Course Descriptions

Core Courses (31 units)

In addition to 12 units of electives, our Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality program requires 31 units from the following core courses: 

Analysis of physical, mental and social age-related changes, as well as implications of population aging trends for individuals and society.

Analysis of shifting legal and regulatory issues affecting the delivery of aging services.

Addresses legal issues and liability arising out of the employer-employee relationship and how to identify and act proactively to minimize such risk.

Analyze and review managerial techniques and leadership styles in senior living organizations.

Explore current practices and new media platforms in marketing senior living and associated services. Examines behaviors and preferences of older adults and their families.

Learn the unique aspects of senior living financial structures, revenue management and accounting principles.

Addresses the food services components of senior living. Covers pricing, menu design and nutrition.

Develop skills and approaches to managing sustainable strategies while gaining an understanding of revenue sources for senior living.

Examine marketing models aimed to provide services for senior living and analyze various institutions’ models for marketing, communicating and technological influence to brand a facility.

Examination of case studies of issues affecting the aging services industries and the role industry leaders play in reacting to change.

Elective Courses (12 units)

Students must select three course electives (12 units in total) from the list below. Core courses may not be double-counted as electives. Students may take any of the elective courses listed below, with the following exceptions:

  • Students can take a maximum of two GERO 400-level courses from the list below.
  • Students can take a maximum of 4 units of GERO 590.
  • Students can take a maximum of 8 units of GERO 591.
  • GERO 599 must be taken in consultation with the academic advisor.

Covers the paradox of emotion in aging, as well as how stress and emotion influence cognition and the brain across the lifespan. Offered in Israel.

Examines the role of nutrition and genes and the impact each has on longevity and diseases, particularly diseases related to aging. Offered in Genoa, Italy.

Branding, marketing and consumer behavior through examination of established, transitioning and emerging aging services and organizations.

Learn the basic skills needed for an executive working in an aging services environment. Recommended for entry-level administrators and managers.

Examination of the behavioral and social consequences of design and the environment to create a more satisfying physical environment for both frail and active older adults.

Reflections on shifts in preferences for aging in place and the market ramifications of innovations in science and technology on older consumers and service providers.

Examination of programs related to end of life care. Cultural competencies in working with a diverse population on end of life issues.

An introduction to mind-body processes involved in healthy aging. Examines the interplay of emotions, beliefs and behaviors in shaping health-relevant biological processes.

Examination of lifespan physiology of human development, growth and aging; major emphasis in the physiology of the later years and implications for health maintenance.

Behavior from adulthood to old age; study of major components of behavior such as perception, cognitive processes, personality, intergenerational relationships, sexuality and lifestyles.

Theory and application of assessment and intervention techniques with older adults and their families. Topics include: treatment modalities, psychopathology, ethical and legal issues, brain disorders.

Life span perspective on the sociological theories of marriage and the family, inter-generational relationships, work and retirement, and other forms of social organization.

Examinations and analysis of policy-making and political processes affecting development and implementation of programs for older persons.

Examination of current trends and future prospects of finance and reimbursement systems. Topics include major legislation and programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

Application of theories of administration and system management to public and volunteer programs and services for older adults including residential institutions and community programs.

An overview of techniques and approaches used in the definition and analysis of policy problems in aging.

Prerequisite: GERO 540

Family processes and structure in families with aged persons will be reviewed, including marital and family therapy and intervention strategies.

Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department.

Supervised experiential learning in one or more organizations that serve older adults; includes a regularly scheduled seminar.

An introduction to research methods and their application to gerontology including problem formation, research design, data collection, descriptive and analytic statistics, interpretation, and report preparation.

Examination of special topics in the area of gerontological study.