Graduate School
M.A. in Gerontology Courses
comment-student
When the elevator door at Ebenezer Luther Hall opened, a poster that advertised a gerontology program at Bethel University caught my eye. After 16 years in the field, I had recently wondered if I could use my experience in a new way.
The program has given me wonderful resources through faculty who teach ethnicity and aging, social gerontology, ethics and aging, physical aging, and the mental aspects of aging.
I knew that older people want recognition and respect. At Bethel, I've put that understanding into a broader, deeper context.
Also, Bethel supports the adult learner. In the evening I can talk
online with my peers while I'm cuddling my two year old. I'm a stronger
but gentler person because of this program."
— Andrea Swayne Schumacher
The Master of Arts in Gerontology is a 36 credit degree program. For course sequence, request a program calendar. Credits are listed in parentheses.
GRTG605 •
Health and Aging (3)
Examination
of health as shalom, well-being, or wholeness. Normal physical, psychological,
and spiritual changes of aging will be addressed. Ways to promote healthy aging
and common health concerns of the elderly will be identified.
GRTG610 •
Adult Development and Aging (3)
An
in-depth understanding of the developmental processes related to aging from a
psychosocial perspective. Learners explore age-change theories and human
adaptations in terms of mental health, personality stability, sensory aging
related to cognitive processes, learning, and social cognition. Discussion of
relationship issues, gender roles, death and bereavement, occupational
patterns, retirement, and leisure.
GRTG615 •
Aging and Diversity: Class, Gender, and Ethnicity (3)
Exploration
of the meaning of diversity, broadly defined to include differences in types of
community, housing, ethnicity, physical status, and age, and examination of
this range of diversity as it applies to the field and practice of gerontology.
GRTG620 •
Spirituality and Aging (3)
Issues
such as meaning (and loss of meaning), grief, ambiguous loss, virtue ethics,
and wisdom as they relate to aging persons. Examination of ethnic and gender
influences on the experience of spirituality in the aging process from a
cross-cultural perspective. Models of assessment of spiritual needs will be
presented.
GRTG640 •
Policy Issues in Aging (3)
In-depth
examination of the major public policies and programs that are intended to
benefit older persons. Topics include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Older Americans Act. Special attention
will be directed at the evolution of federal, state, local, and individual
roles as well as how the laws play out in community. Analysis of the
differential impact of policy proposals on different populations of the
elderly, particularly with reference to sex, race, class, and urban/rural
differences. Discussion of strategies
and tactics that could influence the development of public policy.
GRTG645 •
Leadership and Program Management (3)
Review of
leadership and management styles. Styles identified will be applied to various
current and potential positions in the field of gerontology.
GRTG650 •
Project Design and Management (3)
Preparation
of a detailed project proposal for work to be done during practicum. Write
literature review specifying framework using a theoretical perspective from the
field of gerontology. State clear learning goals with realistic expectations of
practical results. Obtain approvals from program director and site supervisor.
GRTG750 •
Master’s Project and Integrative Seminar (3)
Meet
regularly with cohort and instructor(s) to share progress on projects and work
on final papers, explore professional growth and career development, and investigate
issues related to integration of faith with professional and academic aspects
of gerontological practice. Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite:
GRTG650.
GRTG780 •
Practicum (6)
An
intensive experience in the field of gerontology. Learners will design and carry
out approved projects with clearly delineated learning goals with results
reported in final project paper. 120 hours of on-site experience is expected.
Graded on an S/U basis.
PHIL615 •
Ethics (3)
Introduction
to the basic concepts of ethics and examination of practical applications in
the fields of gerontology and gerontological practice in a wide range of
settings.
SOCS600 •
Social Gerontology (3)
Study of
the aging process. Focus is on how larger social and cultural contexts shape aging
processes and how, in turn, these shape the societies and cultures in which
they occur. Particular focus is on developing a holistic understanding of
aging.
Bethel University reserves the right to withdraw, modify, or add to the list of courses or the course descriptions.