Master of Planning/Master of Science, Gerontology (MPl/MS)

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The MS/MPl dual degree is one of a few in the nation which combines the knowledge of the older population with the skills needed to plan services for older people. The MPl prepares the graduate for the responsibilities involved in development of public and private institutions and programs. The MS indicates a special focus on the older person and the skills to analyze and design programs for this growing population. The MS is offered through the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

Requirements

Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 66 units including 26 units in gerontology, 36 units in planning and a minimum of 4 units of thesis in either gerontology or planning, as follows:

Gerontology

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 591 Field Practicum Units: 1-12
Gerontology elective Units: 4

Planning

PPD 500 Intersectoral Leadership Units: 2
PPD 501a Economics for Policy, Planning and Development Units: 2
PPD 524 Planning Theory Units: 2
PPD 525 Statistics and Arguing from Data Units: 2
PPD 526 Comparative International Development Units: 2
PPD 527 The Social Context of Planning Units: 2
PPD 529 Legal Environment of Planning Units: 2
PPD 533 Planning History and Urban Form Units: 2

Note:

2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.

Additional Requirements

Concentration Methodology: A 4-unit course selected from the concentration list shown in MPl program.

Planning Studios: PPD 531 (4, 4) to total 8 units.

Electives: 8 units of elective courses taken within the Price School of Public Policy.

Thesis: A thesis is required on a subject interrelating gerontology and planning. Students must register in a minimum of 4 units of PPD 594a , PPD 594b , PPD 594z (2,2,0) or GERO 594a , GERO 594b , GERO 594z (2,2,0). Students must maintain continuous registration until completion of the thesis.

Program Adaptation: The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology waives GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management because students enrolled in this program will have a primary professional focus in planning.