Program: Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Gerontology (JD/MS) - University of Southern California

Mar 30, 2025

USC Catalogue 2024-2025

The JD/MS dual degree combines the knowledge of the older population with understanding of the legal system. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations. Students are required to complete 112 units of course work, 76 from the law school and 36 from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. The first year is devoted to required law courses, and the second, third and fourth years combine gerontology and law courses.

Gerontology Requirements

The Master of Science in Gerontology will require 36 units of course and field work that cover the core content of the MS program.

Gerontology Requirements

GERO 510 Physiology of Development and Aging Units: 4
GERO 520 Life Span Developmental Psychology Units: 2 or 4 (4 units required)
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 *
GERO 593 Research Methods Units: 4
Gerontology elective Units: 4

Notes:

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology will waive 8 units of electives, which are required in the regular MS program, as well as GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management because students enrolled in this program have a primary professional focus in law.

* 8 units of GERO 591 required

Law School Requirements

The law school requires 76 units, consisting of 30 units of first-year required course work, and a minimum of 46 units of elective course work thereafter. After the first-year required course work, students must complete Constitutional Law: Rights, a writing requirement, and at least 6 units of experiential courses. At least 37 units must be numerically graded beyond the first-year curriculum.