There are four program components: two required courses; electives; internship and Thesis or Capstone Project. Students complete seven courses: two core; and five electives chosen from the two concentrations. Students who complete a thesis in lieu of the project will take two less electives.
Required Courses
- GERO 803-4 Analytical Techniques for Gerontological Research
- GERO 804-4 Advanced Qualitative Methods in Gerontology
Electives
The following elective courses are organized into two categories with a few courses applying to both categories:
ENVIRONMENT AND AGING
- GERO 806-4 Interdisciplinary Theories in Gerontology
- GERO 810-4 Community Based Housing, Health and Support Services for Older Adults
- GERO 811-4 Institutional Living Environments
- GERO 822-4 Families, Communities and Health
- GERO 830-4 Aging in a Technological World
- GERO 840-4 Special Topics in Gerontology
HEALTH AND AGING
- GERO 802-4 Development and Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs for the Elderly
- GERO 806-4 Interdisciplinary Theories in Gerontology
- GERO 820-4 Principles and Practices of Health Promotion
- GERO 822-4 Families, Communities and Health
- GERO 823-4 Mental Health and Illness in Later Life
- GERO 840-4 Special Topics in Gerontology
Students are strongly encouraged to take elective courses from within the Department of Gerontology. However, students may be permitted to take one Directed Studies (GERO 889) and one course outside of Gerontology or SFU towards their elective courses.
Practicum
Students lacking relevant work experience will be required to supplement their program of study with a practicum. The student will work for an agency or organization in a position of responsibility normally for a minimum of 300-350 hours. Some organizations may require students to be cleared through a criminal record search prior to starting the practicum.
Capstone Project or Thesis Option
Students present a written thesis/project proposal to their supervisory committee. Students will complete individual research-based projects that will entail original work and will fall under one of the following types.
- A critical synthesis of theoretical and/or research literature on a focused topic related to aging
- An original grant proposal including an extended literature review, methodology, and design sections
- Development of a new program intervention and/or an evaluation of framework proposal of a program related to the field of aging
- Or a critical analysis of a policy related to gerontology
A project will be evaluated by the supervisory committee and a qualified external reader. The project requirement must meet the guidelines set out in the graduate general regulations.
Students preparing for advanced graduate training may be permitted to select a thesis option and will complete two fewer elective courses. The thesis provides high quality focused research. Original and innovative research is encouraged to meet this requirement. Committee selection and thesis proposal approval will follow the same steps as the project. The thesis requirement must meet the graduate general regulations.
Full program requirements may be found on the Academic Calendar
