Master of Science, Gerontology/Juris Doctor (MS/JD)

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Return to: USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

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 110 units of course work, 74 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 fieldwork 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
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 16 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.

Law School Requirements

The law school requires 74 units of credit.

First Year Requirements

LAW 502 Procedure I Units: 4
LAW 503 Contracts Units: 2, 3, 4
LAW 504 Criminal Law Units: 3
LAW 505 Legal Profession Units: 2, 3, 4
LAW 507 Property Units: 4
LAW 508 Constitutional Law: Structure Units: 2, 3, 4, 5
LAW 509 Torts I Units: 4
LAW 512 Law, Language and Values Units: 2, 3, 4
LAW 515 Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy I Units: 2, 3
LAW 516 Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy II Units: 2

Elective Course Work

The second and third year of law study are primarily elective with one requirement. Students must satisfy the upper division writing requirement, either by completing a major, faculty-supervised writing project such as a dissertation, or by taking a course with a substantial writing component.

The law school will waive 14 units of electives, which are required in the regular JD program.