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Master of Public Administration/Master of Science in Gerontology (MPA/MS)

The Master of Public Administration/Master of Science in Gerontology (MPA/MS) dual degree offers students interested in management of agencies and institutions the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the administrative and organizational processes and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of services to older persons.

In the MPA/MS dual degree, students spend their first year taking the required courses in the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. The research course, GERO 593 Research Methods and the capstone course GERO 555 Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach, are taken in the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. The student begins courses in the Price School of Public Policy during the second semester of the first year.

Two versions of this dual degree are available, one with a general orientation and one with an emphasis on health services administration. Students must apply to both schools and, if accepted to both, participate in a specially designed program combining course work from both schools. Curriculum requirements for the general focus dual degree are detailed in the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology section of this catalogue. Students are encouraged to seek advisement as they plan their actual programs, since curriculum changes may occur.

To view descriptions of the courses below, visit the USC Course Catalogue.

Gerontology Requirements

Total units: 40

Public Administration Requirements

Electives

Students select one analytic elective course (4 units). 

NOTE:  Electives in Public Administration need to be selected from approved analytic electives (see MPA requirements).  Any substitutions must be approved by the graduate adviser in the Price School of Public Policy.​

Total units: 28

Additional Requirements

Program Adaptation

For the MS in Gerontology, 12 units of electives are waived as well as GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management because students enrolled in this program have a primary professional focus in public administration. For the Master of Public Administration, 12 units of gerontology courses are used as the substantive specialization.