Courses
REQUIRED COURSES (27 CREDIT HOURS):
HSL 5400 – Aging Policy in Action
This course will examine the historical development, current application, and future trends of public policy as they relate to the well-being of aging individuals. Policy processes at the state and national levels will be holistically explored and analyzed so that strengths and weaknesses of current age-related policies and proposals for change can be critically evaluated.
CMN 5155 – Communication and Aging
This course offers a survey of the research in key areas related to aging and communication. It introduces students to the central theories of communication and aging as well as approaches to studying intergenerational communication. Communication’s influence on societal attitudes about age groups and intergenerational communication, and the impact of communication on issues of (in)dependence, health and wellbeing, healthcare issues, close personal relationships, decision-making, and other communicative contexts related to aging will be examined.
HSL 5100 – Societal Theories of Aging
Review of current social gerontological theories and research; consideration of structural aspects of the social order as related to the aging process.
PUBH 4890 – Health and Aging
This course is designed to examine common health changes, issues and concerns as they pertain to the aging individual.
HSL 5900 – Research Methods
Research techniques in writing, interpreting, and evaluating research.
EDF 5590 – Educational Response to Third Age Learning
This course will examine, from an education/learning perspective, adult education with a focus on the third age student (55+). Principles of adult learning and educational practices will be discussed along with organizations/individuals providing third age learners education activities.
KSR 5225 – Physical Activity and Aging
This course includes information on theories of physical aging, functional changes in humans with aging, and effects of both short term and chronic physical activity upon aging systems. Indications and contraindications of activity for older persons are discussed.
PSY 5540 – Psychological Processes in the Aged
An in-depth study of age-related changes, in the elderly, in such psychological processes as learning, memory, sensation, perception, intelligence, adjustment, and personality.
As part of the Master’s Degree Program, all students will enroll in one of the following:
HSL 5992 – Independent Study
To offer opportunity and challenge for a student to pursue needed study in the area in which appropriate courses are not being currently offered.
OR
HSL 5985- Aging Studies Internship
An individualized planned work experience in an agency or institution appropriate to the student's area of specialization.
OR
HSL 5950- Thesis
Individual direction of research thesis writing.
ELECTIVE COURSES (SELECT 6 CREDIT HOURS):
Elective Courses
Select 6 credit hours
*Other courses as approved by academic advisor. Some elective courses require prerequisites or permission of the instructor.
