College of New Rochelle - Gerontology & Thanatology Requirements

Admission to Candidacy
Degree-seeking students in the Gerontology Program will be reviewed for admission to candidacy after successful completion of 12 graduate credits. Students are expected to demonstrate professional attributes such as emotional stability and social competence.

This is assessed in the classroom and/or through the fieldwork experience. Students not accepted to candidacy will be asked to withdraw from the program. Please see general candidacy guidelines at the beginning of the catalog.

M.S. Degree Program in Gerontology–36 Credits
The Master of Science degree program requires the completion of 36 credits with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0). A maximum of five years is allowed for the completion of degree requirements.
The curriculum provides a cluster of required Core Courses (15-18 credits), reflecting the interdisciplinary view of aging and providing the conceptual framework needed to explore and plan career goals. Two Professional Specializations are offered: Administration or Counseling. Electives from a variety of fields and disciplines round out the credit requirements in accordance with individual needs and interests. The College supervised internship requires a minimum of two half days or one full day per week during the student’s last semester in a choice of community agencies and facilities deemed appropriate to the choice of professional option. Students also attend a regularly scheduled seminar with the field placement supervisor.

Course Requirements
Students must choose from one of two Professional Specializations:

I. Administration Specialization
Credits
GRT 502 Psychological and Sociocultural Aspects of Aging 3
GRT 507 Biohealth Aspects of Aging 3
GRT 509 Practicum in Gerontology* 3
GRT 518 Case Management: Policy and Practice 3
GRT 521 Principles of Program Planning 3
GSC 505 Research Methodology 3
GRT 600 Administration of Programs for Older Adults 3
GRT 601 Organizational Development 3
GRT 636 Retirement Planning 3
GRT 700 Field Experience: Internship in Administration 3
Elective Courses* 6-9
* GRT 509 is required for students with no previous experience working with the aging population. Students with previous experience are not required to take this course. Students who take GRT 509 will take 6 credits of electives for the degree. Students who do not take GRT 509 will take 9 credits of electives for the degree.

II. Counseling Specialization
Credits
GRT 502 Psychological and Sociocultural Aspects of Aging 3
GRT 507 Biohealth Aspects of Aging 3
GRT 509 Practicum in Gerontology* 3
GRT 518 Case Management: Policy and Practice 3
GRT 521 Principles of Program Planning 3
GSC 505 Research Methodology 3
GSC 584 Introduction to Theories of Counseling 3
PSY 581 Interviewing & Counseling 3
GRT 701 Field Experience: Internship in Counseling 3
Elective Courses* 9-12
* GRT 509 is required for students with no previous experience working with the aging population.
Students with previous experience are not required to take this course. Students who take GRT 509 will take 6 credits of electives for the degree. Students who do not take GRT 509 will take 9 credits of electives for the degree.

Courses
For descriptions of courses, please download the Graduate School Catalog.

Advanced Certificate Program in Thanatology (Grief Counseling) – 18 credits

The 18-credit Advanced Certificate
Program in Thanatology (Grief Counseling) is designed for students who have completed their Baccalaureate Degree and are interested in working with the dying and bereaved, or for students who have a Master’s Degree and seek additional training. The certificate also may be taken alone or as part of the Master’s program in Guidance and Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health Counseling or Art Therapy.

The program is designed to meet the criteria for certification by the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Graduates of the program have found employment in hospices, hospitals or agencies that serve dying and bereaved clients. Other students have used the certificate to enhance their skills and roles as hospice staff, clergy or spiritual care workers, nurses, educators, counselors or social workers.

Admissions Requirements
To view Admissions requirements for this program, please click here.

Advanced Certificate in Thanatology (Grief Counseling) – 18 credits
Required Courses

GSC 584 Introduction to Theories of Counseling 3
GSC 692 Children, Adolescents, Loss & Death 3
PSY 581 Interviewing & Counseling 3
GRT 614 Death & Dying 3
GRT 615 Grief, Mourning, and Bereavement 3
GRT 703 Field Experience: Internship in Thantology 3
Elective 3

Courses
For descriptions of courses, please download the Graduate School Catalog.