Master's Programs

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Welcome to the next phase of your education

USC Leonard Davis offers a wide range of master’s degree programs to achieve your goals. We’ll help you find the right fit, whether you’re starting your career or you’re an accomplished professional. In addition to on-campus programs, we offer online options for our gerontology master’s programs. Our online programs combine the same coursework and academic rigor with the convenience of studying anywhere in the world.

We believe that knowledge and community are cornerstones of longevity. No matter where you live, you can access major research breakthroughs and emerging trends through our digital classrooms.

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Our Master’s Degree Programs

USC Leonard Davis provides a wide range of degree programs and learning tracks to launch you toward your professional goals. We offer master’s degrees both on-site and in a convenient online format to fit your life. Our programs include:

Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG)

Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG)

Master of Arts in Aging Services Management (MAASM)

Master of Arts in Long-Term Care Administration (MALTCA)

Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL)

Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG)

Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality (MASLH)

Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics (MAFMD)

Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS)

Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics (MSLND)

Specialized Master’s Programs

Graduate Program Comparison

Program	Degree Earned	Units	Program Duration	Delivery Method	Noteworthy	Career Opportunities
Master of Science in Gerontology	MS	44 units	Full-time: 18 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	Required 240 hour internship practicum, research methods course, capstone course Option to earn a dual-degree in business administration, health administration, planning, law, pharmacy, public administration or social work Optional specializations	Prepares graduates for: Planning, administrating, and evaluating programs in the private and public sectors Executive positions in the delivery of direct services to older adults and their families Consulting for older adults and service providers Policy and advocacy work Scientific research and study
Master of Arts in Gerontology	MA	28 units	Full-time: 12-18 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	The MAG complements real-world experience and offers executive polish through 7 courses	Prepares graduates for: Planning, administrating and evaluating programs in the private and public sectors Executive positions in the delivery of direct services to older adults and their families Consulting for older adults and service providers Policy and advocacy work
Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity	MS	44 units	Full-time: 21 months Part-time: 24-36 months	On-site or Online	ACEND Accredited (*see note below)	Designed for those who want to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics. It can lead to: working in hospitals long-term care university and school foodservice programs lifestyle and wellness consulting private practice scientific research policy and advocacy
Master of Arts in Long-Term Care Administration	MA	28.5 units	Full-time: 12-18 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	Potential to reduce Administrator-In-Training (AIT) Training by 520 hours by taking GERO 591 Joint program between the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, the Marshall School of Business, and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy	Prepares graduates for administrative careers and leadership roles in long term care organizations, including: Retirement communities Residential care facilities Assisted living facilities
Master of Arts in Aging Services Management	MA	32 units	Full-time: 12-18 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	Potential to reduce Administrator-In-Training (AIT) Training by 520 hours by taking GERO 591	Designed to give current and future aging services managers the knowledge and skill set to offer services, programs, and products to older adults. Trains leaders and entrepreneurs to succeed in many fields, including: technology policy care and housing social services communications
Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology	MA	33 units	Full-time: 12-18 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	After completing this program graduates will be able to think more critically and analytically about complex health issues and concerns of those they are caring for. Fantastic preparation for current and future health professionals	Designed for healthcare professionals and others interested in the health needs of older people. It may be an ideal fit if you want to supplement your professional healthcare experience with specialized training in areas such as: Signs of normal aging and diseases of aging Complexities related to multiple chronic diseases Risks of polypharmacy (use of multiple medications)
Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality	MA	43 units; *Advanced Standing: 32 units	Full-time: 18 months Advanced Standing: 12 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	Students have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Hospitality from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration	Designed for current and future senior living industry executives and directors. Graduates of our program can work within a number of different organizations such as: Retirement communities Age restricted communities Assisted living communities Continuing-care retirement communities Skilled Nursing Communities
Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics	MA	32 units	Full-time: 12-18 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	Graduates will be able to implement best practices in personnel management related to foodservice systems and sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam	Designed for: Future leaders in foodservice management Individuals interested in careers as dietary managers (CDMs) Individuals interested in healthspan, longevity, wellness, nutrition, and dietetics
Master of Science in Nutritional Science	MS	32 units	Full-time: 12-18 months Part-time: 18-36 months	On-site or Online	Gives students who have completed an undergraduate degree in nutrition an opportunity to earn a master’s degree with an emphasis on aging and wellness	Designed for: Future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with DPD verification statement Current RDNs who want a master’s degree
Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics	MS	38 units	Full-time: 18-21 months Part-time: 21-36 months	On-site or Online	Prepares students to sit for Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam	Designed for: Individuals interested in practicing dietetics outside the U.S. Individuals interested in careers as dietary managers (CDMs) Individuals interested in healthspan, longevity, wellness, nutrition and dietetics
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology	Certificate	16 units	Full-time: 5 months Part-time: 12-18 months	On-site or Online	Allows students to explore current theories and research in gerontology with 4 courses	Prepares graduates for: Taking aging theory and applying it to practice in diverse industries, including healthcare, technology and real estate Consulting for older adults, service providers and businesses Policy and advocacy work Bringing an aging specialization to existing careers in law, pharmacy, business, social work and more Creating opportunities for yourself in a growing and increasingly relevant field

*Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity Accreditation

The degree program and supervised practice are accredited (9/8/2014) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the registration exam requirements are set by the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR). Graduates receive a verification statement that enables registration for the exam and upon successful completion receive the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

ACEND can be contacted at:

Mail: 120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: 800/877-1600, ext. 5400
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Here, the world of gerontology comes to you. We’re a small, intimate school rooted in a world-class research university — all located in one of the most vibrant cities on earth. Our students come from around the country and globe and are united in a desire to make the world better for people of all ages. Whether joining us online or on-campus in Los Angeles, USC Leonard Davis School students bring learning to life. Exciting opportunities abound to publish research, travel abroad, intern with influential organizations and advocate for older adults.