| Master of Arts in Human Development/Gerontology "Through our philosophical and practical approach, we are changing the way gerontology is taught and perceived."
--Mary Alice Wolf, Ed.D.
Director, The Institute in Gerontology Since 1981, the Saint Joseph College Institute in Gerontology has prepared men and women for leadership in the field of aging. The philosophy of the Institute and its academic programs is based on the belief that human development is a The course work and field work in the graduate programs reflect this view. While many of the courses deal with specific issues and problems associated with aging, all of the courses reflect the philosophy of lifelong developmental growth and emphasize the strengths of human beings at every age. The master of arts degree program and certificate in Human Development/Gerontology are designed to provide those already educated in basic disciplines with the background needed to work in the field of aging. In order to accommodate the full-time working professional, classes are scheduled during late afternoon hours, evenings, online, and on weekends. “It is not that very many students today will become gerontologists; but they will nearly all spend the peak years of their careers — whatever their careers are — selling to, providing services to and designing things for persons of retirement age. Those undergraduates who know something about aging, and who understand and like older people, will have a clear competitive edge in nearly any market place.”
--Charles F. Longino, President,
Gerontological Society of America Program requirements (30 credits) | Core Courses (21 credits) | Credits | | | | | | HDGE 501 | Systems and Networks Supporting Human Development | 3 | | HDFS 508 | Research Methods | 3 | | HDFS 518 | Human Services Administration | 3 | | HDFS 555 | Advanced Developmental and Family Theories | 3 | | HDFS 580 | Human Development I | 3 | | HDFS 581 | Human Development II | 3 | | HDFS 585 | Integrating Seminar | 3 |
| Electives (9 additional credits) | Credits | | | | | | HDGE 500 | Health Related Aspects of Aging | | | HDGE 502 | Psychology of Older Adults | 3 | | HDGE 503 | Social Issues and Aging | 3 | | HDGE 504 | Law and the Elderly | 3 | | HDGE 510 | Practicum | 3-6 | | HDGE 512 | Spiritual Care and Counseling | 3 | | HDGE 522 | Gerontological Studies | 3 | | HDGE 530 | Nutrition of Aging | 1 | | HDGE 540 | Health and Community | 3 | | HDGE 560 | Older Adult as Learner | 3 | | HDGE 562 | Sexuality and Aging | 3 | | HDGE 590 | Special Topics | 1-3 | | HDGE 593 | Gerontological Seminar | 1-3 |
All students must take a comprehensive examination after completing 21 credits in the program. | Graduate Certificate (18 credits) | Credits | | | | | | HDGE 501 | Systems and Networks Supporting Human Development | 3 | | HDGE 580 | Human Development I | 3 | | HDGE 581 | Human Development II | 3 |
Also required: Nine additional credits from electives listed above. A practicum is required for students new to the field. Here’s what our graduates say: "The graduate Gerontology program at Saint Joseph is an in-depth yet flexible program that allows people with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds to tailor their continuing education to their particular interests. It helped me to supplement my legal and financial background with a greater understanding of the needs of older adults and transition into the research and public policy field."
--Noreen A. Shugrue, graduate certificate ‘06, Research Assistant, University of Connecticut Center on Aging "My experience in Saint Joseph College's master’s program in Human Development/Gerontology was both personally and professionally enriching. With guidance from talented faculty members and through provocative coursework, I gained insights into my own developmental journey as well as extensive knowledge about societal aging and its far-reaching implications for public policy, social service delivery and health care. I also became aware of the untapped potential of our growing senior population to give back to society in new ways that have yet to be invented. For me, this learning served as a springboard into a new career in adult education after my earlier career in human resources management."
--Mary-Jane Eisen, M ‘91, Ed.D. “Professional advancement and focused study in aging at a respected college: these are the reasons that I chose to pursue a master’s degree at Saint Joseph College. Dedication to personalized education, creativity and critical thinking: these are the reasons that I became an adjunct faculty member at Saint Joseph College. I am a health care professional, part of the senior management team in my organization; host of a monthly television program on aging; regular speaker in the community and to professional audiences around New England. The master’s in Gerontology is exciting because it produces new leaders in the field of aging: critical thinkers, progressive visionaries and true experts in gerontology. I know that the Master’s in Gerontology from Saint Joseph College is the foundation for my success, and it is so exciting that Saint Joseph tradition of distinctive education in aging studies continues!”
--Pamela K. Atwood, M ‘01 , Director of Dementia Care Services, Hebrew Health Care, Inc.,West Hartford, CT For further information, contact Mary Alice Wolf, Ed.D., director of the Institute in Gerontology, at either 860.231.5325 or mwolf@sjc.edu. Learn about our Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program. Visit the Institute in Gerontology web site. Download our brochure. (PDF: 2pp., 209K) 
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Updated 10/26/07. | 
