement benefits.

Gerontology Requirements

The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 30 units of course and fieldwork, which covers the core content of the MS program.

Required Courses

GERO 510 Physiology of Development and Aging Units: 4
GERO 520 Life Span Developmental Psychology Units: 2 or 4
GERO 530 Life Span Developmental Sociology Units: 4
GERO 540 Social Policy and Aging Units: 4
GERO 555 Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach Units: 4
GERO 591 Field Practicum Units: 1-12
Gerontology electives Units: 6

Total units: 30

Additional Requirements

Business Administration Requirements

The Master of Business Administration will require 48 units of credit. Required courses include: all required courses in an MBA program; MOR 548 Competitive Advantage Through People 3 ; one marketing elective chosen from among MKT 512 Customer Insights and Analysis 3 , MKT 525 Consumer Behavior 3 and MKT 560 Marketing Strategy 3 ; and additional graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the School of Business toward the 48 units.

Program Adaptation

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology will waive 18 units of electives, plus GERO 593 Research Methods (4 units) and GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management (4 units), which are required in the regular MS program. Students will be exposed to research and professional issues in business administration course work.