Master's Programs - USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Admissions Skip to main content

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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Master’s Programs

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.

Master of Arts in Aging Services Management (MAASM)

The Master of Arts in Aging Services Management prepares business leaders to succeed in meeting the aging population’s unique needs, including supportive housing.

Master of Science in Applied Technology and Aging (MSATA)

The Master of Science in Applied Technology in Aging provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to support older adults’ health, independence, and safety.

Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG)

The Master of Science in Gerontology positions you at the forefront of policy and research. You’ll build your analytical skills while studying the mechanics and mysteries of longevity, aging and population health.

Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG)

One of our field’s highest goals is ensuring that every older adult receives the care and dignity they deserve. With a Master of Arts in Gerontology, you’ll build on your career experience to champion the seniors behind the statistics.

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

A Master of Arts in Long-Term Care Administration degree prepares you for leadership roles to meet this growing demand.

Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG)

As the world’s population skews older, health care providers in all disciplines need exposure to issues of aging. The Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology prepares you for a rewarding career in meeting the health needs of older people.

Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality (MASLH)

Our innovative Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality program is designed for current and future senior living industry executives. Its emphasis on hospitality and managing residential facilities sets it apart from other gerontology degree programs.

Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics (MAFMD)

The Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics will prepare students to communicate principles and practices of lifespan nutrition related to health and longevity as well as evaluate principles and practices related to wellness.

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

The Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity is a degree designed for those who want to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics.

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

The Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics program’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals by addressing the global need for professionals trained to provide nutrition and dietetics advice, information and recommendations.

Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS)

The Master of Science in Nutritional Science prepares graduates with advanced knowledge, skills, and intellectual maturity to become innovative leaders in healthspan and longevity.

Specialized Master’s Programs

We have joined forces with six other professional schools at USC to offer programs in which graduates will earn two master’s degrees, gaining the knowledge and skills of gerontology as well as those of an additional professional field. Students can also pursue progressive and advanced placement 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
  • Students will be eligible for a STEM Visa
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
  • Students will be eligible for a STEM Visa
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
  • Visit website

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Student Life

A close-knit community in the center
of a world-class city

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.